I work 4 days a week as a teacher in a secondary school. I reduced my days and stepped down as a head of department a few years back to try and manage the health side for myself and my children. I am a single mum, high conflict co parent. Court order states dad doesn't always follow medical advice, and judge said that he shouldn't have long periods of time with the kids due to how he shares his feelings about me with them. Couldn't agree more.
Unfortunately in the last year I have had a lot of time off work which isn't acceptable. I had my tonsils out (since i have had no time off work for my health so it was worth it although awful), DD has multiple allergies, DS has health issues and repeated ear infections, all three of us have hospital appointments and unfortunately I had to go to court for my children due to safety concerns so that has been 5 or 6 days off in the past year.
I arrange every appointment I can on my day off or school holidays. Same with operations if there is flexibility. However with court i don't get an option and will likely be returning later this year about a different issue, and as my DS is under 3 different hospitals they often don't have much flexibility with the bigger appointments as they only do X on that day of the week and it needs to be done during a specific time frame.
Understandable it isn't sustainable for work, the students I teach or my colleagues.
Work have said now that any further time off will be unpaid. I understand the schools position. But the financial strain of everything means I am thousands in debt and struggling. Dad has stopped paying CMS so that has been reported and should be in hand, however these last few missed months will be spread out over the year which doesn't help me in the short term.
However I suppose what I am asking is creative ideas on how best to manage this as a single mum with two children with health needs. And also any creative ideas to support us financially, preferably while working at home or every other weekend when the kids are with their dad.
Also, next year my day off will be the one day that none of health stuff will ever land on. I expressed this before the timetable was put together, but this is how it has worked out. I have family that will always help out if there is notice given, but last minute illnesses they can't help with like last week when my daughter had an allergic reaction. And obviously I need to be there for operations and appointments. Due to the kid's health needs, naturally some family members are nervous about having them as they are a little complicated. The family members confidence with dealing with it isn't there although I know they do know what to do. It is a lot to ask of them. I've worked with school and nursery to limit their time off after an allergic reaction or operation, both have been amazing.
A friend who isn't a teacher is able to work from home, so her kids are at home ill with her and she can still work and catch up once they are in bed... I don't have that option. I have to be in the classroom obviously.
The more I think about it, the more I think I need to leave teaching. But I love my job and working with students so it makes me sad to think that might be the case.