In 2012, I walked away from a career that had taken me from working on a state minister’s staff, to living and managing magazine publishing in the UK, and overseeing programs across 24 countries.
I wanted to be let loose, and after leaving school at 16, by 43, I was sprinting deeper into a six-figure salary and towards overseas consulting roles—chasing a type of “success” judged by cold company KPIs.
While I was always okay with ambition, I felt persistently mismatched to my corporate career and found myself yearning for “what I was meant to do”. Promotions and career counselling weren’t helping.
Still, after spending nearly two years living in a public hospital—eating, showering, and sleeping on the ward (well, not much sleeping!)—I was ready to return to the comfort of my 9-7 workday.
I honestly had no idea what else to do. But I can say this for sure: I never once woke up and thought, “I’d love to run a charity to change education in this country.” I was probably too selfish for that.
So, starting MissingSchool with my cofounders was one of the loneliest times of my life. I didn’t want to do it (if I’m being honest, I still feel the same). It felt more like I had to do it (…and I still feel the same).
Don’t get me wrong—the privilege of this obligation, and what we make happen here daily, has awakened things in us that would have otherwise continued sleepwalking through life.
But back then, it was so hard stepping into the unknown, doing something I had never done, without a blueprint, staff, or funding, while carrying an unhealthy helping of trauma that needed healing. For a while there, my KPIs were measured in tears.
I vividly remember the grief that came with my new purpose. Saying goodbye to my career, my colleagues, and the life path I was on, while leaving the broken parts of my heart on the ward, made me feel so alone.
Still, none of it was harder than seeing so many kids suffer. Their diagnosis was bad enough, and their treatments were often long and terrifying, with anxiety and isolation layered on.
But what got me the most was seeing so much of what they loved torn away—their community, playtime, sports and activities, lunchbox delights, lazy lessons, kids-only time.
In this vast wasteland at the frontier of my feelings, what kept me moving forward was a deep conviction that this could be different. I’ve learned a lot about loneliness since.
Loneliness isn’t just about being alone; it’s about being disconnected from the purpose that gives our lives meaning. A lack of purpose is central to some of our deepest struggles.
Loneliness doesn’t always mean missing people’s presence; it can be missing the parts of ourselves that only come alive and find expression in the company of our people.
And loneliness isn’t necessarily about needing something, or even help, from others; it can be an unmet need to make our contribution, be seen and heard, and valued as we are.
This is why MissingSchool is on a mission to mainstream “learn from anywhere” and have students with complex attendance challenges counted and connected, every day.
As we close out Loneliness Awareness Week, our call to action is the same as it always is: let’s keep connecting. Here are some “connection” finds and links you might like to add to your collection.
“Loneliness should not be seen as a sign of weakness or fault. Feeling lonely is an innate signal for us to acknowledge and address our basic human need for connection. Understanding this is the first step to creating a more connected Australia.”
~ Michelle Lim
Learn About Loneliness In Five
What does science tell us about social isolation and loneliness? Learn about the issue in just five minutes in this episode of the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Science in 5 podcast. We’re intrigued to see how global evidence aligns with what we see in our day-to-day work for kids who miss school due to complex medical and mental health challenges and are socially isolated. Loneliness and physical illness are intertwined. It strengthens our resolve to work for social connection for vulnerable kids! CHECK IT OUT
Technology To Target Loneliness
Sometimes when we talk about using technology to connect absent students to their classrooms we use the term “assistive device” or “assistive technology”. Why? Because this is the language of the Disability Standards for Education which require schools to enable access for students with complex health conditions on the same basis as their peers. What does assistive technology look like in practice? Find out more in our blog on technology pathways and combinations for connection. READ MORE
Animating Peer Empathy
Addressing loneliness in students with complex attendance and health challenges needs to take into account the vital role that peers and siblings play. As part of our focus on supporting siblings and peers, we’ve created educational animations to help minimise stigma and acknowledge peers’ role in making positive connections. The peer animations – complemented by telepresence discovery kits (provided on request via info@missingschool.org.au) – are available for sharing in primary and secondary schools across Australia. WATCH NOW
Data Makes A Difference
School attendance is a vital step in stemming loneliness. Our colleagues at Deakin University are conducting research to understand school attendance and school attendance difficulties in children and adolescents from parent and school staff perspectives. There are two survey pathways, one for parents and one for school staff members. We encourage you to have your say and contribute to this valuable research, and to share the opportunity through your networks. HEAD TO THE SURVEY
Loneliness Awareness Week
This Loneliness Awareness Week (5-11 August) we shout out to Ending Loneliness Together. Give them a follow! We acknowledge their vital work to raise awareness of loneliness as a key social, economic and health issue of our time. We highlight their lesson plans for primary and secondary schools which can be used by teachers to guide conversations about loneliness and how students can create opportunities for meaningful social connection. What important conversations for school kids to be having! ACCESS THE RESOURCE
At MissingSchool, we believe in the power of community. Together, we can create environments where every child feels like they belong.
It would be impossible for us to stay the course without your incredible support. There are many ways to help:
- follow along and cheer us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- share this newsletter with your family, friends, or colleagues so we can support more kids, and
- donate towards getting kids with complex conditions back into their classroom.
Every action moves us closer to the finish line: a world where every child is seen and heard at school. Where ‘learn from anywhere’ is universal.
Let’s keep connecting,
Megan
CEO & Cofounder
