When entertainment industry figures say they're quitting their job to 'spend more time at home', this usually means they've been pushed out.
But with Emma Watkins, who announced on Tuesday she was leaving The Wiggles after 11 years, this almost certainly wasn't the case.
Not only is she the most popular member of the children's band, but her reason for stepping down will resonate with many other people her age.
New start: When entertainment industry figures say they're quitting their job to 'spend more time at home', this usually means they've been pushed out. But with Emma Watkins, who on Tuesday said she was leaving The Wiggles after 11 years, this almost certainly wasn't the case
At the age of 32, after doing the same job for more than a decade, the entertainer realised after 18 months of Covid lockdowns she wants other things from life.
She's not unlike many of her generation who are handing in their resignations due to a change of perspective triggered by the pandemic.
Without being on the road for eight months of the year, she suddenly found herself in early 2020 with free time to devote to her academic pursuits.
Watkins has many other passions in life beyond performing in The Wiggles, namely her research and advocacy for Australia's deaf community.
And after she official leaves the band next year, she will throw herself into finishing her PhD at Macquarie University.
Generation resignation: Not only is Watkins (second from left) the most popular member of the band, but her reason for stepping down will resonate with many other people her age. Pictured with Simon Pryce (left), Lachlan Gillespie (second from right) and Anthony Field (right)
She said in a statement: 'After 11 years of performing with The Wiggles, and nine of those as the Yellow Wiggle, the time has come for me to pass the yellow skivvy on.
'Like many people around the world, the pandemic has given me time to reflect on what is important in life.
'For me, that means spending more time at home, something that I didn't realise I was missing out on being away eight months of the year on tour, but something that I have really cherished over the last 18 months.
Moving on: At the age of 32, after doing the same job for more than a decade, Watkins realised after 18 months of Covid lockdowns she wants other things from life. She's not unlike many of her generation who are handing in their resignations due to a change of perspective triggered by the pandemic
She continued: 'I am also really looking forward to devoting more time and energy on completing my PhD that incorporates my ongoing passion for sign language, dance and film editing, and to having more time to work with the deaf community.'
Emma is enthusiastic about sign language and raising awareness of Australia's deaf community after growing up with her best friend having two deaf brothers.
Her PhD, which she has been researching for several years, focuses on the affective, artistic integrations of sign language, dance and film editing.
She has also completed a Diploma of Auslan (Australian Sign Language).
Watkins added: 'I am eternally grateful to The Wiggles for giving me the amazing opportunity to be the first female Wiggle, a role that I have loved and one that has brought me so much joy and an abundance of bowtiful memories that I will treasure forever.
'As The Wiggles continue to evolve and someone new now steps into the yellow skivvy, I look forward to seeing children and families embrace them, just as I was when I began. I wish The Wiggles much continued success as they continue to delight children all over the world.'
Watkins, from Sydney, announced on Tuesday she was quitting The Wiggles and passing the yellow skivvy to newcomer Tsehay Hawkins in 2022.
The news will come as a devastating blow to millions of children around the world as Watkins - the only woman in the main Wiggles line-up - is considered the group's most popular member.
She now plans to complete her PhD in filmmaking at Macquarie University.
Studying: She now plans to complete her PhD in filmmaking at Macquarie University. Pictured with Anthony Field on the Today show recently
Watkins was married to fellow band
