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Reflections
PUBLISHED BY REFLECTIONS RESOURCES, LTD. Winter, 2002
Working with schools, parents, and organizations to reflect on
and improve the quality of career, relationships, and life transitions.
A MESSAGE FROM MARY MCGRATH
With the coming of a new year we often pause to reflect on our personal and professional priorities. Sometimes our lives demand a real juggling act between maintaining our professional lives and assisting those we love. So many challenges face us in our dual role as family members and educators. May this new year be a time for reflecting on ways to have the best in both your family and professional lives!
7 Ways to Stay Professionally Connected During Times of High
Family Need
Keeping up with our professions is taken for granted when things are "normal" in our family lives. Yet a sudden illness or family crises can quickly change our job direction. Maybe your child is chronically ill and you need to take off several weeks from school. You may have to take a brief leave in order to give first priority to a teen whose life needs the redirection that only you can give. Possibly parents have to be moved to a more comprehensive care setting and this requires your time and complete attention.
During these periods, because the work place continues to need some of your input or due to your own interest you may want to stay professionally connected. Here are seven ways to keep these ties during a period that requires "working full time" with a family member in need.
- Read professional journals and magazines - These pile up so quickly when we are busy at work. Opportunity may present itself to check into the professional world while in a doctor’s waiting room or while exercising on the basement stationary bike.
- Phone and e-mail contact - This gives a sense of what is happening in a classroom or at a professional association meeting. If you are taking a class, colleagues can keep you up to speed on project requirements.
- Attend priority meetings - If there is a meeting or class that has attendance requirements or a session that gives you energy and perspective, arrange for a friend or relative to help at home so you can get there.
- Write - Based at home there are ways to find a few minutes in the early or late hours to put some thoughts down in a notebook. You may be able to assemble an outline or complete the article you have been wanting to write for your school or organization newsletter.
- Plan and Dream - During a quick walk around the block or while sitting by the fire, jot down some upcoming plans for your classroom or current committee. Distance from the busy school environment may open up a new possibility or allow you to see another angle on managing a difficult student or situation.
- Check the Net - There are many sites with professional themes. Moving freely on the Web is a contrast to the locational limits of being home.
- Tapes - En route to the clinic or while walking around the block, listen to the tape that so interested you at a fall conference. New ideas can energize and renew you to be more fully present to your family.
Retaining professional contact during critical family times helps to keep balance, maintain the big picture and stay grounded in one’s full identity. The new ideas and insights gained also give you an extra boost once you are fully back on the job.
Permission granted to copy and share this newsletter with others. When printing the article section please include attribution and contact information as below.
Reflections Resources, Ltd.
Phone: 952-894-7707 Fax: 952-890-3229
E-Mail: info@maryzmcgrath.com
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