For decades, I have been involved in early childhood education - and the paper chase of qualifications to rise up the ranks. But with Teachers' Day around the corner, I have paused to reflect on my career trajectory. And it certainly has not been a conventional one.

When I entered the workforce, I worked in plumbing and sanitation. Indeed, in my blue- and white-collar world of jobs, work has never been linear nor easy. With the ups and downs came a variety of struggles - self-doubt, emotional gyration and physical exhaustion.