ECEC offers better work/life balance than vet nursing, Orange student decides

Working independently, being able to set her own hours, and becoming a business owner were all part of the motivation for student Hannah McDonald, who has, after four years of studying veterinary nursing, nearly completed her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with TAFE NSW Orange. 

Her ultimate goal is to open her own family day care (FDC) service, with her decision coming after she was “becoming overwhelmed” by the hours involved in nursing.

“I completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Orange and I’ve almost finished my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care” Ms McDonald told local publication Central Western Daily. 

Ms McDonald is currently working casually at Willows Early Learning Centre and as a vet nurse, something she says is achievable given her love of structure and planning. 

Her favourite aspects of her new career are learning new things from the children, preparing them for the world, and “being able to play and be on their level”.

Ms McDonald encouraged interested parties to consider a shift to working in ECEC, a measure which may be more attractive for those living in, or willing to relocate to, rural and regional Australia by the Destination Australia Scholarships program. 

The $15,000 Commonwealth Government scholarships provide support to students to help with the costs associated with relocating, living and studying a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE NSW Orange.

Applications for the scholarships will close on 11 September. For more information phone 131 601.