So I started a new job a while back at a resort and there was one day a week where I had to run a Kids FunZone, growing up as a single child this was the FIRST time I have ever worked with kids - at age 20. I was a little apprehensive because I knew all about the male paedophilia hysteria issue that is spread through almost every first world country at the moment.

Turns out that not only do I enjoy working with children, but I am damn good at it! A few weeks of the one day a week thing and the manager of the resorts childcare centre pulls me aside and says
"Please keep doing what you're doing! You give the kids something that NONE of my staff do, do you know what it is?"
I replied the obvious "Physical activity and active involvement?"
To which she said "No, you give them you're heart."

Anyway, move on a few weeks more and local parents of the kids who attend the FunZone weekly are asking me to babysit, but because I work later shifts it isn't really possible.

Next thing I know I'v been asked to host the school holiday vacation care at the local school in the morning over the holidays, it works in perfectly with my normal shifts. The island had a total of 64 local kids, and after a few months I have become a household name, like a super hero! It feels amazing, I can't go anywhere without being swarmed with little smiling faces asking me to tell jokes and do tricks and spin them around. One thing I miss right now is the laughter, you just don't get to hear that kind of pure joy in the adult world.

So the time comes that I have to leave the island resort, and move to another town. Lots of tears and hard goodbyes. I set up in my new town trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. But I am so lost. All of the parents had told me to pursue childcare, but even my mum and sister scowl at the idea. I kind of sink into a little depression when I think about it, start thinking thoughts like "Maybe it was just because it was a small island, that will never happen here in a big city." Unable to find work, desperate and strapped for cash I apply for a $10 an hour babysitting job, less than half of my old pay. I go over to meet the mum and kids and behold it's two girls, one still in diapers. I immediately thought, nope, there's no way that she's going to pick me. Well, she didn't. She picked another girl, 2 years younger who asked for $5 more an hour. OK yeah I got no chance in this industry.

Well Saturday comes and I get a phone call "Can you come over RIGHT now? The other babysitter got stabbed on the way over here by her supposed best friend, I had to take her to hospital and now I'm running late for my best friends hens night." Uhhhhhhh OK? So I head over, both girls are bawling their eyes out as mum and dad leave.

4 hours later both kids are in bed and mum and dad come home, I got the dirty looks from dad but he coughed up my whopping $40 and I went on my way. Next day and I start getting text messages "What did you do? My girls are crying because you weren't here when they woke up!? Oh my god maybe I can go fishing next weekend without them, normally they won't let ANYONE sit them. You on for next Saturday??"

5 weeks on and to the present day, I just text her letting her know that I got a job at the local tavern and don't need the cash any more, of course I apologise and offer my sitting services in case of emergency.

Her response?
"No, please! I'll pay you double from now on and tell all of my friends about you so that you get more sitting work, think about it - you can study AND make cash!"

Once again I feel like this is what I'm MEANT to do with my life. Teach.

Maybe there is hope? I have been thinking about applying for a childcare job... I'm not sure? I mean I have had hiccups, some dads that pull me aside to 'talk', my old house mates that would berate me and say things like "are you going to hang out with all your kiddy friends!". Lot's of dirty looks... I just don't know, it's like -

Hey here's what you're good at and enjoy doing, but everyone's gunna hate you for it.