My resolution at the start of the year working, up to a point. I happily zumba'd and WI'd and still managed to stay on top of my marking and planning. I had a couple of job interviews but they weren't a good fit for me. I also suspect that being publicly honest, all be it via this blog, about wanting a work-life balance was putting some schools off. I suspect that says more about them, and the state teaching is in, than about me.
I've had a set back with my health but I am determined to overcome it. After some time at home I was relieved to discover that I can still teach. Well. I just need to pace myself and make sure I don't go racing around the lab anymore than I need to. There's a lightness that comes with realising that teaching isn't everything I am - I'd love to work at a school where that is appreciated and celebrated. More balanced staff, more relaxed staff, surely means better teaching and more care for the children.
I do wander what I would do if I wasn't teaching. What's my plan B (other than winning the Euromillions)? I enjoy the intellectual challenge and I love spending time with young people.
As much as I can I am building up my examiner skills - I have marked the iGCSE Alternative to Practical paper for a few years, and I've now got some experience with iGCSE Further Science (that made my unused chemistry brain hurt a bit!). Doing this, and perhaps getting into question writing and paper checking, is an alternative to teaching full time.
I know I'd miss the contact with the kids, so I've recently been looking into volunteering with the Girl Guides. I went through the whole system as a kid, it's about time, as much as I can, for me to give something back.
I'm not really sure where I am right now, or where I'm going. If a great opportunity came along, that fitted with what I now know, then maybe I'd take it. Until then I'm living each day as it comes.
