Country schools she taught at as a single lady included Staverton, behind Devonport, Carnarvon [Port Arthur] in the South, and after marrying Albert Phillips in 1914 she again took up teaching posts in the North-West including at Ridgley and Upper Mount Hicks.
Albert and Emily shared a great love of music, which they passed on to their children, who no doubt were influenced by attending the country dances at which Albert played the violin with Emily at the piano.During the Depression, Albert moved to Hobart alone, his trade of Blacksmithing being hit by both industrial and economic changes. He obtained work building Elizabeth Street Pier, so the family followed.
Later, as a widow, Emily worked as a teacher again, now specialising in Early Childhood Education. She ran a kindergarten at Goulburn Street in Hobart until she was over 70 years old - remember, the baby boomers were needing education.