Daphne Bennett

Hi I am Daphne.

This is not a Linkedin page. I have nothing to sell.

This could be a portfolio. Or a diary. Or a journal.

This is a space I am trying to work out what I am.

I am a painter, a baker, a knitter and a reader. I am a wife and a mother.

I have only started working 2 years ago as a care worker when my younger daughter turned three. I learnt to enjoy and appreciate my new income and freedom.

Now I am in a Benefit Caseworker, and a Data Officer in the week. I also picking up some event and children home shifts in the weekend to fund my Master in Public Administration. I am a student. I am taking part in leadership and public life training as well as counselling. And I cook and do laundry and read books to my kids, teach them how to tie a tie and their shoelaces, walk the dog and all the rest.

I might be over-employed but I had been unemployed for about 10 years. My self esteem has been so low. I did not think anyone would want me or hire me. But some people do. Now I do whatever needed to keep the boat floating. I have changed jobs every 10 months since I started working and now I am learning to stay put.

I speak four languages but I hate hearing my voice. I want to be heard but am scared to talk. I can be anybody but myself. I have lived everywhere. I have learnt to be invisible yet fiercely resourceful and independent and ready to move anytime. I sabotage.

I am learning to stay at one place and build a home.

I am figuring out who I am.