Chalkdust,

I read your previous posts about your career very carefully , and I remember them clearly. I sensed that you were worried about security at that time, and how important it is for you.

Looks like the changes have happened rather suddenly and brutally.

One thing I learned in my teaching career, and elsewhere, is that managers almost always treat employees in a sneaky way. The person that is to be layed off is always the last to know - and we are meant to like it?

One time my teaching load was doubled near to the end of a term, so I was paid more, and then I was abruptly laid off! Turns out the managers had to meet a quota before finishing a project so they just used me. Remember Willy Loman in Miller's 'Death of a Salesman' - "A man is not a piece of fruit!"

Well - tell that to the managers.

One good moment. I nearly went back into teaching, a friend was pushing me about it. Anyway I reluctantly went along to a college with her for an informal interview. I sat through an interminable meeting and then the woman turned to me and offered me a job, a cushy job in the open learning centre.

I remember smiling really nicely at her, and said, "You have a good team here, I'm very impressed, but it's not for me."
It was a lovely moment, I had finally put teaching behind me.

Chalkdust - this may turn out for the best. There is life after teaching and it can be a good life - it really can.

Good thoughts, M