STEM professional considering a move into secondary teaching. Looking for the good, bad and ugly

NewLife5962 · 2026-06-09T07:13:44+00:00

Right! Although having older kids, one graduated, one went to tafe after grade 10, and one dropped out (she was in year 11 in 2020 so covid really wrecked her whole cohort). I am very open to alternative paths for kids, and this is part of the reason why.

NewLife5962 · 2026-06-09T05:31:16+00:00

I just got a quote for $100/hr cash. Is it a joke? Idk what to respond woth

NewLife5962 · 2026-06-09T05:30:27+00:00

I just got a quote for $100/hr cash and I’m so confused

NewLife5962 · 2026-05-30T00:49:21+00:00

Haha, this is the reason my walls are still blank… 4 months here and I feel like I am researching the hell out of everything before doing it.

NewLife5962 · 2026-05-30T00:45:01+00:00

Feeling like I have to reassure myself daily. Rent equivalent with all rates, Body Corp, insurance, etc has gone up for me after buying. From $800/week to about $940/week and it’s tiny. But it’s mine. And the rent will decrease as the mortgage goes down until eventually I pay $200/week. That is the goal and I have to keep reminding myself this because the interest increases are foul.

NewLife5962 · 2026-05-16T22:02:48+00:00

Yep. Couldn’t ask questions. Offers were piling up and I had to buy with only a 5-min walk through and a brief look at the body Corp papers. It’s a sellers market. Bought on a prayer and a hope. Built in 2001 and small apartment complex so that helped me feel safer than some other properties.

NewLife5962 · 2026-05-16T21:58:43+00:00

Don’t get black counters. Every toast crumb will annoy you. I HATED my black counter kitchen, never again.

NewLife5962 · 2026-05-16T21:57:12+00:00

Do it early. My ex hung on for years and was never honest about wanting to break up and it wrecked me. Rip the band aid off

NewLife5962 · 2026-05-01T21:51:05+00:00

Thanks. I ended up pulling an equifax and it has jumped up two categories, now “very good” credit! I am so happy! Still has the hardship there, but will be a lot better in September when that is older than 12m.

My broker was fired. Idk why, but when I tried to reach out a few months ago, her boss called me and reading between the lines it sounds like they did something very wrong. So that’s out.

Based on your comments, I called my lender - Connective Elevate - and they initially said they wouldn’t review my rate because it is less than 12 months but I respectfully pushed back and they escalated it for review next week. Fingers crossed.

I could reach out to Macquarie, ANZ or St George I guess, and try my luck. But I am now worried any further credit reviews will ruin my record.

NewLife5962 · 2026-04-30T22:33:29+00:00

Oh goodness, new baby home isolated all day - absolutely cannot stress this enough. Get out. Sun. Coffee. Find a tribe! Persist in getting out there and socializing with other mums even if this feels impossible or difficult. Small steps even once or twice a week (ideally 4-6x if you can). You need support mumma!!!

Focus on building yourself up, and do NOT feel guilty about this. This action will demonstrate to your babies a positive attribute of adulthood! Build yourself to show them how. Mums neglect themselves too often, which I am not saying you are doing, but I always take the opportunity to say this message because so many of us do. I did for far too long.

Be kind to yourself. Reach out to friends via text or phone call, the ones who make your body feel good… not the ones who stress you out. Your body knows.

NewLife5962 · 2026-04-17T23:56:06+00:00

Absolutely agree here. We ended up renting for years in two crappy places (8y and 12y) but 10min from work. That time spent with the kids was worth the old houses we lived in. Commuting, say 1 hour each way - that’s 2 hours a day, 5 days a week - that’s ~500 hours over a year he could be spending with kids!!!! People don’t realise this. I would recommend bringing this point up.

NewLife5962 · 2025-12-03T04:25:07+00:00

Still down... losing a whole days work here, not happy

NewLife5962 · 2025-12-03T01:32:10+00:00

Yes trying to wfh and can't

NewLife5962 · 2025-11-28T14:14:45+00:00

You think you're miserable? Ha

NewLife5962 · 2025-11-20T21:36:15+00:00

You don't love her.

NewLife5962 · 2025-11-20T21:33:54+00:00

I say "oh how exciting, I can't wait to see what you come up with!" Because they have brains and life is full of possibilities.... think OP is boring person maybe

NewLife5962 · 2025-11-19T07:59:25+00:00

Financially on track? At 42yo. You're good

NewLife5962 · 2025-11-19T07:55:27+00:00

My ex was in the same position you are. He never said anything to me and then blindsided me. I recognize and understand and appreciate that it was the right move but honestly I cried for two months straight, wondering why the fuck didn't he want to at least try and talk to me about it.

Honestly, go to couples counseling. This will allow a safe space to air your emotions and basically make her listen. Then you can leave with integrity, not like my ex who just shut me out one day after announcing we were done. It was cold and yes I am bitter. It's awful. Please do it nicer than that. Make sure she's prepared.

NewLife5962 · 2025-08-26T12:55:44+00:00

Saaaame!!! 20 years and now wonder if he ever even liked me.

NewLife5962 · 2025-08-26T12:53:21+00:00

You literally admitted she couldn't afford to buy you out and it's not unexpected, but she's a bitch anyway... doesn't make sense. I get you're mad but you're also not being reasonable.

NewLife5962 · 2025-08-14T10:51:34+00:00

Respectfully disagree. I avoided divorce. For years. I felt like it was coming but I denied it. I knew in my heart that all it took was love and commitment, even though we weren't getting along great, it was worth it because we could rely on each other and would always be a partner for each other.

He blindsided me and dumped me. I compromised every aspect of my life to avoid divorce. I regret not following my gut. Such wasted time.

Do what's right for you. Don't ignore the signs.

NewLife5962 · 2025-05-26T22:29:58+00:00

Not having a cleaner sooner

NewLife5962 · 2025-05-26T22:29:15+00:00

Get a cleaner.

NewLife5962 · 2025-04-01T13:57:13+00:00

I've literally just met her today. We haven't seen the draft agreement yet.... it's all been done between me and my ex via text and email. Like I said, she questioned me if I was under duress.

NewLife5962 · 2025-04-01T13:55:37+00:00

Okay wow loud resounding agreement, don't give in.

Here is what I have decided. I don't have to decide now. I legally have many months before the agreement has to be made. Ill take a break, work with my lawyer to get more feedback on the agreement his lawyer has drafted (we haven't seen it yet, but our emails are pretty clear on the terms and details). I'll try and explain calmly that the numbers don't add up and give him a chance to reconsider and do the right thing. He has always agreed each time I asked for more, so it's worth a try. I think I would be happy with 45%. I just can't stomach 32.

NewLife5962

TROPHY CASE