The Menopausal Teacher
My name is Catherine and I started experiencing perimenopausal symptoms when I was 39 years old. I was an Early Years Teacher at the time and my confidence in work began to slip. I was struggling with a few symptoms, coping with the demands of elderly relatives and looking after three children. The stress became overwhelming and I had to take a leave of absence. I did not realise then that some of the symptoms were related to the menopause. It took me a few years after that to understand what was happening to me.
During my sick leave, the opportunity arose for staff to take voluntary redundancy. Considering the challenges I was facing, I accepted redundancy; leaving a job I was good at, worked hard at, I enjoyed and relied on financially. If I had been more aware of the menopause at the time and recognised the effects it was having on myself, I might have made a different decision and continued teaching.
My personal journey inspired me to help others who might be going through the same thing, whilst helping their colleagues and managers become better informed in how to provide sensitive support to those that need it. I completed a training course on Understanding Menopause in the Workplace to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area.
I’m really passionate about helping every workplace become a supportive and understanding place for staff going through menopause. Assisting you to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable during this phase of life.