Part-Time Training & Parenthood, Betty Goulet

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Part-Time Training & Parenthood
Betty Goulet

Computer training is a rewarding profession. I know firsthand because I am a trainer with Damar Group. Students challenge you continually with their questions, pushing you to know more and more about the subject are teaching.

I work another exciting and rewarding profession: motherhood. I have a 2-year-old son and I am expecting my second child any day.

How do I balance my two different professions? For me, the best way is by working part-time. Part-time software training allows me to spend more time with my family. I go to story-hours at the library, swings at the park, and share french fries from McDonalds. I read stories about big red dogs, build block towers, and make dozens of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.

However, there are times I need to converse with other adults. I wasn't using my brain for more than remembering the words to "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Software training helps me fill that need.

Software training is more than instructing people on how to use a program's print feature. It is learning about peoples' jobs, what helps them be more productive, and showing them how software can be fun. It provides me the opportunity to find out about other professions and viewpoints on office automation.

I receive a sense of satisfaction from helping others become more efficient and not be frightened of the big new PC sitting on their desks. These are the main reasons I entered the training profession and why I stay.

Working part-time does more than give me a psychological boost. It also benefits me professionally.

If I did not work at all, my skills as an instructor would degrade. Trainers have to think on their feet and be ready for a large variety of questions. By teaching and researching software on a regular basis, I can be ready for just about anything. Many students have similar questions, so knowing an answer from a previous class will help me in the next one.

Software is always changing and evolving. Part-time employment helps me keep abreast of changes from one version to the next. Obviously, knowing how to utilize Windows 3.1 is not going to help me teach a Windows 95 class. If I left the training field for a few years, I would probably have a lot of catching up to do when I returned.

Part-time training also yields one other benefit. In the future, I may decide to return to work full time. By continuing to work part-time, I think the adjustment will not be as difficult if I return to full time employment.

The major drawback to any kind of employment is finding reliable child care. Every parent knows how challenging this can be, whether you work part or full time. At my company, I work whenever I am scheduled to teach a class. I do not have a regular weekly schedule, so child care can be a tricky issue.

However, I do have other options within my company. Damar Group offers evening and weekend classes, so I can teach at times when my husband can watch the children.

So you can see, working part-time as a trainer can have many rewards. I spend time with my family, but I still maintain contact with the working world. It enhances my self esteem to share my knowledge with others and I always get the opportunity to learn more about the software I teach. This arrangement has worked well for me and it might be beneficial for you, too.

International Association of Information Technology Trainers
PMB 616
6030-M Marshalee Dr
Elkridge, MD 21075-5987

410.567.5366
1.888.290.6200
fax 801.650.0423
Membership Director: member@itrain.org

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updated October 10, 1997