1. What is your job (the thing you get paid for)?

I am a high school English teacher in my 31st year of teaching.

2. What is your relationship to your job? Is it something you 'just do' to pay the bills, is it something that you do because it fulfills you? both? neither?

I LOVE my profession (I don't consider it just a job to pay the bills.) The kids are great. Each period of each day is different and always challenging. Keeps me on my toes. I've been with the same school district for all but my very first year of teaching and I am quite certain when I retire, I will retire from this same district. This school and this town are my home.

3. Do you do other activities that you don't get paid for but consider "work"?

I am also a member of a major symphony chorus. I don't consider that "work" though; I consider that my passion. It is a time-consuming commitment, but it is worth every minute of every rehearsal and performance. (It is completely volunteer "work"; we don't get paid.)

4. What is the relationship between your job (or "work") and your moods?

I honestly think my teaching and music have kept me from deteriorating into my mental health issues. They keep me driven and responsible and committed to others outside myself which for me is a major factor in keeping myself mentally healthy.