Don't Give Up!

'Unfortunately, at this time, you were unsuccessful, and we wish you the best of luck for the future.'

Ugh! I don't know how many times I read that over the course of my so-called career. And, you know, it really did hurt each time. I don't know about you, but when I apply for a job, I see myself in it. I plan how I'll get there in the morning; what I might wear on my first day. Doesn't everyone do that? Or is it just me?

Sorry, not this time!

Anyway, over the course of my teaching career, after leaving a permanent job to come home from England, I must have applied for hundreds of positions, in between settling into temporary contracts, and doing a really good job, might I add! I received numerous letters with the same old 'Sorry, this time you have not been unsuccessful', and quite a few 'You have been selected for interview.' But, despite doing really well at interview, I never quite got the permanent position. Those of us who are in teaching know exactly what I'm talking about.

It doesn't matter if you're the super teacher the kids really like; that you help the students achieve excellent results; that you run the drama club, homework club (hated that one, but had no choice, being 'temporary' and all that); netball club; reading group. It didn't matter that you were the best person for the job if you weren't able to dazzle them at interview! And, let's face it, teaching kids, and impressing a panel at interview are not connected at all!

But...and this is it...I never gave up trying. I kept applying for jobs, kept accepting temporary positions because I loved teaching, and I never knew how to do anything else. I was terrified starting over each time, but, really, I know for sure it made me a better teacher, and a good colleague.

I finally stepped away from 'the chase' when I knew I was pregnant with my daughter.

Again, I never gave up. Well, I did for a bit, actually, because I had some mama duties to perfect. Well, when I say 'perfect', the reality was I fell into a deep pit of depression, but I cover than in another article.

I did private tuition (and still do), and I get to help children with confidence issues; those who need some one-to-one to boost their self esteem and their skills. And I know how it feels, having been rejected so many times. So, I suppose, in a round about way, where the path is bumpy and the path also has thorns and trip hazards, my experiences have given me the skills to help those kids. And I can be there for my daughter, my husband, and my silly big dope of a greyhound.

Another Little Door Opens.

Two lovely friends also suggested I start selling my drawings and artwork on Etsy, something I also write about in another article. Let me tell you, I learn everything the hard way! I have been running my little shop for 5 years now, and when I look back at my awful product photography, I am cringing inside! But, I kept trying new ways of photographing my work, and new products when sales were low. I'm learning every day.

Don't Stop Trying!

So, I suppose my point with this piece is, never give up trying! You don't know what skills you will gather in those tough times. You don't know what road you'll end up travelling, and this road might be less thorny and bumpy. As the old saying goes, and old sayings are usually right: 'when one door closes' another one opens'.

I am very thankful the 'full-time teaching door' closed on me. It was painful, and it did take me a few years to even think about teaching again, but I am so glad I kept on going. The lessons I learned, and the skills I honed are now enabling my to be who I really am, without the stress, the relentless people pleasing, the unpaid extra hours of work.

So, if you're struggling, and trying and finding closed doors all the time, try to think of this time as skills gathering for the brighter path in your future!