I can't even begin to tell you about my last year, it has been one hell of a journey! So I started the teaching thing and struggled to be honest. I loved the Higher Education stuff but found the teenage level really testing. Now don't get me wrong, they were nice kids but to have them all in a group (or pack more like!) and constantly having to say 'turn off Facebook', 'stop arguing', 'why are you late', where have you been', 'stop swearing' etc etc etc - well you get the picture! The lack of respect just astounded me tbh! And it wasn't just to me, in fact they probably showed me more respect than some of the other teachers! Apparently I was the cooooool teacher!
Plus I came from a close, team who worked well together......to a team which tbh I was never going to fit in. I tried but I failed!
After a while it really started to affect me. I haven't slept for months, I am STRESSED like I have never been before and quite frankly I was becoming a really horrible person! No crafting has taken place, I haven't even read a book in a year - which I really missed! I was snappy at my men ....and on and on!
So at christmas I had two weeks off and by Boxing Day I was worrying about work - and that was it! I decided enough was enough and I couldn't go on any longer! Plus a good ole chat with Sue helped! I rang my old job but apparently I am too highly qualified now! So I waited and the perfect job was advertised at work. I applied and I got it! Tbh I am so relieved - like I said to hubby, I wasn't actually sure what would happen if I didn't get it!
Yesterday was my last day teaching the teenagers. I was so humbled by them - they got me cards and a big cake. Now these are 16 and 17 year old boys and girls who went out and got me cards - so I was taken aback! The Support Assistant also got me the most gorgeous brooch, I may even break the habit of a lifetime and wear a brooch! or is it broach?! anyway....of course no-one wish me luck from my team but that just confirmed I was doing the right thing!
So as of Monday, I am a Project Manager for the college. I am looking after a project that gets the long term umemployed in inner cities back into work through training......very very excited! I feel like I have been given a new lease of life and the weight of the world has gone! I am going to go in positive and ready for action and I cannot wait. And I still get to teach the degree level students - so best of both worlds!
I even went on an Art from the Heart course during the week. Claudine Hellmuth was guest staring and it was really good fun. It was like the start of the new me, and I got to be all creative and got paint in my hair again! I really had a fun day - although according to Dyan we are care in the community!
How very rude!
Some friendships have suffered over the last 12 months, but I guess if they didn't make it through the tought times - it was never really a friendship after all! Plus I have made new friends through the teaching.
Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad - I did have some good times. But I have seen what a nervous breakdown can do to a person, and I wasn't going to let that happen!
So here I am again - same old me, just a few more grey hairs (well tons more if I'm honest!).
Tomorrow I am going on a quilting course. I mentioned in passing to my mother that I fancied trying to learn how to use my sewing machine and next thing I know I am on a sewing course making a quilt over 3 one day lessons! I hope I like it now!! I have to take all my stuff and sit with people who I really hope are not experts! It does say that it is for beginners but their version of beginner may be alot different than mine! I may have to rebook an AFTH course just to help with the confidence level!
Thanks for reading the drivel, sorry if I have let you down this past year (which I probably have at some point!) and it is very nice to see you again! Right am off for a blog-hop - I think I may be some time!
xxx
