If There Was One Job I Could Do for Free, It Would Be This One

If there was one job I could do for free—and truthfully, already do—it would be this: being an auntie.

It’s not listed on any CV. It doesn’t come with a salary, a pension, or holiday leave. But it’s a role that has brought me some of the most meaningful, joy-filled, and proud moments of my life.

Twenty-four years ago, I held my first niece in my arms and felt a kind of love I’d never experienced before. It was immediate, fierce, and pure. I was young myself, but I knew even then that this little person had changed my world forever.

And then—just when I thought my heart had reached its full capacity—my sister became pregnant again. I remember feeling slightly afraid. Could I possibly love another child just as much? Could that magic happen again?

And then, 21 years ago today, she arrived. And the moment I met her, I realised something beautiful: the heart always has room for more love. It doesn’t split or dilute—it expands.

This post is for her.

She is now on university placement, stepping into her own future, and I keep seeing her pop up on LinkedIn. Every single time I see her face, or read about what she’s doing, I feel this overwhelming wave of pride. She’s doing incredible things, not just because of the achievements on paper, but because of the person she is.

She’s helping, she’s showing up, and she’s making an impact.

She’s always had the kindest, most empathetic heart. She has this magical ability to make you feel seen and valued. She’s got a wicked sense of humour, a spark for life, and she is endlessly thoughtful. Being around her is like being wrapped in sunshine. And truthfully? I sometimes feel like I don’t deserve the privilege of being her auntie. That’s how special she is.

I want to tell her today—and always—please never lose that warmth. That empathy. That gentle, funny, strong, kind soul that makes you you. Because the world needs more of that.

And when the time comes that someone new is lucky enough to walk beside her in life, I just want them to know this: you are truly the luckiest person in the world. Because to be loved by her, to be seen by her, is a gift beyond measure.

To my beautiful niece—thank you. Thank you for being an amazing niece, and for growing into an even more incredible woman. I am so proud of you. I will always be proud of you.

Being your auntie is the best unpaid job in the world. And it’s one I’ll never stop showing up for.

With love always,

Laura x

Call to Action:

If you’ve got someone in your life who makes you feel like this—whether it’s a niece, a nephew, your own child, or a chosen family member—let them know. Share this post, tag them, or send them a message. Love grows when it’s spoken aloud.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the blog for more stories about parenting, family, and neurodiversity. You are never alone on your journey.

References:

• Personal reflection by Laura Johnstone, author and parenting advocate

• “The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey” blog initiative

• University of Oxford (2023). The Power of Aunties in Family Systems.

• LinkedIn Insights (2024). How Young Adults Are Making an Impact During University Placements

What job would you do for free?