for those strange people who love rabbits

@NightFury any ideas of what you would like to do work wise?

@NightFury it's completely ok if that's the case. Sometimes things change but if it's taking a toll on your mental health then I'd agree that maybe a change in career is an option to consider. How long have you been teaching for if you don't mind me asking?

Not long to go until school holidays, have you got any plans to do something nice for yourself during them?

I do enjoy a sneaky nap when I can 🙂

That's what I need to figure out @Bunniekins

I'm studying a graduate certificate in Child and Adolescent Mental Health - so maybe something along those lines? I saw a job advertised as a Career Coach, running small sessions teaching young people how to write resumes, and find the work that's right for them. Maybe something like that. Something that still allows me to "teach" but to teach differently.

@RebelliousAngel I've been teaching for somewhere between 12 and 15 years. The years go by so quickly that it's hard to keep track.

No real plans yet. I have a couple of counselling and psych appointments over the school holidays, and I have booked in a maintenance appointment for my dreadlocks. Other than that...maybe some napping time is on the cards too.

@NightFury wow that's a long time. It's hard to think of change when you've been doing something so long and it's become a part of who you are. But you're more than just a teacher, you are you and if it's not something that's working for you then it's ok to change things up and look after yourself 🩵.

I hope all the appointments go well for you. Dreadlocks are cool, have you had them for long? Sneaking in some nap time during the holidays sounds like an excellent idea 🩵

@NightFury you go for it! is wonderful to hear that someone on the forums is studying and looking for a career. it can be hard to study whilst having mental health issues. i have a degree in philosophy and politics but because of my issues my mind cant go there anymore. i just lack the abilities to do further study let alone work which breaks my heart tbh.

That's what I was talking to my counsellor about this week @RebelliousAngel @Bunniekins...how I've attached my identity and sense of self to my job. She's trying to get me to understand that teaching is what I do, it's not who I am and to see this as an opportunity to figure out who I am and what aligns with me. It's a lovely thought, but it's hard when my brain gets stuck in that anxiety loop of everything feeling and being uncertain.

Work and study is hard work @Bunniekins I've bitten off more than I can chew, but somehow I get through it. I have five weeks left on my study, so I'm just forging ahead to get it done!

I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with work and study.

@NightFury you are obviously a smart cookie! 5 weeks well done. this will make you laugh. i did my degree when i was going through a psychosis which was not diagnosed. i was self medicating and dealing with children's problems. TBH looking back i dont know how i did it. i loved it though MissinTooth especially philosophy. sometimes i feel the mental illness has given me brain damage. i suppose it really isnt funny ..

@Bunniekins I studied philosophy at Uni.

It sounds like you did an amazing job getting yourself through it.

It's been lovely to chat to you both, but I need to make tracks and get ready for work. Chat to you both later.

@RebelliousAngel

@NightFury have a great day MissinTooth 🙂