I've only worked in healthcare (3 years) and childcare (almost 10 years, 4 with my hdc) and than of course the restaurant biz as we had a family run one growing up and I worked at others throughout high school as well. I can't imagine doing anything else but daycare now though. I really hope that I am able to keep doing this until I want/can retire! For me, I feel very blessed that I am able to be a part of children's lives during their early years and take it very seriously knowing that I am helping shape, in a part, who they will become as adults. I feel it is an honour when parents choose me to be their caregiver because they are trusting me with something so very important and dear to their hearts.

HOWEVER, burn out in this career is quite common and to be expected! You are basically a full time stay at home mom for multiple children 24/7 (a little less for those of us without children or with children now out of the home) but we still spend A LOT of our time invested in our business. It can definitely take a toll on even the best caregiver!! Recognizing that burning out is occurring is a good thing, nothing to feel bad about! It takes a special type of person to be a caregiver for so many people for so many years, especially for little people who are just starting to learn what the world is about

Like Superfun, there are from time to time children who come to my daycare that make me wonder why I do this...but than hearing them say their first word, take their first step, learn to colour match, sing their ABC's or even just a giggle from them when you do something silly reminds me that this job is what I was meant to do.

I encourage everyone to take holidays!! We are a one man team and have so many dependent on us that it is very stressful and at times, overwhelming. Taking time off to just do things you want to do, relax, spend quality family time with your own etc is something that just lifts you back up and rejuvenates you to tackle the job again!! I know some can't afford it but I say you can't afford NOT too!! Find even an extra $10 every paycheque and put it away! Spend it on something you WANT (not need) and don't feel guilty!! I take holidays every year and yes, it sometimes makes money tight but the time off is invaluable to me!! This year, it's actually my goal to be better at saving for my holidays. I usually just wing it lol.

I also find that taking time to plan my art/science/sensory etc activities makes my day less stressful. Even an hour on the weekend will make your week less hectic. Take some time when you can (during nap is a good time!) and cook meals that can be frozen. I buy the tinfoil containers from the dollar stores and make a big batch of macaroni at once, some becomes mac and cheese, some with spaghetti sauce, some with alfredo etc or I cook a bag of potatoes or a box of rice and than cook up a box of fish sticks, chicken fingers, porkchops, meatballs, ham, roasts etc and divide it into the containers. Than at lunch I throw it in to be reheated and pair with a fruit and veggie, lunch is done easy peasy!! These come in SOOO handy when I don't have leftovers or a lunch prepared.

I think you need to decide if daycare is what your invested in or if it's time to let it go (haha, unintentional Frozen pun!) It sounds harsh (but I don't mean it that way!!) but I think if you're doing daycare just to have a job than it's time to go. Kids deserve our very best and the opportunities to learn and grow and be with caregivers who want to do this job because it's their passion and they enjoy it. There are already enough providers out there who just babysit and I don't think you want to be part of "that" group.

You are a great provider and the kids are lucky to have you and I appreciate having you to bounce ideas off of and to ask for advice. I think with some changes you could get back to enjoying the job!! Also, remember, we are all here for you and I'm sure we all go through periods where we feel "blah" in our job and have off days and that's okay!! I think lots of people go through this in any career.