Thank you Simi and Louise for this article. It resonates. I didn’t want to go into teaching so I didn’t. Had no idea the publishing world existed (careers advice wasn’t much back then). Still finding my way!
Thanks so much for reading Emma, and I’m so pleased to hear it resonated with you. Careers advice was terrible when I was younger too. I often wish I’d followed a path in journalism but I had no idea that people like me could do jobs like that!
A fascinating read that confirms our lives are not set in stone and that sometimes we are meant to return to something we left. I had a far more positive switch to teaching (from a design agency career) and have never looked back, but all our paths are different and make us the people we are today - and tomorrow.
My grandfather had MS so it struck a chord with me, and the idea of “hidden” illnesses since my cousin has Fibromyalgia and my mom has Trigeminal Neuralgia. I also appreciated learning about her career journey because I’ve had a winding journey as well (psychiatrist bound to development communications to donor relations and now writing again).
That’s such an interesting journey to be on. And I agree with you that hidden illnesses are often ignored or misunderstood and we do need to talk about conditions that we might not be able to see.
Teaching is incredibly stressful. After a 9-week long-term substitute teaching job, I gave it up (even though I had the degree and spent four years planning to make it my career.) I enjoyed teaching English/Language Arts but running a classroom? Not so much. It’s certainly a job that will take everything you have to give and ask for more. Loved this interview.
It certainly is stressful Shelley - so interesting to hear that you also moved away from a career you thought you wanted. I think it takes a lot of courage to admit a job isn’t making you happy and to choose another path.
I do love teaching and being in the classroom with teenagers but doing it part-time makes the workload manageable for me.
Leaving teaching behind has given me the opportunity to work at many different jobs, anyway. I once taught a 4-week teen writing class at the local library. That was fun!
Yes. And my current work in progress is a women’s fiction novel about a struggling first-year English teacher. Everything is fodder for the writing, lol.
Thank you Simi and Louise for this article. It resonates. I didn’t want to go into teaching so I didn’t. Had no idea the publishing world existed (careers advice wasn’t much back then). Still finding my way!
Thanks so much for reading Emma, and I’m so pleased to hear it resonated with you. Careers advice was terrible when I was younger too. I often wish I’d followed a path in journalism but I had no idea that people like me could do jobs like that!
A fascinating read that confirms our lives are not set in stone and that sometimes we are meant to return to something we left. I had a far more positive switch to teaching (from a design agency career) and have never looked back, but all our paths are different and make us the people we are today - and tomorrow.
Glad to hear from a fellow teacher Debbie - it definitely brings me joy but I know that it is so dependent on the school and the support you receive.
Love this article. I can relate on so many levels. Thank you for inspiring everyone who is impacted by hidden illnesses.
Thank you for reading - I’m so pleased that Louise’s journey has touched you! Is there a particular part that you related to?
My grandfather had MS so it struck a chord with me, and the idea of “hidden” illnesses since my cousin has Fibromyalgia and my mom has Trigeminal Neuralgia. I also appreciated learning about her career journey because I’ve had a winding journey as well (psychiatrist bound to development communications to donor relations and now writing again).
That’s such an interesting journey to be on. And I agree with you that hidden illnesses are often ignored or misunderstood and we do need to talk about conditions that we might not be able to see.
Teaching is incredibly stressful. After a 9-week long-term substitute teaching job, I gave it up (even though I had the degree and spent four years planning to make it my career.) I enjoyed teaching English/Language Arts but running a classroom? Not so much. It’s certainly a job that will take everything you have to give and ask for more. Loved this interview.
It certainly is stressful Shelley - so interesting to hear that you also moved away from a career you thought you wanted. I think it takes a lot of courage to admit a job isn’t making you happy and to choose another path.
I do love teaching and being in the classroom with teenagers but doing it part-time makes the workload manageable for me.
Leaving teaching behind has given me the opportunity to work at many different jobs, anyway. I once taught a 4-week teen writing class at the local library. That was fun!
Oh, I love that! I have a book outlined based on some of my teaching experiences too!
Wonderful!
Sounds like it has been the best decision for you!
Yes. And my current work in progress is a women’s fiction novel about a struggling first-year English teacher. Everything is fodder for the writing, lol.