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Did I waste my education staying at home? Not on your nelly

God I've read some crap this morning. Admittedly it was on the Daily Mail website, so it's my own fault. But - know thine enemy ...

I was reading about some dumb arse suggestion that educated British women are throwing away their top degrees in favour of child-rearing.

Firstly I do not have a top degree, I have a 2:1 but not even from a red brick. But my career pinnacled at the dizzy heights of marketing manager before I, tut tut, took a year off to raise Elf. I then went back 3 days a week and rose to better oxygenated levels of data manager. I am now being made redundant and am at last following my dream to work in the classroom. I don't think I have the energy or funds to do teacher training, that might be far into the future, I actually am applying for teaching assistant jobs. I have been volunteering for 18 months and I know exactly what I'm letting myself in for. - I can't wait.

How dare someone think I'm throwing away a degree to have a child and then stay at home to bring him up? Then work part time which is in essence chasing my tail to earn money AND bring him up? I suppose the same person would berate me for wanting to work in a job that is seen by many as "oh not a teacher then"? I was even asked my someone close "Aren't you over qualified?" I'm not qualified at all to work in a classroom! I'm qualified to market a product to put money in the boss's back pocket. That's all well and good, but for me, that doesn't compare to being able to make a difference to a child, to enable a child to reach their potential whatever their background or ability.

And that's really what these women are doing with their 'top degrees" - imparting their knowledge, of all things worldly not their degree subject, onto their children. Why target them? On the other hand, high achieving business women are hated for going to work and leaving baby with a nanny.

We can't win. But we shouldn't have to win!

This is all about choice. It is your choice to do what's best for you and your family. Only you know what this is. And good luck to you. I hope Elf sees me as a good example to him - I got a good education, had a good career, am doing my best for him, and hoping to help other children do well.

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