This time six years ago I was finishing my last pieces of coursework, and performances at University and applying to do my PGCE at Liverpool Hope University. I had pretty much planned the next few years of my life and felt content with my choices.
I thought I would get my teaching degree (Dance and Drama) then teach for a few years, settle down, have a family, bish bash bosh. Easy peasy.
Not so.
After graduation with an upper 2:1 in Drama (and not hearing back from PGCE University, I had to have major realignment surgery on my right patella (seven dislocations not nice). I then suffered from post operative depression and struggled with underlying mental health issues (which one day I will share with you all when I feel brave enough). I was bed ridden for months both from my operation and the depression.
I kept in touch with very good friends from University and my love of the arts grew I even started writing again and wrote some very dark, 'In Yer Face Theatre'. I missed Liverpool and I suppose the security net of encouraging tutors and friends who could help me focus on my ideas and put them to production.
When I began to deal with my battles I flitted from one temp job to another, using my people-person skills to work in reception and admin roles etc. During this time I had gone from the turbulent relationship with bad boy Boog to being in denial with Daddy-Doo.
Then Youngling happened.
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| Outside my Third Year Halls of Residence |
So now I am a Single SHAM with a degree, a recently obtained Journalism course (not an official recognised qualification) and a lack of confidence. Though I am fortunate enough to have the governments help towards my finances but I do not take this lightly. I know it will not last forever so I need to start saving. I would like to get back into work, but I would now like a career. But what?
Apparently I am over qualified for any courses the government may offer to help change my career path. Even as a Single Mother on Benefits I am not entitled to any educational help because of my educational history and age. Anything I would like/need to learn to get me back into the working world I would have to fund myself.
So what do I do?
I like to work from home maybe popping into an office two days a week. So I know I need something that can cater for that. I am not too fussed about being super rich as long as I can live comfortably and manage to pay the bills and save a little for something that we really want/need. My amazing cousin has the best work ethic ever. The Welsh Wonder is a Teaching Assistant and has the ability/potential to become a head teacher if she wanted. She is so happy in her role helping others and living comfortably that she goes to work with a smile on her face. I want to WANT to go to work if you know what I mean?
What do you think I would be good at?
Take care
Kate
xx
Posts
15 comments:
Thank you my lovely, and you're pretty amazing yourself!!!! I do love my job, it's rewarding and although we don't always get the recognition we deserve I couldn't imagine doing anything else!!! You'll find something that inspires you, that you're good at and you'll give it your all, just keep looking!!! And don't ever forget your battles have made you the strong person you are today!!! All my love and support!!! Xx
4 April 2012 17:52Have you thought about franchising? I'm at a bit of a cross roads with my career at the monent and am thinking about this as the picture appears to allow a reasonable balance between motherhood and working. Just a thought x
4 April 2012 19:11Have you thought about franchising? I'm at a bit of a cross roads with my career at the monent and am thinking about this as the picture appears to allow a reasonable balance between motherhood and working. Just a thought x
4 April 2012 19:11Thank you Helen, Your love and support knows no bounds my lovely xx
4 April 2012 19:51Graceandme - Thanks for your comment that's a really good bit of advice and I hope others take it on board too. I had thought about it but there is already a lot of franchises around my area int he subjects I'd want to get into: eg: JoJingles, Dinky Dancers etc.
4 April 2012 19:59That's why I set up my own group. If I had funds and training I would love to turn that into massive franchise :-) If you're interested we should get on Dragons Den or something ;-) xx
What about some sort of creative consultant? You could be self employed and go into schools a few times a week to run theatre programmes, both for Primary and Secondary aged children.
4 April 2012 20:22You'd get to put your degree to good use and work flexible hours within school times?!
I hope you find something that works for you!
xx
Tin
Thanks for the follow!
5 April 2012 08:57I didn't know what I wanted to do when I left uni and ended up doing a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) course, which I have used on and off ever since. The teaching hours are really flexible, you can usually take as much or as little work as you want, so is really good for a Mum I think. The course only takes a month (CELTA) but is quite expensive, and the pay when you get a job (which is pretty easy) isn't amazing. But if you are interested in teaching it's a pretty easy and rewarding way to get back into work.
5 April 2012 13:13Good luck with it! Sounds like you have the determination :-)
I think you would be good at so much, you could turn your hand in my directions it's more about what would make you happy than anything because you have the skills, experience and personality to be so good at many thingsx
7 April 2012 14:15Oh Kate,
7 April 2012 14:53this really spoke to me!
I always wanted to teach, but was persuaded to go to university instead of teacher training. So, in 2006 I graduated with a 2:1 in German and Russian and didn't have a clue what to do. I worked in Specsavers, childcare, supporting students at a University and then finally in a busy tourist office. I thought I had finally found my place in that last one, but alas my health got in the way (Endo) and I had to leave.
I too tried the setting up a business and still do a lot of freelance writing, but it is all unpaid so no income. And after last year's hell with my horrendous pregnancy sickness and complications I don't know where I am. I have tons of projects on the go but no time or energy. I have ideas but no way of doing it all. I still want to teach and inspire but maybe on a different scale now.
So when I read your post I felt like reading something by someone who knows just what it's like.
I really can't wait to meet you at BritMums now :) Send me an email if you want someone to bounce ideas off xx
Hi Tinuke - that sounds like a good idea. I have thought about touring educational theatre companies in schools but would require a team of about 5 people. It may be something to look into when Youngling is at school full time then I could write the material as well as manage and perform. Great minds eh? ;-) xx
8 April 2012 18:54Great to see you Puppy Dogs Tails :-) How spooky, I was meant to study TEFL in Granada, Spain, after graduation but due to the knee op I couldn't go through with it. We lost a lot of money because my place had to be given away. :-( It's definitely something to consider and could do from home :-) I can't believe I had forgotten about that. Thanks for the reminder :-) xx
Aw thanks Chloe you're such a sweetheart. I do tend to put my all into something when I do it which is why I now want to find that something that makes me happy and pays the bills ;-) if I'm going to be sharing my all from Youngling with work I want to enjoy it xx
8 April 2012 18:58Ah Amanada we are soooo similar. It's really difficult now as I really want more children (as I had planned to have my second during my time 'off' as it were with Youngling). You have all given me some great ideas to think about and now I am thinking I need a car for if I am to get any sort of work I need to get there and a 30-40min walk into town from where I live isn't the easiest when only having a 3 hour gap when Youngling is at school! Will keep you posted xx
Oh Kate, it's a tough one isn't it? I know exactly where you are coming from. You want to be able to work doing something you love, yet still have the flexibility to be able to raise your children. I want precisely the same.
10 April 2012 02:52It may sound like a long shot, but the world of blogging and social media seems to be opening so many doors for people. It's so vast and you get to interact with so many people there is bound to be something that crops up and ticks all the right boxes if you look hard enough. Networking events like brit mums and the like are certain to put you in front of interesting/influential people too.
Don't worry too much hun, everything always works out for the best in the end and everything happens for a reason. I will say at little prayer for you and youngling. Have faith. All will be well xx
Wow, you really are survivor. You'll find your niche - it sounds like you've got the right attitude. And you clearly connect very easily with people so I suspect something will come about through your networking (although that's such a horrible corporatey-type word but you know what I mean). Something will work out - it always does. I agree with Natalie B above - have faith!
10 April 2012 20:20Hi Natalie and Lara, great to see you guys and thanks for your words of encouragement. I think at the moment you are right that exploring the realms of social networking may be a positive possibility if I put my heart and soul into it. Like now for example it is super kate (for me) and I am making sure that I keep in touch with you all and write. I mean I need to write otherwse I may explode ;-) but you see what I mean?! Thanks again I think a majority of people in this world lack the enthusiasm and drive that could take them to higher planes :-) xx
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