@MarcusAurelius: Good to hear from you! I've been wondering how you have been doing, Glad you're moving into a training phase and getting away from the upsetting work. As far as worrying that you're squeezing someone out of the position you are applying for, i say put yourself first. Maybe your job situation isn't what you wanted for yourself but this is the reality and if there is an opportunity to move up, carpe diem!

My sister got her teaching qualification and wound up doing other work as she found teaching too unpleasant and stressful. My dad worked himself into an early grave teaching. At the high school level it can be a thankless task. Perhaps this new turn of fate is saving you from a world of hurt.

As far as being disappointed with yourself after promising beginnings, i feel your pain. I have a degree and was off to a great start in my career when bipolar cut me down eight years in. The person i am now is a shadow of my former self and it's demoralizing. But what can we do? This is the new reality and we just have to soldier on as best we can. Life throws many curve balls and we just have to roll with the punches. I'm mixing my metaphors, better go to bed!