Sue Waters

Changes In My Work Life And What It Means

Been thinking a lot about my life (or lack of) over the past year and realized there was need to make serious adjustments to it. Why? Because for at least the past 4 years I’ve been working full time, flat out, while juggling two kids, a husband and coordinating household /baby sitting rosters. So I’ve…

Sue Waters
1 minute

Been thinking a lot about my life (or lack of) over the past year and realized there was need to make serious adjustments to it. Why? Because for at least the past 4 years I’ve been working full time, flat out, while juggling two kids, a husband and coordinating household /baby sitting rosters.

So I’ve now made adjustments to my work life which are important to share with my readers. James Farmer invited me to work for Edublogs, from home, approximately 6 months ago. At the time I declined because I needed to complete some important work commitments for my TAFE organisation.

My situation has now changed. I’ve explained to my managers at TAFE that I’m tired and in need of a break. While they’ve always been extremely accommodating with my work hours; the travel of 2 hours per day is draining. They have agreed to allow me to:

  1. Decrease my work hours to 1 day per week
  2. Undertake outside employment as a elearning consultant

What does this all mean? I will be working 3 days per week for Edublogs (and other elearning work if I desire). It means I can continue to support and help other educators learn how to use these technologies plus provide better support to Edublogs and Edublogs Campus users. But still continue working as an aquaculture lecturer by supporting all our off-campus elearning students and facilitating our on-campus fish genetics course.

I hoping you will be supportive of my decision as it has been extremely hard to make especially considering how accommodating my TAFE has always been.

58 responses to “Changes In My Work Life And What It Means”

  1. Kathryn Greenhill Avatar
    Kathryn Greenhill

    Congrats Sue. I’m so glad that TAFE were reasonable about this. I think that it is a very nice way to ease into freelancing, if this is where you end up.

    I think you’ll have a ball. In the first week, I want you to have a “pyjama day”, just for me. Don’t get changed and just do all your work in your ‘jammies….

    (I actually feel really uncomfortable doing that and (strangely)can’t sit at my desk and do official “work” unless I have at least had a shower, done my hair and are wearing clothes I would be happy to answer the door in)

    Tell you what….let’s do it on the same day. Let me know when …

    Congrats again – to you and clever James for employing you…

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Kathryn – a “pyjama day’ sounds good to me. I’ve got full work commitments for my TAFE through to the end of January so we will need to leave it until those are done. But when they are I will definitely let you know.

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  2. Talia Avatar
    Talia

    Congratulations Sue!! I’m sure your family will love the extra two hours a day with you!

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Talia. I think they will just enjoy the fact that I won’t be soooo grumpy from being tired all the time. Off course the extra quality time may drive me insane 🙂

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  3. Ken Allan Avatar
    Ken Allan

    Kia ora Sue

    I think you have given wonderful sevice to TAFE from what I’ve seen and learnt. They can only repect your decision. Well done and cogratulations on making the right choice!

    Your family is most important to you and they too will appreciate your decision.

    All the best with the new venture(s). Take time out, put feet up at Christmas – I hope it is a relaxing one for you.

    Catchya later

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Ken – I would love nothing better than to put my feet up but have a big deadline on a project for TAFE that will need to be done during this time period. After all those are done I will definitely be putting up those feet.

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  4. Lucy Barrow Avatar
    Lucy Barrow

    Congratulations Sue on your decision! It is very hard to be “all things to all people”, especially when you are a working Mum.
    Your roles for 2009 sounds so exciting! I’m especially excited to hear about your work with Edublogs – you know we are your number 1 fan! (Along with many others, I’m sure!)
    All the very best!
    Lucy 🙂

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Hi Lucy – thanks for supporting my decision. Definitely was tough because I have a great job and my TAFE organisation are really good to me. I’ve worked there now for over 17 years.

      But the traveling, lecturing hours (at one stage I was working from 9 am to 9 pm) and project work for the last 3 years has been tiring.

      I’m pleased also to be able to expand my support role at Edublogs which means I’ll be able to provide more assistance.

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  5. Janet Clarey Avatar
    Janet Clarey

    It must’ve been a very hard decision Sue. I’m so happy for you. Congrats!

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Janet – very hard decision but one that needed to be taken.

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  6. » Welcoming Sue to Edublogs, properly, like :) incorporated subversion

    […] confirmation that Sue Waters (it’s a post now, so it can’t be changed, right 🙂 will be joining Edublogs in a more significant way from January […]

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  7. Errin Avatar
    Errin

    Good for you! People are too busy and it’s important to look after oneself and one’s family! Children grow up so fast and once the time has passed, you can’t get it back.

    It sounds like you have some wonderful opportunities coming your way! Best of luck!

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Errin – the last 4 years has gone way too fast and I would like to spend more time with my family while doing normal things for a change.

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  8. Sue Waters & Edublogs | Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day…

    […] Sue has just announced that she has increased her work commitment for Edublogs, and the over 200,000 of us who have blogs using the Edublogs platform will be better for it. […]

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  9. denisesinnovations Avatar
    denisesinnovations

    Congratulations on making such a life-changing decision Sue. It is relatively easy to see you life is not what you want it to be but it takes a lot of courage to change it . TAFE have obviously recognised the value of having you on staff and are willing to meet your terms. There should be more of that!

    Enjoy – and remeber it is more about balance and you really don’t have to be that busy next year (it’s a hard habit to break!)

    Denise

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Denise. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work for an organisation who has always supported me by allowing me the flexibility to fit in with my home life. My biggest struggle has always been the 2 hour traveling time which is very draining.

      LOL I’m probably on one of those step programs. Where it is one step at a time. Not so good at balance. Watch for my comment below 🙂

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  10. Penny Coutas Avatar
    Penny Coutas

    Congratulations! 🙂

    (Don’t suppose you want to kick start the year with a guest spot in a summer school course at Murdoch on e-learning? 😉 )

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Penny.

      Now I know this is where I’m meant to ask more details about what day?, how long? How many people? But sure if I can fit it in my schedule I will do it (and off course you will owe me 🙂 )

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  11. Miss W. Avatar
    Miss W.

    Sue, Sue, Sue, remember that little word NO. You need to say it a few times over the summer, get those feet up and then be ready to say YES for the 2009 student blogging competition in March.

    Congrats on the new job and don’t let us all take advantage of you. Be prepared to say no – which is so difficult for a workaholic like you. I can see lots of chocolate being available at home now.

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Oh Miss W. you do make me laugh. Well how can I truly say no to Penny 🙂 . I’m sure they will make sure they provide a nice lunch for me.

      It’s all cool plans are in place for the Student blogging and when you get time we shall talk. My focus at the moment is trying to clean the house while working on the project for work. And I suppose I need to fit in the Christmas shopping that I haven’t done.

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  12. alexanderhayes Avatar
    alexanderhayes

    As discussed tonight I just wished you’d get the &%$# out of TAFE and use your talents constructively without all the politic that only creates automotons.

    Be brave.

    Dare ya !

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      🙂 It’s all cool as I said last night I’m happy with my decision and this will give me the time to get much needed rest. While also giving me the time to reflect on what I want.

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  13. Leo Havemann Avatar
    Leo Havemann

    Congratulations Sue, I think this will be a wonderful new era!

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Leo — I’m definitely excited.

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  14. tidertechie Avatar
    tidertechie

    Congratulations! Im sure you and your family are going to LOVE it! Im totally amazed at the personal attention you give to helping others with intergration of technology, troubleshooting, etc.!

    I totally agree with Mrs. W…practicing the word NO:) Which is hard to do when you love what you do, but oh so necessary with balancing a family. That was actually one of the first things my husband tried to teach me as a young couple…learn to say no. It took over 10 years to actually put it into practice:)lol

    Best of Luck!!!!

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      @tidertechie I think Mr10 will totally love it, hubby will have increased expectations of more work to be completed while at home and Mr14 won’t be impressed. He has always been excited when I’m late home from work as it means he has more freedom.

      Off course always pays to tell your children before you tell the world not 12 to 24 hrs after 🙂

      Saying NO is a hard trait for me to overcome — it is part of my nature to be helpful — which on the positive side is why I do what I do.

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      1. tidertechie Avatar
        tidertechie

        @suewaters Maybe you can win over Mr14 with homecooked meals:)

        Ya I too have difficulty with that little two letter word:) But I can now usually tell now the difference between spread thin and “help I cant breath” LOL

        Have fun!

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  15. Daniel Dacey Avatar
    Daniel Dacey

    Well done Sue!

    I’m sure this will work out to be a good decision for you and your family.

    Anyway life is all about change after all. Next year I will be writing my blog, updating my web sites, teaching (first time in how many years??!?) and doing three new software releases all from Tasmania.

    For my customers, friends and collegues though, none of that matters. The internet means I am accessable no matter where I might be physically located.

    That is the really cool part of the net in my view and I am glad it will be a bigger part of your work/life balance too. I think you will find both will benefit.

    Working in an office, or a fixed location all day, just seems down right strange to me these days. 🙂

    Dan

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Dan – Definitely the best decision as each year has felt like exponential in terms of workload and therefore stress.

      Yes Frances told me you were moving to Tassie. Are you there now? So much change we are all going through exciting and a tad frightening.

      Off course I may miss talking to people? mmmm

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  16. Christine Martell Avatar
    Christine Martell

    Very inspiring Sue. I love that you are focusing on the e-learning and Edublogging. Hard to imagine what you will be able to do without all the other work and travel distracting you…..but I look forward to seeing it.

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Christine — well I think travel will still be on the agenda. Looking at my calendar I think everyone has it already mapped out for me which is fine.

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  17. Janet Bianchini Avatar
    Janet Bianchini

    Well done on your brave decision to change the pace and direction of your life – remember “Fortune favours the brave”.
    All the best
    Janet

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Janet. I’m just looking forward to doing the normal things in life that I haven’t been doing for the past few years.

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  18. philhart Avatar
    philhart

    There is a saying that “You can’t look after others until you look after yourself”. I am sure that you have done the right thing.

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      And if I haven’t I’m sure you (Phil) and Jo will look out for me 🙂

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  19. CW Avatar
    CW

    Good on you Sue!

    Wishing you a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2009!

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks CW – looking forward to 2009. Hope you have a great one.

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  20. TFT Avatar
    TFT

    Sue, congratulations on this new direction that you are taking.

    I am sure that your work with James at Edublogs will benefit so many of us that are using Blogs in Education, and the multitudes of Teachers and Students that will follow.

    I hope that you can now spend the rest of this year winding down and spend some well earned time with your family.

    All the best for 2009 Sue,

    Andrew.

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Andrew – Definitely excited and looking forward to being able to help more people. Will be winding down while cleaning house, getting it ready for Christmas and complete work for my work 🙂

      Hope you are going well?

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  21. Graham Wegner Avatar
    Graham Wegner

    Bloody hell … I’d better read my Reader a bit more often. Well done, Sue. Maybe that means you’d be available for a spot at the annual CEGSA conference here in July? What would be your fees and requirements?

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Looks like you definitely do need to check out your Reader more often Graham 🙂 .

      According to those above I’m meant to practice saying no. But can’t see it being an issue if you get back to me with a date? Email me more details and we can take it from there?

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  22. Simon Brown Avatar
    Simon Brown

    Good on you Sue – You’re making tough decisions based on all the right reasons. I’m sure that TAFE’s loss will be a gain to your family, as well as all of your friends that you regularly help. You’re a breath of fresh air!

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  23. murcha Avatar
    murcha

    Sue, I have often wondered how you were able to keep up the heavy workload that you have. You are such a wonderful caring person and a mentor to so many. Working online is a very time consuming pastime and although TAFE will miss you, I am sure, the online community will be so pleased to see actively working on their behalf and for them. Again, I thank you for the wonderful work that you do for all.

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  24. Sue Waters Avatar
    Sue Waters

    Thanks Simon and Anne. It was tough but lets be honest TAFE is probably grateful for some quiet. They say that they can hear me when I leave home I’m that noisy. But they still have me one day a week.

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  25. TonySearl Avatar
    TonySearl

    Congrats, excellent news Sue
    It sounds like this change is what was needed and choices are always good to have.

    Over east here we are, unfortunately, still waiting to see what our online DET NSW Tools will actually look, feel and sound like.

    They have been a long time coming but Tim Hand (TaLe Head Honcho developer) assures us our 1.4 million networked users will just love them. http://tinyurl.com/87njep It will still be a walled garden, albeit a massive one.

    Will be establishing edublogs for our QTL and JITLT and Year 7 Teams in 2009 so another 20 blogging teachers will be in need of support when I run out of ability.

    Extremely comforting to know you’ll be there. I think a f2f to Forster will be good for you at some stage in 09, I’ll investigate. All the best.

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Tony. I do really feel for you.

      From networking with people in NSW TAFE last year I’m fully aware of how restrictive your State has been. It’s a shame that some States are making is so hard for their educators.

      The other challenge is that our organisations often want the one size fits all approach which effectively restrains innovation.

      Let me know how I can help you with your teachers.

      Looks like I may be in Victoria in April – that may be a good time to try get me for 09?

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  26. Alan Levine Avatar
    Alan Levine

    Wow, let me join the line of congratulators, Sue. You give so much to the community and it is encouraging to see that you are able to get this opportunity.

    Carry on the good work in ’09

    Maybe you will have time to twitter more 😉

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Alan.

      Dangerous thought re-twitter – may need to go on a one step program. Wonder if they can take away your twitter license?

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  27. Marie Avatar
    Marie

    Congratulations Sue, that’s great! I often wondered if you ever slept!!! I know how difficult it is doing the juggling; I’m really holding back (as hard as it is) from full-time work as I know that I’d be over-stretched with four kids at home so I have to remain half-satisfied with my work situation for now. I feel inspired by your choice that it is the right thing to do for now.

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      @Marie Thanks. Four kids? You are probably the one that needs some sleep — my two keep me way too busy.

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  28. eduspacelounge Avatar
    eduspacelounge

    Hi Sue. I have been reading your blogs for the past couple months and have often wondered how you manage to do it all!!

    As a TAFE teacher with an interest in elearning, I am soooo ENVIOUS of your new job with Edublogs.

    Congratulations and Merry Christmas, with a Happy New Year thrown in!!

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Thanks Eduspacelounge – it has been hard work so am glad to be slowing down (a bit). I had tried to leave a comment on your blog previously but your comment setting only allows registered users can comment.

      Best wishes to you also for Christmas and the New Year.

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      1. eduspacelounge Avatar
        eduspacelounge

        Oh – I am new to blogging and wikis, so I am “learning by doing”. I am going to start up a new blog, so will “invite” you to join when I have it all setup.

        Like

  29. Su Bowing Avatar
    Su Bowing

    What a great opportunity Sue, congratulations! I have been a lurker with your blogs etc for some time now and am just finding my feet to actually comment. So here I am…you are an inspiration to myself and Im sure alot of people and I can not wait to get you latest RRS feed. Some advice please…I believe that I have have the knowledge of social software but not the confidence, how did you get the confidence to be a blogger, to put yourself out there. I want to be known as a e-consultant…how do I do that

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    1. Sue Waters Avatar
      Sue Waters

      Hi Su – glad to hear you enjoy my posts.

      I’ve never struggle with confidence in terms of writing blog posts. My issue originally was why would anyone want to blog? Which now I know why. My answer has always been just to do what I do — if I don’t know the answer than my readers often don’t so I will blog about it. And hopefully people will enjoy the help I share.

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  30. 7 Things You REALLY Don’t Need To Know About Me | Mobile Technology in TAFE

    […] My f2f friends are (mostly) totally UNAWARE of my work online — lets just say testing the water with a simple explanation, early on, didn’t quite go so well! Needless to say I haven’t told them about changes to my work life. […]

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  31. Free Wallpapers Avatar
    Free Wallpapers

    I like the site very much , Thanks for sharing.

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  32. The Edublogger’s First Birthday Celebration! | The Edublogger

    […] From this The Edublogger was set up, by Edublogs, to share tips, tricks, ideas that help the educational blogging community.  With it my role working for Edublogs increased; from writing posts on The Edublogger to being employed 3 days a week in 2009. […]

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