HA! Over two months since my last post. I knew I'd be inconsistent with my blogging but I wasn't quite thinking I'd be this inconsistent. Thing is, I'm not even sorry. Teaching is BLOODY HARD WORK, and I don't always find time to click on my little 'Blogger' tab at the top of my screen and tap away something half interesting into this box for you to read. That's life though.
I'm three days (three days!) away from finishing my first term as an NQT. D'ya know how that feels? Pretty good tbh. I mean, it's pretty good but I'm also absolutely effing exhausted. Like, properly. I went to Harrogate to do some Christmas shopping with my Mum and sister at the weekend and I fell asleep leaning against a mirror in the middle of M&S. I am not joking.
Last time I updated you all it was because we were midway through our Ofsted inspection. I am DELIGHTED to tell you that we ended up with a "Good" result off the back of that. Considering the school had been put on "Requires Improvement" for the last two inspections - this was exactly the news we needed and had been hoping for and working towards. It was incredibly well deserved. I know I've technically only worked for the school for four months, but I've been involved within the school I work for over the course of the last eight years - I've seen what it has been, I've watched how it has improved, and I can see a massive amount of improvements and progress from that start point. The result we got was so deserved.
This is literally just a quick check-in post. I'm still here, I'm still surviving (just). I've been told by the cleaning staff that I am definitely the teacher that puts the most hours in - at least in school time... They should know, they have to kick me out of the building every single night... But don't worry - my #worklifebalance is alright. I might do a shit load of hours within the school building itself but when I get home I do literally nothing.
...Generally because within an hour of getting in my front door I've fallen asleep on the sofa clutching half a glass of sauvignon blanc.
Some things never change.
Anyway. I'm still here. I'm still teaching. I'm still exhausted. I promise I will try and post more often in the new year... It's just y'know - kids to teach and all that jazz.
13 December 2016
5 October 2016
The Call
I've heard a lot about "the call". I wasn't sure exactly how to feel about us receiving it. Our school knew it was coming, we had an inspection two years ago and it's not like we didn't know we were expecting another. But it's still a bloody shock when it arrives. I don't even think I need to explain what "the call" is to any teachers reading this. They will know exactly what I mean. However, for those of you not working in the education sector - "the call" is from a wonderful little organisation called Ofsted.
Ahhh Ofsted, the word that strikes panic into the hearts of many. To me, it's kind of stressful but kind of not. I don't mind my lessons being observed, and I don't mind receiving feedback. If anything, I'll drag anybody into my classroom to get them to see what I'm doing right, and how I can improve if I'm not doing something properly... But maybe that's because I'm an NQT and I'm keen as anything.
Yesterday, our school got the call at lunchtime - and before the end of the day the entire school was buzzing with activity - because of Ofsted? Oh no... Because we also had the school open for the entire evening for a function. Excellent. Nobody left the school until 8:30pm (at least), and then had the standard checks every teacher wants to do (and do again, and again) until we're happy that we are ready to be seen. After the standard post-midnight bedtime, I mean - obviously.
So today I had my very first lesson observation from Ofsted as a real-life qualified teacher. I knew that I was a likely candidate as an NQT and with a six-lesson jam packed timetable today, I would have been very surprised if I hadn't been seen at some point! The worst part of the whole thing? Not knowing when, where or what lesson they're going to come to. Will it be the first half? The second half? Five minute learning walk or a full-blown 25 minute observation?
Today I got the full-blown 25 minute observation, during a Y9 Textiles class. They came in during my Starter activity, stayed during a demonstration, stayed whilst the students began their practical work, examined my teacher planner, examined my marking, looked through my books, asked the students questions about the work they were doing... And then they left.
And do you know what? It wasn't that scary. I don't know if it's just that as I've only recently qualified that I'm just used to having people in the room with me, or that if it's because I'm only five weeks into my teaching career - or if it's just that generally I'm not one to get into a flap about situations I only have so much control over. For whatever reason; I did alright.
I've just had a meeting where I've received my feedback, and everything that was said tied in with the things I already know. Obviously it's not going to be perfect; I'd have been concerned if it was to be honest... But luckily everything in my "areas for improvement" feedback is everything that is already my focus points in my NQT Action Plan. So I can't be too concerned about my shortcomings - I'm already working on them!
Obviously I had strengths that were noted as well - my subject knowledge and my positive relationships with the students in my class (both big deals for me!) - and to be honest I had another noted strength but I've genuinely forgotten what it was. It was such a blur! Let's just pretend that Ofsted said I was awesome and have done with it? Yeah?
Anyway. That's been Day One with Ofsted in my school. In my fifth week as an NQT and inspected by HMI already. That's surely a reason to have a glass of wine tonight?
Wait, they're back in tomorrow?! We have to do this all again?!
It's alright. We got this. Just keep smiling, and it'll work out just fine.
2 October 2016
Sunday Night Blues?
Oh hey! Remember when I started this blog and I said I'd be inconsistent and crap at posting regularly? Told you so! This is literally the first opportunity I've had to even open Blogger lately, and considering when I had Life by LDE I'd check it about twenty times a day, that's pretty weird. My whole idea of what blogging is about has changed - and for me, it's definitely for the better.
On Life by LDE I would write a weekly "Reasons to Smile" list. I used to say five things every week that had kept me happy. Generally, I'm a pretty happy person - so this was never difficult. People used to tell me that they knew the weekend was over because my Sunday post went live, and they read it religiously. Today - being a Sunday - I'm having a bit of a mope and I am missing my old blog. I Googled myself earlier (shut up, you do it too) and a few of my old bloggy snaps came up in the results, where my posts have been shared by other companies I worked with - and it made me feel massively nostalgic and ALL the feels came flooding back.
Life by LDE isn't live any more, but it's still there. I can still see it. For the first time in aaaages I clicked back onto it this afternoon and I felt this swell of emotion. I used to pour my heart and soul into that little online space. I didn't give a shit if I made any money from my blog, but I'd do everything in my power to write at least twice a week. I worked with some amazing companies, I had some fabulous opportunities and I met some of the most kind-hearted and wonderful people through Life by LDE and it was a massive part of my life for four and a half years.
I'm tempted (very tempted) to bring it back. Not to update, not to share anything on - but just because I love it so much. And I invested so much of my time into it, I just feel saddened that it's no longer available. I don't really know what to do with it really, it just seems a massive shame that it doesn't appear to be a part of me any more. If that makes sense?
ANYWAY. I'm only really writing this because I've got two stacks of Y9 books to mark and I haven't really looked at them since I brought them in from the car on Friday. This weekend I've had two (rather heavy) nights out and lunch with a friend today... So I'm afraid marking/planning/making PowerPoints just hasn't been anywhere near the top of my priority list. This weekend I definitely made up for the "life" part of my non-existent "work/life balance".
So that's me cracking on. A Sunday night post with a twist I guess. Feeling a tad nostalgic shall we say? Right. Marking. See ya.
On Life by LDE I would write a weekly "Reasons to Smile" list. I used to say five things every week that had kept me happy. Generally, I'm a pretty happy person - so this was never difficult. People used to tell me that they knew the weekend was over because my Sunday post went live, and they read it religiously. Today - being a Sunday - I'm having a bit of a mope and I am missing my old blog. I Googled myself earlier (shut up, you do it too) and a few of my old bloggy snaps came up in the results, where my posts have been shared by other companies I worked with - and it made me feel massively nostalgic and ALL the feels came flooding back.
Life by LDE isn't live any more, but it's still there. I can still see it. For the first time in aaaages I clicked back onto it this afternoon and I felt this swell of emotion. I used to pour my heart and soul into that little online space. I didn't give a shit if I made any money from my blog, but I'd do everything in my power to write at least twice a week. I worked with some amazing companies, I had some fabulous opportunities and I met some of the most kind-hearted and wonderful people through Life by LDE and it was a massive part of my life for four and a half years.
I'm tempted (very tempted) to bring it back. Not to update, not to share anything on - but just because I love it so much. And I invested so much of my time into it, I just feel saddened that it's no longer available. I don't really know what to do with it really, it just seems a massive shame that it doesn't appear to be a part of me any more. If that makes sense?
ANYWAY. I'm only really writing this because I've got two stacks of Y9 books to mark and I haven't really looked at them since I brought them in from the car on Friday. This weekend I've had two (rather heavy) nights out and lunch with a friend today... So I'm afraid marking/planning/making PowerPoints just hasn't been anywhere near the top of my priority list. This weekend I definitely made up for the "life" part of my non-existent "work/life balance".
So that's me cracking on. A Sunday night post with a twist I guess. Feeling a tad nostalgic shall we say? Right. Marking. See ya.
17 September 2016
The First Fortnight
This was definitely supposed to be published last Friday and be called "The First Week", then I was going to do it on Saturday... Then on Sunday - instead, I've waited until the following weekend to do it because urm... My life just got pretty bloody hectic. This is one of *them* blog posts without a plan or agenda, it's just a blaaaaah and me getting my thoughts out. So I apologise in advance if it's half incoherent ramblings. That's what I'm like in real life too lately, so get used to it.
My job is ace.
Like, properly ace.
I'm a Y7 form tutor. That means I got to spend a load of time in the first couple of days just getting to know the 29 kids in 7A and telling them all about the school. It's a time for reading through planners and finding out where classrooms are, and getting to know the members of the form. My form are all awesome. I'm not even saying that just because I have to. I genuinely think I've got an amazing little bunch of kids and I cannot wait to see how their high school journey continues.
On the first day, I asked them to write "a letter to my future self", this is something I'm planning on holding onto until they are in their last day in Y11 - in 2021. YEP. 2021. Seriously. Basically, the school knew exactly what they were doing when they handed me a Y7 form, because I'm so committed to them that I really want to stay with them the whole way through school!
I've finally got my timetable. It's a bit scary. I've got days where I'm teaching the full six lesson days - this is something I've never had before and I'll tell you what - it's bloody knackering. I do, however, also have a pretty good day which includes three free periods. Obviously a "free" in the teacher world is not free time. It's planning/marking/resourcing time. Still, I'm incredibly glad of it!
I'm also teaching Tech subjects that aren't necessarily my first choice or specialism - however, I'm learning all of the skills needed to teach them from a teacher in my department with over thirty years experience, and a technician who works tirelessly in the department to make things flow smoothly. We have an awesome team, I have to say - and funnily enough, we're the only all-female faculty in the school. That's pretty cool - we all equally love being organised and making spreadsheets and stuff. Such nerd. Much teacher.
So yep, I'm two weeks in. I've had evenings already where I've been so tired after teaching all day and trying to get my head around new schemes and projects whilst making seating plans and trying to eat my tea AND learning how to make fancy stitching work on a sewing machine... That I've already cried. Not out of being upset - not by a long shot - just out of sheer frustration that I can't do everything at once. That's just something I'm starting to get used to though. It's a case of taking the important tasks first, breaking them down and then actually coming up with a manageable plan of action.
Note to self: YOU CANNOT DO EVERYTHING. Please stop trying.
Having had since the beginning of June off teaching and getting thrown back in at the deep end in September was never going to be easy. I'm still finding it hard. I haven't even worked out when I can get my marking done yet - there are three big boxes of books currently sitting on the floor next to my desk and I will get around to them this weekend! At the end of my PGCE placements I was still only working to a 60% timetable, the NQT timetable jumps up to 90%... So it's a pretty hefty chunk of teaching time that's been added on - it's only natural that it will take some time to adjust!
BUT I've started, the ball is rolling. I'm absolutely loving it. I nearly forgot how amazing it feels to be up in front of a class of kids, talking about something you love and watching them cogs turning in their minds whilst they learn something new.
My favourite thing so far though? It's being a form tutor. I genuinely got a bit emotional yesterday because I was sat chatting with my form and realised just how awesome they all are and how much they've already grown up in the space of a fortnight.
Anyway. I've turned to my blog because of a case of severe procrastination. I need to plan, I need to mark, I need to make some resources and I desperately need to finish a GCSE Scheme of Work that I started in the summer holidays and have not yet finished. HA.
There will be many more rambly updates over the coming weeks, I'm sure. I'd apologise but I don't really care what you think so nah.
My job is ace.
Like, properly ace.
I'm a Y7 form tutor. That means I got to spend a load of time in the first couple of days just getting to know the 29 kids in 7A and telling them all about the school. It's a time for reading through planners and finding out where classrooms are, and getting to know the members of the form. My form are all awesome. I'm not even saying that just because I have to. I genuinely think I've got an amazing little bunch of kids and I cannot wait to see how their high school journey continues.
On the first day, I asked them to write "a letter to my future self", this is something I'm planning on holding onto until they are in their last day in Y11 - in 2021. YEP. 2021. Seriously. Basically, the school knew exactly what they were doing when they handed me a Y7 form, because I'm so committed to them that I really want to stay with them the whole way through school!
I've finally got my timetable. It's a bit scary. I've got days where I'm teaching the full six lesson days - this is something I've never had before and I'll tell you what - it's bloody knackering. I do, however, also have a pretty good day which includes three free periods. Obviously a "free" in the teacher world is not free time. It's planning/marking/resourcing time. Still, I'm incredibly glad of it!
I'm also teaching Tech subjects that aren't necessarily my first choice or specialism - however, I'm learning all of the skills needed to teach them from a teacher in my department with over thirty years experience, and a technician who works tirelessly in the department to make things flow smoothly. We have an awesome team, I have to say - and funnily enough, we're the only all-female faculty in the school. That's pretty cool - we all equally love being organised and making spreadsheets and stuff. Such nerd. Much teacher.
So yep, I'm two weeks in. I've had evenings already where I've been so tired after teaching all day and trying to get my head around new schemes and projects whilst making seating plans and trying to eat my tea AND learning how to make fancy stitching work on a sewing machine... That I've already cried. Not out of being upset - not by a long shot - just out of sheer frustration that I can't do everything at once. That's just something I'm starting to get used to though. It's a case of taking the important tasks first, breaking them down and then actually coming up with a manageable plan of action.
Note to self: YOU CANNOT DO EVERYTHING. Please stop trying.
Having had since the beginning of June off teaching and getting thrown back in at the deep end in September was never going to be easy. I'm still finding it hard. I haven't even worked out when I can get my marking done yet - there are three big boxes of books currently sitting on the floor next to my desk and I will get around to them this weekend! At the end of my PGCE placements I was still only working to a 60% timetable, the NQT timetable jumps up to 90%... So it's a pretty hefty chunk of teaching time that's been added on - it's only natural that it will take some time to adjust!
BUT I've started, the ball is rolling. I'm absolutely loving it. I nearly forgot how amazing it feels to be up in front of a class of kids, talking about something you love and watching them cogs turning in their minds whilst they learn something new.
My favourite thing so far though? It's being a form tutor. I genuinely got a bit emotional yesterday because I was sat chatting with my form and realised just how awesome they all are and how much they've already grown up in the space of a fortnight.
Anyway. I've turned to my blog because of a case of severe procrastination. I need to plan, I need to mark, I need to make some resources and I desperately need to finish a GCSE Scheme of Work that I started in the summer holidays and have not yet finished. HA.
There will be many more rambly updates over the coming weeks, I'm sure. I'd apologise but I don't really care what you think so nah.
4 September 2016
Pre-NQT Jitters
T'was the night before the NQT year, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring - but for a woman staring at her laptop screen with a furrowed brow meaning she's definitely going to have more wrinkles on her forehead than she'd like to have by the time she's thirty.
Oh hiya, yeah that's me!
ARGH. Tomorrow marks the beginning of my NQT year. Am I nervous? Hell yes. Am I excited? Hell yes. Am I daunted? Ohhhh, hell yes. Am I letting it get to me? Nah, I'm alright really - it has been rolling it's way around for a while now and it's finally here... Who am I to complain? I've had a pretty awesome summer, and I'm going into a job I've wanted all my life. It's naaaaeeee a bad thing.
But at the same time I kinda feel a bit like I wanna do this:
Although like most schools up and down the country - the start of term never actually means the start of term. Tomorrow is a staff training day. I've been sent an itinerary by my Head of Faculty and the first thing on it is "8:10am - Breakfast" so I'm already happy with that. On Tuesday, the school is open but only for Y7 and Y12. This is a pretty good thing for me because I have a Y7 form group and I get to spend the whole day with them - I do love a good 'getting to know you' kind of day and it means I get another day of settling in myself before Wednesday.
Wednesday is when shit gets real.
On Wednesday I have a full six-lesson day, which in itself is something I've never had before. So yeah. Wednesday is when I'll 'officially' begin my NQT year.
Like I say. It's making me nervous, excited, and mega daunted.
I've done all I can though. I've made my classroom look b-e-a-uuutiful (if I do say so myself), I've made myself my infamous spreadsheet that I swear by when I am teaching, I've swotted up on the Schemes of Work and I know what I'm teaching in my first three days. I reckon that's prepped enough, don't you?
Pretty convinced my life is about to get hella stressful. But it's the kind of stress I enjoy, I guess? So I'll keep you posted, I'll share my thoughts, worries, woes and opinions - as well as the other life stuff I've been sharing so far. If anything it will no doubt distract me from the inevitable mountain of work I'm supposed to be doing in my NQT year.
See ya.
27 August 2016
So, you're doing a PGCE...
Wahh! That's amazing news! Congratulations for getting a place on a PGCE course. Getting a place alone is a massive achievement and is something to be proud of - the interviews for teacher training courses are no mean feat, so on that day you click "Firm Acceptance" in that box on UCAS, it gives you them undergrad butterflies all over again. What will it be like? What if I hate it? Who will be on my course?! ...all those questions come flooding back - and I've decided to give you a little flavour of what a PGCE course is really like.
First off, it's exciting. Like, seriously exciting. You're about to start a whole new chapter in your life and this deserves celebrating. If you haven't already, give yourself a victory squeeee!!
For those of you not already in the know, I've recently completed my PGCE in Secondary Design and Technology at the University of Huddersfield. The PGCE course is just one route of getting into teaching - there's a few different options these days. Check out the Get Into Teaching website for more information.
So, a bit of background on what it actually is: the PGCE is a one-year teacher training course, loads of universities all over the country offer them, and in a whole variety of subjects. There are grants, bursaries and student loans available (all in a variety of values) so you're not going into a year of completely unpaid training. Over the year, you spend one third of your time studying at university, and two thirds of your time working and teaching in two different placement schools. Squished into the year there's also an opportunity to work for a week in a primary school as well - so you can see the transition from KS2 to KS3.
Anyway - so, you've accepted that place onto your PGCE course - if you're anything like me you'll no doubt me a bit clueless as to what happens next. I've written a few little survival tips to get you through those first few weeks back at university - and I hope you'll find it useful!
Make friends
Sounds like an obvious one, I know! But on that first day when you walk into that room, you'll be surrounded by new faces and it can be quite daunting - but all these people are going to be your survival team for the next nine months of your life. Our PGCE cohort set up a Facebook page where we shared our many woes, worries and success stories - do it - it'll make you realise you're all in the same boat.
Stay on top of your paperwork
I legit cannot stress this one enough. You will be inundated with paperwork from the minute your PGCE starts and until the minute it ends. File it! NEATLY! Somewhere down the line, some reading you've been given in a lecture about AFL that didn't seem important at the time will hold the key to an assignment and it'll be your little lifesaver. Not only that - but getting into the habit of logging lecture notes and filing paperwork now will help you out so much in the long run. It's a long year, you'll get shit tonnes of paper. Make sure it's organised.
BUY ALL THE STATIONERY
Linked to the above... Now you have every excuse under the sun to buy every folder, marker, highlighter, fancy pens, errrrrthang you need to kit out your ultimate teacher fantasies. I bought a new desk and filing cabinet and everything before my course started. I cannot stress enough how good stationery is the ultimate key to success.
Get to know your lecturers
DO this! Our course had about six lecturers for the different PGCE subjects - and they all took it in turns to lead different seminars throughout the year. These people are there to guide you, anything you're worried about - they've seen it allll before... My subject mentor was the handiest and most knowledgeable person I've ever had the pleasure of teaching me - and I know I'll continue to bother him with my teaching queries long into my career!
Immerse yourself fully into it
In your first couple weeks, you're going to get those horrendous and cheesy 'getting to know you' exercises. The horrible 'ice breaker' tasks; you know the ones! Honestly, the thought of them makes us all cringe but just say "sod it", throw caution to the wind and be yourself. You're training to be a teacher - so there will be plenty of opportunities where you're asked to stand up and present ideas, and talk to a group - embrace it. Nobody will laugh at you, and you're going to have to develop a pretty thick skin to this sort of stuff if you're about to get let loose in front of a bunch of kids.
Don't be a 'typical student'
The PGCE course is way more structured than any other course I've heard of. In your three year undergrad degree, you've got weeks and weeks to do things and nobody really checks up on you - the compressed nature of the PGCE means that it's seriously intense. I had daily to-do lists, and I'd get in from university in those first couple of weeks and spend an hour or two just collating the amount of information we'd been given on that day. Don't let it fall by the wayside early in, it's not like being an undergrad student again!!
Speaking of which...
Get to university early
Remember in that undergrad degree where you'd sleep in four days out of five and be late into uni and it not really matter? Yeah that doesn't happen any more. The PGCE course is treat like a job, if you're late in - it's noticed - and it's not appreciated. Treat it like work! Get there early, grab a coffee, organise yourself and your thoughts and be there ready and waiting with a pen in hand in those first few weeks. Think of it as prepping for the amount of work you'll have to do on your placements - you'll look back on those first couple of weeks with a nostalgic rose-tinted view. Trust me.
Don't believe the horror stories about social media
In that first week - you will be scared witless about the perils of teaching and social media. Trust me, I get it. I panicked. I had a blog with five years of my life that was very open, honest and VERY accessible. My Instagram feed is now private - my Facebook is pretty much on lockdown unless you're already a friend of mine on there - but you cannot censor your life.
You will go out for drinks, and you will be photographed holding them... So what? Just apply a degree of common sense to what gets published on your feeds and you'll be fine. I've recently changed my Twitter and Instagram handles just to make me that little bit harder to find... And I'll only use my first name on this blog. It's a security blanket rather than a need to fully censor myself. Just because you're a teacher does not mean you do not have a right to an online life - just be cautious about what is posted and what can and cannot be misconstrued. Like I say, it's common sense.
I mean there's plenty more I can write - and I mean there are probably hundreds of tips and tricks for the ultimate PGCE survival - but for now, it's all about prepping yourself back into that university frame of mind - and remembering that it's not all doom and gloom! It IS hard work, but it's SO worth it. Trust me.
First off, it's exciting. Like, seriously exciting. You're about to start a whole new chapter in your life and this deserves celebrating. If you haven't already, give yourself a victory squeeee!!
For those of you not already in the know, I've recently completed my PGCE in Secondary Design and Technology at the University of Huddersfield. The PGCE course is just one route of getting into teaching - there's a few different options these days. Check out the Get Into Teaching website for more information.
So, a bit of background on what it actually is: the PGCE is a one-year teacher training course, loads of universities all over the country offer them, and in a whole variety of subjects. There are grants, bursaries and student loans available (all in a variety of values) so you're not going into a year of completely unpaid training. Over the year, you spend one third of your time studying at university, and two thirds of your time working and teaching in two different placement schools. Squished into the year there's also an opportunity to work for a week in a primary school as well - so you can see the transition from KS2 to KS3.
Anyway - so, you've accepted that place onto your PGCE course - if you're anything like me you'll no doubt me a bit clueless as to what happens next. I've written a few little survival tips to get you through those first few weeks back at university - and I hope you'll find it useful!
Make friends
Sounds like an obvious one, I know! But on that first day when you walk into that room, you'll be surrounded by new faces and it can be quite daunting - but all these people are going to be your survival team for the next nine months of your life. Our PGCE cohort set up a Facebook page where we shared our many woes, worries and success stories - do it - it'll make you realise you're all in the same boat.
Stay on top of your paperwork
I legit cannot stress this one enough. You will be inundated with paperwork from the minute your PGCE starts and until the minute it ends. File it! NEATLY! Somewhere down the line, some reading you've been given in a lecture about AFL that didn't seem important at the time will hold the key to an assignment and it'll be your little lifesaver. Not only that - but getting into the habit of logging lecture notes and filing paperwork now will help you out so much in the long run. It's a long year, you'll get shit tonnes of paper. Make sure it's organised.
BUY ALL THE STATIONERY
Linked to the above... Now you have every excuse under the sun to buy every folder, marker, highlighter, fancy pens, errrrrthang you need to kit out your ultimate teacher fantasies. I bought a new desk and filing cabinet and everything before my course started. I cannot stress enough how good stationery is the ultimate key to success.
Get to know your lecturers
DO this! Our course had about six lecturers for the different PGCE subjects - and they all took it in turns to lead different seminars throughout the year. These people are there to guide you, anything you're worried about - they've seen it allll before... My subject mentor was the handiest and most knowledgeable person I've ever had the pleasure of teaching me - and I know I'll continue to bother him with my teaching queries long into my career!
Immerse yourself fully into it
In your first couple weeks, you're going to get those horrendous and cheesy 'getting to know you' exercises. The horrible 'ice breaker' tasks; you know the ones! Honestly, the thought of them makes us all cringe but just say "sod it", throw caution to the wind and be yourself. You're training to be a teacher - so there will be plenty of opportunities where you're asked to stand up and present ideas, and talk to a group - embrace it. Nobody will laugh at you, and you're going to have to develop a pretty thick skin to this sort of stuff if you're about to get let loose in front of a bunch of kids.
Don't be a 'typical student'
The PGCE course is way more structured than any other course I've heard of. In your three year undergrad degree, you've got weeks and weeks to do things and nobody really checks up on you - the compressed nature of the PGCE means that it's seriously intense. I had daily to-do lists, and I'd get in from university in those first couple of weeks and spend an hour or two just collating the amount of information we'd been given on that day. Don't let it fall by the wayside early in, it's not like being an undergrad student again!!
Speaking of which...
Get to university early
Remember in that undergrad degree where you'd sleep in four days out of five and be late into uni and it not really matter? Yeah that doesn't happen any more. The PGCE course is treat like a job, if you're late in - it's noticed - and it's not appreciated. Treat it like work! Get there early, grab a coffee, organise yourself and your thoughts and be there ready and waiting with a pen in hand in those first few weeks. Think of it as prepping for the amount of work you'll have to do on your placements - you'll look back on those first couple of weeks with a nostalgic rose-tinted view. Trust me.
Don't believe the horror stories about social media
In that first week - you will be scared witless about the perils of teaching and social media. Trust me, I get it. I panicked. I had a blog with five years of my life that was very open, honest and VERY accessible. My Instagram feed is now private - my Facebook is pretty much on lockdown unless you're already a friend of mine on there - but you cannot censor your life.
You will go out for drinks, and you will be photographed holding them... So what? Just apply a degree of common sense to what gets published on your feeds and you'll be fine. I've recently changed my Twitter and Instagram handles just to make me that little bit harder to find... And I'll only use my first name on this blog. It's a security blanket rather than a need to fully censor myself. Just because you're a teacher does not mean you do not have a right to an online life - just be cautious about what is posted and what can and cannot be misconstrued. Like I say, it's common sense.
I mean there's plenty more I can write - and I mean there are probably hundreds of tips and tricks for the ultimate PGCE survival - but for now, it's all about prepping yourself back into that university frame of mind - and remembering that it's not all doom and gloom! It IS hard work, but it's SO worth it. Trust me.
18 August 2016
How I Know I'm Getting Old
Excuse the title of this blog post, as I am well aware that at the age of 25 I am not considered remotely 'old'... However, there are plenty of reasons that I have to believe that I behave in ways possibly considered not normal for my age group, I mean it's not like I've started cracking out the Werther's Originals just yet, but these reasons of course I am happy to share with you.
I'm thrilled by new tea towels
I'm not joking. This week I spent a whole £10 on brand new tea towels and I literally cannot begin to describe how happy these pieces of cloth have made me. They're just so soft!
A cup of tea is the ultimate 'oh yes'
You know that sexually gratified sigh you sometimes make when something is *really* good. Yeah, that sound for me is reserved for a simple cup of tea. (Yorkshire Tea, mind - don't try give me any of this other crap...) Leave the teabag in for long enough for it to brew properly then add in the smallest splash of milk and you've got me exactly where you want me. Oh baby.
I listen to music now and I'm like WTF
Don't get me wrong, my go-to radio station in the car is Radio 1, and that ultimately deems me still a cool human being, but I'm not gonna lie - sometimes they'll play a song and I'm like "Seriously?! This is MUSIC?!" ...I mean don't get me wrong I'm all down for rapping along with Eminem and Macklemore like an absolute boss but I don't have a clue what's going on when it's this grime rap stuff. Somebody stick me some Radio 2 on and I'll understand again?
The most exciting part of a night out is the before and the after
Seriously. There's the 'before' part of the night that involves the getting ready - the outfit planning and the make-up putting on bit; y'know the contouring and highlighting and decided what shape your brows will be that night bit. Then there's about 5-8 shitty hours in between where you're stood waiting at bars for hours on end holding a crisp £20 note in your hand, whilst getting your arse groped by strangers... Then there's the 'after' part of the night when you're stood in your local takeaway getting a kebab and cheesy chips just thinking about how good it's going to be when you kick them heels off, and how comfy your bed is gonna be when you get in.
Seriously. The 'before' and 'after' parts of a night out are the effing BEST. I don't care who you are.
I hate clubs
This kind of links into the above, but clubs are just absolutely crap - unless it's like a 'Reflex' style club or like the bottom floor of Rosie's in Chester (niche, I know) - but basically, unless they're playing the ultimate tunes of the 80's/90's then I am not interested. I'd 100% rather be in a bar or a pub, sat having a natter than in sweaty club, attempting to shout over the absolutely shite music and paying three times what I'd like to pay for a mojito, thanks.
Shopping. Get in. Get Out. Get done.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I used to love shopping, FOR HOURS. I'd literally need to buy nothing and yet I'd manage to spend six hours in the White Rose Shopping Centre just browsing. Ain't NOBODY got time for that these days. These days it's like a snatch and grab. Get in, get out, make sure you've got everything you need, check for survivors, etc.
New bedding is THE BEST
Don't tell me you don't appreciate the simple gratification that comes with freshly laundered duvet covers. Sliding yourself into bed when the covers are clean (and you have shaven legs, ideally) is the BEST FEELING IN THE ENTIRE WORLD EVER.
I no longer understand Internet trends
Remember when it was just #YOLO and #JustSayin', a bit of LOL and ROFL? Hahahahah the golden era of Internet slang and acronyms. Now it's all ygm, af, bae and the frog/coffee emoji combo. I am so unashamed to admit that I've had to Urban Dictionary at least three times about what certain slang terms mean... And at least once I've still been completely clueless afterwards. Like, is this it? Do I have to start buying slip-on shoes now?
Speaking of slip-on shoes...
I recently bought a pair of Skechers
For comfort purposes only. When I went to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, I knew I'd be doing a hell of a lot of walking and I didn't want to be crying about my feet hurting. I legit bought some slip-on Skechers and I WAS SO COMFY FOR THE WHOLE WEEK. I have no regrets. It's not like I've got the stage of buying Crocs yet or anything #sorrynotsorry.
Facebook is the DEVIL
I confess, I'm still ridiculously into Facebook and I post probably way more than I should for a 25 year old human being - however, Facebook is also a constant reminder that you're way 'behind' other people who were in your year at school/same graduating year at university because they've already got two kids and another one on the way... Or they just got engaged after spending a whole summer travelling Europe! Yaaaaaay....
And by 'yaaaaay', I mean 'urghhh' - just do one will you?
Getting ID-ed is the best feeling in the world
I'm pretty sure when I was 17 and I got ID-ed, it was the end of the world. It meant whichever club I was attempting to get into was completely impossible for the rest of the night and undoubtedly ruined my entire evening. However, now with 'Challenge 25' or whatever it's called in full force, it means that sometimes I'm still lucky enough to look younger than my age - and I get asked for ID and it's BLISSFUL to pass over that driving licence with a smug expression on my face like 'yes, serve me this alcohol woman...'
I own a pair of slippers
Not only do I own a pair (okay... Three pairs) of slippers... I also take them places with me - like when I go around to my friends house for tea/drinks - yeah I take my slippers with me. I'll also take my pyjama bottoms with me - because you're having a laugh if you think I'm spending the entire night in my jeans... As soon as I say hiya and grace their threshold, my pyjama bottoms are being unravelled and I am getting myself comfy. I don't care what you say.
And last but not least...
I don't have time for your shit any more
D'ya know when I was younger, and if I fancied you - I'd put up with all sorts of crap just to get to see you/talk to you again... Nowadays I don't hang about. If you wanted to see me, you'd make an effort to see me/talk to me... Otherwise, nah you're alright bro. I haven't got time for your crap any more - I'm an adult now, I've got loads of stuff going on in my life. Make an effort will you?
So anyway... That's why I know I'm getting old now. There's probably one million other reasons that I could come up with - except I've had a bottle of Prosecco and quite a few beers tonight so I can't quite think them up...
Let me know if you can think of any others though. I like knowing other people feel old as well as me, it makes me feel better.
I'm thrilled by new tea towels
I'm not joking. This week I spent a whole £10 on brand new tea towels and I literally cannot begin to describe how happy these pieces of cloth have made me. They're just so soft!
A cup of tea is the ultimate 'oh yes'
You know that sexually gratified sigh you sometimes make when something is *really* good. Yeah, that sound for me is reserved for a simple cup of tea. (Yorkshire Tea, mind - don't try give me any of this other crap...) Leave the teabag in for long enough for it to brew properly then add in the smallest splash of milk and you've got me exactly where you want me. Oh baby.
I listen to music now and I'm like WTF
Don't get me wrong, my go-to radio station in the car is Radio 1, and that ultimately deems me still a cool human being, but I'm not gonna lie - sometimes they'll play a song and I'm like "Seriously?! This is MUSIC?!" ...I mean don't get me wrong I'm all down for rapping along with Eminem and Macklemore like an absolute boss but I don't have a clue what's going on when it's this grime rap stuff. Somebody stick me some Radio 2 on and I'll understand again?
The most exciting part of a night out is the before and the after
Seriously. There's the 'before' part of the night that involves the getting ready - the outfit planning and the make-up putting on bit; y'know the contouring and highlighting and decided what shape your brows will be that night bit. Then there's about 5-8 shitty hours in between where you're stood waiting at bars for hours on end holding a crisp £20 note in your hand, whilst getting your arse groped by strangers... Then there's the 'after' part of the night when you're stood in your local takeaway getting a kebab and cheesy chips just thinking about how good it's going to be when you kick them heels off, and how comfy your bed is gonna be when you get in.
Seriously. The 'before' and 'after' parts of a night out are the effing BEST. I don't care who you are.
I hate clubs
This kind of links into the above, but clubs are just absolutely crap - unless it's like a 'Reflex' style club or like the bottom floor of Rosie's in Chester (niche, I know) - but basically, unless they're playing the ultimate tunes of the 80's/90's then I am not interested. I'd 100% rather be in a bar or a pub, sat having a natter than in sweaty club, attempting to shout over the absolutely shite music and paying three times what I'd like to pay for a mojito, thanks.
Shopping. Get in. Get Out. Get done.
I can't even begin to tell you how much I used to love shopping, FOR HOURS. I'd literally need to buy nothing and yet I'd manage to spend six hours in the White Rose Shopping Centre just browsing. Ain't NOBODY got time for that these days. These days it's like a snatch and grab. Get in, get out, make sure you've got everything you need, check for survivors, etc.
New bedding is THE BEST
Don't tell me you don't appreciate the simple gratification that comes with freshly laundered duvet covers. Sliding yourself into bed when the covers are clean (and you have shaven legs, ideally) is the BEST FEELING IN THE ENTIRE WORLD EVER.
I no longer understand Internet trends
Remember when it was just #YOLO and #JustSayin', a bit of LOL and ROFL? Hahahahah the golden era of Internet slang and acronyms. Now it's all ygm, af, bae and the frog/coffee emoji combo. I am so unashamed to admit that I've had to Urban Dictionary at least three times about what certain slang terms mean... And at least once I've still been completely clueless afterwards. Like, is this it? Do I have to start buying slip-on shoes now?
Speaking of slip-on shoes...
I recently bought a pair of Skechers
For comfort purposes only. When I went to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, I knew I'd be doing a hell of a lot of walking and I didn't want to be crying about my feet hurting. I legit bought some slip-on Skechers and I WAS SO COMFY FOR THE WHOLE WEEK. I have no regrets. It's not like I've got the stage of buying Crocs yet or anything #sorrynotsorry.
Facebook is the DEVIL
I confess, I'm still ridiculously into Facebook and I post probably way more than I should for a 25 year old human being - however, Facebook is also a constant reminder that you're way 'behind' other people who were in your year at school/same graduating year at university because they've already got two kids and another one on the way... Or they just got engaged after spending a whole summer travelling Europe! Yaaaaaay....
And by 'yaaaaay', I mean 'urghhh' - just do one will you?
Getting ID-ed is the best feeling in the world
I'm pretty sure when I was 17 and I got ID-ed, it was the end of the world. It meant whichever club I was attempting to get into was completely impossible for the rest of the night and undoubtedly ruined my entire evening. However, now with 'Challenge 25' or whatever it's called in full force, it means that sometimes I'm still lucky enough to look younger than my age - and I get asked for ID and it's BLISSFUL to pass over that driving licence with a smug expression on my face like 'yes, serve me this alcohol woman...'
I own a pair of slippers
Not only do I own a pair (okay... Three pairs) of slippers... I also take them places with me - like when I go around to my friends house for tea/drinks - yeah I take my slippers with me. I'll also take my pyjama bottoms with me - because you're having a laugh if you think I'm spending the entire night in my jeans... As soon as I say hiya and grace their threshold, my pyjama bottoms are being unravelled and I am getting myself comfy. I don't care what you say.
And last but not least...
I don't have time for your shit any more
D'ya know when I was younger, and if I fancied you - I'd put up with all sorts of crap just to get to see you/talk to you again... Nowadays I don't hang about. If you wanted to see me, you'd make an effort to see me/talk to me... Otherwise, nah you're alright bro. I haven't got time for your crap any more - I'm an adult now, I've got loads of stuff going on in my life. Make an effort will you?
So anyway... That's why I know I'm getting old now. There's probably one million other reasons that I could come up with - except I've had a bottle of Prosecco and quite a few beers tonight so I can't quite think them up...
Let me know if you can think of any others though. I like knowing other people feel old as well as me, it makes me feel better.
13 August 2016
Why I'm Swiping Left
I am not one that could ever profess to be a 'dating expert', nor could I ever be perceived as overly experienced when it comes to talking to blokes - if anything, I'm probably more likely to insult you profusely and mask it as 'banter' if I'm attempting to flirt with you... Then I'll get nervous, talk too much and no doubt make an absolute idiot of myself. HOWEVER, I reckon I've been on the 'dating scene' (lol) for long enough now to understand that it's absolutely pants these days.
I'm not asking for a guy to lay down his coat for me to step over so I don't muddy my shoes. I'm not asking for a Chris Pratt lookalike to sweep me off my feet (good luck pal, I'm heavy - wouldn't envy you) and I'm certainly not asking for the handsome Prince Charming to come and 'rescue me' from my sad, single life. NAH. I'm just asking for a bloke to just... Put in some effort?
I say this because it's Saturday night, and I'm finding myself - as ever - sitting down with a brew with a bit of the Olympics on in the background and inevitably I find myself reaching for my phone and opening up that good ol' red flame we all know and love - oh yes, boys and girls, it's Tinder.
Tinder. GOOD OLD TINDER. So much to answer for, and yet so little to answer for at the same time. We all know it's not ideal, and yet I genuinely know people who've had incredibly successful relationships (and engagements, holla!) off the back of it. But anyway, I find myself tonight, sitting with iPhone in hand, swiping - endlessly, endlessly swiping. Left. Usually.
Why endlessly swiping? Is it because the degree of scintillating profiles is just too much to bear and I'm feeling overwhelmed and I simply cannot cope with the level of sheer perfection in front of me?
No. Of course not. Don't be silly. Have you ever used Tinder?
I've compiled a list of the things that truly, truly get on my tits about this 'dating app' and I'm feeling so compelled to share it with you that it's just getting published tonight because I'm feeling spontaneous. Woo!
Right so here goes. Blokes, I'm probably swiping left because:
All of your profile shots are group photos
Why? WHY?! I have a theory about this sort of thing, I truly believe that if your profile shots are group photos then it's because you're the ugliest one in your group of mates and you're trying to overcompensate. Not the case? THEN DELETE THE GROUP PHOTO THEN AND SHOW ME YOUR FACE, AND YOUR FACE ONLY. I haven't got time to work out which one you are.
You have bad quality photos
I'm sorry. Is this 2004? Did you take this on your toaster? I'm not asking for a modelling agency or production casting head shot, I just wanna see your face.
...Speaking of seeing your FACE
Seriously. Stop showing me other things. You know exactly what I mean.
You have photos with another girl
I don't care if it's your sister, your cousin, your auntie, or anybody else. I ain't got time to work out who that other person is and I'm 99% sure that it's usually an ex-girlfriend. Take some new photos.
You have photos with your children
Why would you want photos of your children plastered all over something as (usually) seedy as Tinder? Just write that you're a father/mother in your bio and we can move on. Tinder ain't no place for kids. And whilst I'm on the subject...
"The kid in the photos isn't mine"
Urm, do you have no other photos of you except ones with these mysterious children? STOP POSTING PHOTOS OF CHILDREN ON TINDER.
Your profile says you're older than you are
"Don't know why my profile says I'm 27 but really I'm 18". It's because you're lying about your age on Facebook and therefore showing up on my algorithm because I'm specifically searching for people over the age of 24. Don't give me all this crap that you don't know how to change it, just stop hunting for cougars you desperadoes.
You're STILL referencing lads holidays from the 00's
Having the phrases "Maga '09 forever!" and "Ayia Napa 2k10" will win you a one-way ticket to the left hand side of my screen. GTFO of here with that crap. Grow up. Similarly, if you're the type of bloke who thinks a stint in Ibiza is the perfect idea of a holiday then you're not the guy for me. Exit stage left, thank you please.
You have one of these 'group' Tinder things...
I don't even understand this thing. I just know it looks intimidating as anything and I get the horrible feeling that I'm going to get gang-raped by your seedy little Tinder group if I see you out in public. Stop hunting in packs. It's weird and makes me anxious.
You're quite clearly a catfisher
I say this as someone who has been catfished and has caught out the catfisher. Only for the catfisher to decide to stalk me and send a dozen red roses to my workplace as an apology. Creepiest experience of my life. I thought for weeks that this guy was going to turn up at my front door and offer me his hand in marriage. He didn't.
Your bio is rubbish
I'm not asking for Shakespeare. I'm just asking for something that isn't a load of crap Anchorman quotes strung together by irrelevant emojis and fake reviews from girls you've dated. Go away.
Your bio includes only your Snapchat name
I know your game. Get out of here with your real-life aubergine emojis. My innocence has been ruined by people like you. Don't question my innocence, just accept it and let's move on.
Or how about: "I'll lie about how we met if anyone asks"
Oh HAHAHHAAHA, you're so original. Shut up.
You have nothing in your bio whatsoever
You boring, boring sod. Write something - literally, anything. The fact you have absolutely zilch written in your bio tells me you've got the imagination of a houseplant and no doubt the same inability to keep a conversation alive. I don't want to have to water you.
So yeah. Is it any wonder I'm still single?
I mean it's not all bad... You know, there's a lot of swiping, swiping, swiping, swiping. Stopping, opening profiles, sighing at said profiles, closing profiles, once again swiping (left, obviously). Ooh! Opening profiles, scrolling through pictures, liking the pictures, reading the bio, liking the bio!
Swipe right?! Yeah, swipe right - A MATCH?! NO WAY!! *says funny opening line, waits for other person to instantly respond* ...AND THEN NEVER HEARING ANYTHING.
Oh great. Thanks. I'll just go back to my 'sad, single life' now then shall I?
I mean yeah I know Tinder is a laugh. It's not serious. People only really look on it for one thing, and one thing only - but c'mon, have a sense of decency please?!
I'm not asking for a guy to lay down his coat for me to step over so I don't muddy my shoes. I'm not asking for a Chris Pratt lookalike to sweep me off my feet (good luck pal, I'm heavy - wouldn't envy you) and I'm certainly not asking for the handsome Prince Charming to come and 'rescue me' from my sad, single life. NAH. I'm just asking for a bloke to just... Put in some effort?
I say this because it's Saturday night, and I'm finding myself - as ever - sitting down with a brew with a bit of the Olympics on in the background and inevitably I find myself reaching for my phone and opening up that good ol' red flame we all know and love - oh yes, boys and girls, it's Tinder.
Tinder. GOOD OLD TINDER. So much to answer for, and yet so little to answer for at the same time. We all know it's not ideal, and yet I genuinely know people who've had incredibly successful relationships (and engagements, holla!) off the back of it. But anyway, I find myself tonight, sitting with iPhone in hand, swiping - endlessly, endlessly swiping. Left. Usually.
Why endlessly swiping? Is it because the degree of scintillating profiles is just too much to bear and I'm feeling overwhelmed and I simply cannot cope with the level of sheer perfection in front of me?
No. Of course not. Don't be silly. Have you ever used Tinder?
I've compiled a list of the things that truly, truly get on my tits about this 'dating app' and I'm feeling so compelled to share it with you that it's just getting published tonight because I'm feeling spontaneous. Woo!
Right so here goes. Blokes, I'm probably swiping left because:
All of your profile shots are group photos
Why? WHY?! I have a theory about this sort of thing, I truly believe that if your profile shots are group photos then it's because you're the ugliest one in your group of mates and you're trying to overcompensate. Not the case? THEN DELETE THE GROUP PHOTO THEN AND SHOW ME YOUR FACE, AND YOUR FACE ONLY. I haven't got time to work out which one you are.
You have bad quality photos
I'm sorry. Is this 2004? Did you take this on your toaster? I'm not asking for a modelling agency or production casting head shot, I just wanna see your face.
...Speaking of seeing your FACE
Seriously. Stop showing me other things. You know exactly what I mean.
You have photos with another girl
I don't care if it's your sister, your cousin, your auntie, or anybody else. I ain't got time to work out who that other person is and I'm 99% sure that it's usually an ex-girlfriend. Take some new photos.
You have photos with your children
Why would you want photos of your children plastered all over something as (usually) seedy as Tinder? Just write that you're a father/mother in your bio and we can move on. Tinder ain't no place for kids. And whilst I'm on the subject...
"The kid in the photos isn't mine"
Urm, do you have no other photos of you except ones with these mysterious children? STOP POSTING PHOTOS OF CHILDREN ON TINDER.
Your profile says you're older than you are
"Don't know why my profile says I'm 27 but really I'm 18". It's because you're lying about your age on Facebook and therefore showing up on my algorithm because I'm specifically searching for people over the age of 24. Don't give me all this crap that you don't know how to change it, just stop hunting for cougars you desperadoes.
You're STILL referencing lads holidays from the 00's
Having the phrases "Maga '09 forever!" and "Ayia Napa 2k10" will win you a one-way ticket to the left hand side of my screen. GTFO of here with that crap. Grow up. Similarly, if you're the type of bloke who thinks a stint in Ibiza is the perfect idea of a holiday then you're not the guy for me. Exit stage left, thank you please.
You have one of these 'group' Tinder things...
I don't even understand this thing. I just know it looks intimidating as anything and I get the horrible feeling that I'm going to get gang-raped by your seedy little Tinder group if I see you out in public. Stop hunting in packs. It's weird and makes me anxious.
You're quite clearly a catfisher
I say this as someone who has been catfished and has caught out the catfisher. Only for the catfisher to decide to stalk me and send a dozen red roses to my workplace as an apology. Creepiest experience of my life. I thought for weeks that this guy was going to turn up at my front door and offer me his hand in marriage. He didn't.
Your bio is rubbish
I'm not asking for Shakespeare. I'm just asking for something that isn't a load of crap Anchorman quotes strung together by irrelevant emojis and fake reviews from girls you've dated. Go away.
Your bio includes only your Snapchat name
I know your game. Get out of here with your real-life aubergine emojis. My innocence has been ruined by people like you. Don't question my innocence, just accept it and let's move on.
Or how about: "I'll lie about how we met if anyone asks"
Oh HAHAHHAAHA, you're so original. Shut up.
You have nothing in your bio whatsoever
You boring, boring sod. Write something - literally, anything. The fact you have absolutely zilch written in your bio tells me you've got the imagination of a houseplant and no doubt the same inability to keep a conversation alive. I don't want to have to water you.
So yeah. Is it any wonder I'm still single?
I mean it's not all bad... You know, there's a lot of swiping, swiping, swiping, swiping. Stopping, opening profiles, sighing at said profiles, closing profiles, once again swiping (left, obviously). Ooh! Opening profiles, scrolling through pictures, liking the pictures, reading the bio, liking the bio!
Swipe right?! Yeah, swipe right - A MATCH?! NO WAY!! *says funny opening line, waits for other person to instantly respond* ...AND THEN NEVER HEARING ANYTHING.
Oh great. Thanks. I'll just go back to my 'sad, single life' now then shall I?
I mean yeah I know Tinder is a laugh. It's not serious. People only really look on it for one thing, and one thing only - but c'mon, have a sense of decency please?!
6 August 2016
#FirstSevenJobs
Earlier today, whilst stalking browsing Twitter - I came across the hashtag #FirstSevenJobs, and it's pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. Twitter users were listing the first seven jobs they'd had, and it got me thinking about the jobs I've had and the things I've done in my life before I finally settled on my chosen career path.
I'm not sure entirely who began the hashtag or why it came to be, nor have I any interest whatsoever in trawling Twitter to find out the origin - but I do enjoy anything that gets me thinking about my past and realising how far I've come. So in the interest of procrastination; I set about creating my own list:
I mean, I felt like my list was pretty standard really - except the clear penchant for emojis - to me it's just my life and my CV.
One thing I noticed though, as I was scrolling through the hashtag and reading other peoples' past job titles - is that I am an incredibly nosy individual. I saw things like Magician's Assistant, Blueberry Picker, Cardboard Box Maker - and I realised how diverse the working world is and I wanted to ask SO many people about so many of their past jobs!
...Genuinely though it's probably solely because I'm just a right nosy bugger and I know there's bound to be a few funny stories involved if your job title is "Burrito Folder".
Anyway - I digress. What's in a job title? I figured it might be interesting to talk you through some of my past jobs and let you know what I loved about them, what I loathed about them - and how it even came to be that I ended up being a teacher - I mean, apart from the fact that I have always wanted to be a teacher (seriously, always - that's a post for another time).
So - a quick run through of my jobs, because I know you're all just dying to read my CV. It's not like you have anything else exciting to be doing on a Saturday night, is it?
Receptionist
Pretty standard really. Answered the phones and took messages in a car dealership. Made teas and coffees for customers when they came in to buy cars. There was a stack of Women's Weekly magazines left under the desk for those quiet moments that sometimes happened, you weren't allowed to get caught reading them. I used to redraft the Post-It note messages that I left for the salesmen to ensure that only my finest handwriting would be viewed. Spent a lot of time doodling.
Fleet Driver
Basically this one time when the aforementioned car dealership were short of drivers and a car needed taking to a dealership in North Yorkshire - I was more or less just thrown a set of keys. I'd only passed my driving test about three months the first time I did a driving job and it's safe to say I was scared out of my wits to have been entrusted with a brand new Vauxhall Zafira. After I proved myself on that one journey I was often called upon to deliver cars to fleet customers up and down the country. It was a pretty good job to be honest, if you got stuck in traffic it meant you got paid more because you got paid by the hour. Never imagined I'd be so pleased to be sat on the M1 in standing traffic all the way back from St. Albans.
Sales Assistant
I think everyone's had the standard retail job at one point. I was a Christmas temp at Boots - and I genuinely loved it. It was during my second year at university; and although I only worked for them between September and January I took any available opportunity to take on extra shifts. I loved the team I worked with, I loved the fact one of the Clinique girls did my false eyelashes for me after work on a Saturday, and I probably put at least 70% of my part-time wage back behind the tills because I always knew when the best offers were on make-up and stuff. Genuinely once bought a pair of No7 eyelash curlers for four pence. FOUR PENCE.
Graphic Designer
I mean this one is pretty open to interpretation. My degree was in Graphic Design - and I worked in several graphic design jobs over a few years but mostly in small placements here and there. I mostly worked on campaigns for car dealerships across the UK - making print advertisements and other bits and bobs. I enjoyed the work whilst I was there, but now I look back with hindsight and more wisdom on my side and realise that actually the opportunity to develop my own creativity was pretty much nil. Of course it was, I was a junior designer - that's just what happens!
Service Advisor
Once again - a car dealership job! Sensing a pattern here? Yeah - I've been in the motor trade for the majority of my working life. For about two and a half years I worked as a service advisor - this means I was the person you spoke to if your car broke down or needed a service/MOT or brake pads or if something else needed fixing. It was a job I LOVED; I worked with amazing people - most of whom I'm still in touch with now, it was undoubtedly one of the most stressful jobs I've ever had (quoted by some as "the worst job in the dealership") and yet also one of the most rewarding. It was in this job that I learnt the actual meaning of "customer service" and also that the customer is NOT always right - in fact, the majority of the time they're very, very wrong... I got shouted at on an almost daily basis for things that were 100% not my fault - and yet I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
I could literally write an entire blog post about the pros and cons of being a service advisor but I feel like that's maybe just a little bit of a niche item and you'd be bored to tears... However, one thing I will say is that if your car ever breaks down and you shout at the service advisor about it - you're an absolute piece of work and you need to take a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror pal.
Division Manager
This was something a little bit different - I was hired to look after a brand new division in a laser cutting company. They'd bought a new machine which worked with materials they didn't previously work with, and so I was brought in to explore all of the avenues for new business that the new machine brought with it. This was a job I enjoyed but it wasn't quite clicking for me - I was pretty much the only person in my department and I seriously, seriously missed being customer facing. I stayed for about nine months before applying for my PGCE, nicely leading us on to:
Teacher
Ahhh! I mean technically I've not even had my first day as an NQT yet - but I am a teacher. I love it. It's genuinely the job I've always wanted - when I was little, if you'd asked me what I wanted to be then the answer would have been 'teacher' and now I feel like I've finally got myself on that path.
There I am - my teacher self; lanyard and all. I feel that's the true mark of a teacher. The day you get that first lanyard with your badly lit photograph and poorly chosen blouse that you'll never want to wear again because it'll look like it's the only thing you own.
So anyway... That's been a little explore through my #FirstSevenJobs - get yourself over to Twitter and take a scroll through the hashtag to see some other examples of first jobs - and see how your list compares!
I'd absolutely love to know what other jobs you've had and what you loved (or loathed) about them, so leave me a comment below to feed my nosy mentality.
I'm not sure entirely who began the hashtag or why it came to be, nor have I any interest whatsoever in trawling Twitter to find out the origin - but I do enjoy anything that gets me thinking about my past and realising how far I've come. So in the interest of procrastination; I set about creating my own list:
I mean, I felt like my list was pretty standard really - except the clear penchant for emojis - to me it's just my life and my CV.
One thing I noticed though, as I was scrolling through the hashtag and reading other peoples' past job titles - is that I am an incredibly nosy individual. I saw things like Magician's Assistant, Blueberry Picker, Cardboard Box Maker - and I realised how diverse the working world is and I wanted to ask SO many people about so many of their past jobs!
...Genuinely though it's probably solely because I'm just a right nosy bugger and I know there's bound to be a few funny stories involved if your job title is "Burrito Folder".
Anyway - I digress. What's in a job title? I figured it might be interesting to talk you through some of my past jobs and let you know what I loved about them, what I loathed about them - and how it even came to be that I ended up being a teacher - I mean, apart from the fact that I have always wanted to be a teacher (seriously, always - that's a post for another time).
So - a quick run through of my jobs, because I know you're all just dying to read my CV. It's not like you have anything else exciting to be doing on a Saturday night, is it?
Receptionist
Pretty standard really. Answered the phones and took messages in a car dealership. Made teas and coffees for customers when they came in to buy cars. There was a stack of Women's Weekly magazines left under the desk for those quiet moments that sometimes happened, you weren't allowed to get caught reading them. I used to redraft the Post-It note messages that I left for the salesmen to ensure that only my finest handwriting would be viewed. Spent a lot of time doodling.
Fleet Driver
Basically this one time when the aforementioned car dealership were short of drivers and a car needed taking to a dealership in North Yorkshire - I was more or less just thrown a set of keys. I'd only passed my driving test about three months the first time I did a driving job and it's safe to say I was scared out of my wits to have been entrusted with a brand new Vauxhall Zafira. After I proved myself on that one journey I was often called upon to deliver cars to fleet customers up and down the country. It was a pretty good job to be honest, if you got stuck in traffic it meant you got paid more because you got paid by the hour. Never imagined I'd be so pleased to be sat on the M1 in standing traffic all the way back from St. Albans.
Sales Assistant
I think everyone's had the standard retail job at one point. I was a Christmas temp at Boots - and I genuinely loved it. It was during my second year at university; and although I only worked for them between September and January I took any available opportunity to take on extra shifts. I loved the team I worked with, I loved the fact one of the Clinique girls did my false eyelashes for me after work on a Saturday, and I probably put at least 70% of my part-time wage back behind the tills because I always knew when the best offers were on make-up and stuff. Genuinely once bought a pair of No7 eyelash curlers for four pence. FOUR PENCE.
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I mean this one is pretty open to interpretation. My degree was in Graphic Design - and I worked in several graphic design jobs over a few years but mostly in small placements here and there. I mostly worked on campaigns for car dealerships across the UK - making print advertisements and other bits and bobs. I enjoyed the work whilst I was there, but now I look back with hindsight and more wisdom on my side and realise that actually the opportunity to develop my own creativity was pretty much nil. Of course it was, I was a junior designer - that's just what happens!
Service Advisor
Once again - a car dealership job! Sensing a pattern here? Yeah - I've been in the motor trade for the majority of my working life. For about two and a half years I worked as a service advisor - this means I was the person you spoke to if your car broke down or needed a service/MOT or brake pads or if something else needed fixing. It was a job I LOVED; I worked with amazing people - most of whom I'm still in touch with now, it was undoubtedly one of the most stressful jobs I've ever had (quoted by some as "the worst job in the dealership") and yet also one of the most rewarding. It was in this job that I learnt the actual meaning of "customer service" and also that the customer is NOT always right - in fact, the majority of the time they're very, very wrong... I got shouted at on an almost daily basis for things that were 100% not my fault - and yet I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
I could literally write an entire blog post about the pros and cons of being a service advisor but I feel like that's maybe just a little bit of a niche item and you'd be bored to tears... However, one thing I will say is that if your car ever breaks down and you shout at the service advisor about it - you're an absolute piece of work and you need to take a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror pal.
Division Manager
This was something a little bit different - I was hired to look after a brand new division in a laser cutting company. They'd bought a new machine which worked with materials they didn't previously work with, and so I was brought in to explore all of the avenues for new business that the new machine brought with it. This was a job I enjoyed but it wasn't quite clicking for me - I was pretty much the only person in my department and I seriously, seriously missed being customer facing. I stayed for about nine months before applying for my PGCE, nicely leading us on to:
Teacher
Ahhh! I mean technically I've not even had my first day as an NQT yet - but I am a teacher. I love it. It's genuinely the job I've always wanted - when I was little, if you'd asked me what I wanted to be then the answer would have been 'teacher' and now I feel like I've finally got myself on that path.
So anyway... That's been a little explore through my #FirstSevenJobs - get yourself over to Twitter and take a scroll through the hashtag to see some other examples of first jobs - and see how your list compares!
I'd absolutely love to know what other jobs you've had and what you loved (or loathed) about them, so leave me a comment below to feed my nosy mentality.
On Turning 25
Yesterday was my 25th birthday - yay! Birthdays are a funny ol' thing when you get a little bit older - it always makes me laugh because people are like "so what are your plans for your birthday?" and I'm just like "probably ordering a takeaway and drinking Prosecco in my pyjamas, why?" - there's an expectation to make plans and do something different and I'm kinda just like nah bro.
I'm obviously on my school holidays (big teacher bonus right there) so yesterday I had a leisurely lie-in, woke up and made myself a 'fancy' Tassimo coffee, sat down and opened my cards. WEIRDLY this was an emotional experience for me this year. I dunno if my hormones are having their monthly domestic but seriously; I was opening birthday cards and bawling my eyes out because I'm obviously not okay hun.
These were happy tears though, obvs. And tears of laughter. You know you're getting old when the cards genuinely mean more to you than the money/cheques falling out of them. Worryingly, 90% of the cards make reference to Prosecco/wine and therefore the cards currently adorning every surface of my living room are making out that I have a definite alcohol problem - and I'm okay with that I guess. People obviously know me well.
Anyway, when I'd managed to take control of my emotions - I had a shower, and got myself dolled up (curled my hair, red lipstick on - made an effort, y'know) to go out for lunch with my Mum. My Mum also works in a high school, so she's off on her jollies as well - which meant we could be proper lunching ladies and take advantage of the day to ourselves. We went to a small local Italian - I drank a very large glass of Sauvignon Blanc with lunch, then ate a massive slab of cheesecake - because calories on birthdays are non-existent. Honestly, it's true!
And do you know what I did for the rest of my day? Not a right lot to be honest. It was bliss. My sister finished work early and came around to my house, and we spent the evening giggling with each other, eating pizza, havinga couple of several drinks, playing around with Snapchat filters (standard 2016 entertainment) and watching films. Side note: I have now decided that Rebel Wilson's character in How to be Single is my new spirit animal. I effing love her.
So what I suppose I'm saying is - I had a pretty low key birthday celebration... And it was pretty awesome. On Monday morning I'm heading up to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival with the family, and we've decided that we'd have a nice meal out whilst there to properly raise a toast to my quarter of a century'th birthday.
Now I'm 25 I feel like it's that kind of age where you're definitely supposed to have your shit together. I feel like I'm doing alright though. I mean sometimes it still takes me three days to wash a plate and I legit despise putting my laundry away but that's normal right?
I'm obviously on my school holidays (big teacher bonus right there) so yesterday I had a leisurely lie-in, woke up and made myself a 'fancy' Tassimo coffee, sat down and opened my cards. WEIRDLY this was an emotional experience for me this year. I dunno if my hormones are having their monthly domestic but seriously; I was opening birthday cards and bawling my eyes out because I'm obviously not okay hun.
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| [Image Source] |
Anyway, when I'd managed to take control of my emotions - I had a shower, and got myself dolled up (curled my hair, red lipstick on - made an effort, y'know) to go out for lunch with my Mum. My Mum also works in a high school, so she's off on her jollies as well - which meant we could be proper lunching ladies and take advantage of the day to ourselves. We went to a small local Italian - I drank a very large glass of Sauvignon Blanc with lunch, then ate a massive slab of cheesecake - because calories on birthdays are non-existent. Honestly, it's true!
And do you know what I did for the rest of my day? Not a right lot to be honest. It was bliss. My sister finished work early and came around to my house, and we spent the evening giggling with each other, eating pizza, having
So what I suppose I'm saying is - I had a pretty low key birthday celebration... And it was pretty awesome. On Monday morning I'm heading up to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival with the family, and we've decided that we'd have a nice meal out whilst there to properly raise a toast to my quarter of a century'th birthday.
Now I'm 25 I feel like it's that kind of age where you're definitely supposed to have your shit together. I feel like I'm doing alright though. I mean sometimes it still takes me three days to wash a plate and I legit despise putting my laundry away but that's normal right?
1 August 2016
Hello
It's me. I was wondering if after all these yea--
Oh do shut up Lorna. You're not Adele. Stop pretending to be her.
Well - I'm back in the land of blogging! However, this time I'm doing it a bit differently. If you know who I am then you'll know that previously I've classed myself as a lifestyle/beauty/food and everything-in-between blogger. This time it's different. This time I'm just here to write about myself, some of the thoughts I have and as you've probably guessed by the name of the blog - sometimes I want to talk about my job.
The reason I've come back to blogging after a short break is simply because I miss having an online voice. I miss having a platform to talk about the things I have thoughts about. I miss the dialogue it opens up with people online - and to be quite honest, sometimes I miss the opportunity for procrastination it inevitably brings to my life.
I'm not aiming to be fancy. I'm not wanting publicity or 'blogger fame' off the back of this - I'm not even after the amazing 'freebies' and experiences that my last blog gave me. I literally just want somewhere to vent my opinions and an online space to call my own again. I've missed it tremendously.
You'll be pleased to hear that I have no hidden agenda, this time I have no spreadsheet telling me what and when to post, I have no tweets scheduled, because give me strength, ain't nobody got time for that! This is going to be real. It's going to be me, posting when I can, about what I like - and that's about it really.
So, to give you a little bit of background on me in case you don't already know who I am:
If you'd not already realised, my name is Lorna. Hiya! I'm a teacher. I'm a Newly Qualified Teacher (or NQT) at the minute. In September, I will begin my first teaching year at a local high school. I'm obviously not going to tell you which high school because 'reasons'. Don't get me wrong, I'm not aiming to be entirely anonymous on this blog but I'm also not wanting you to stalk me or follow me home. You dig?
Anyway, everything's gotta start somewhere, and this is my start. My new beginning, my first ever post as a soon-to-be NQT. I'd love to be able to tell you what to expect, but I can't. I don't know what this is going to turn into (if anything - God knows if I'll even have time to continue this come September) - but meh. Let's just say we're going with the flow and seeing how this going, yeah?
So, welcome aboard - it's sure to be an inconsistent and incredibly rambly journey. I hope you're ready.
Oh do shut up Lorna. You're not Adele. Stop pretending to be her.
The reason I've come back to blogging after a short break is simply because I miss having an online voice. I miss having a platform to talk about the things I have thoughts about. I miss the dialogue it opens up with people online - and to be quite honest, sometimes I miss the opportunity for procrastination it inevitably brings to my life.
I'm not aiming to be fancy. I'm not wanting publicity or 'blogger fame' off the back of this - I'm not even after the amazing 'freebies' and experiences that my last blog gave me. I literally just want somewhere to vent my opinions and an online space to call my own again. I've missed it tremendously.
You'll be pleased to hear that I have no hidden agenda, this time I have no spreadsheet telling me what and when to post, I have no tweets scheduled, because give me strength, ain't nobody got time for that! This is going to be real. It's going to be me, posting when I can, about what I like - and that's about it really.
So, to give you a little bit of background on me in case you don't already know who I am:
If you'd not already realised, my name is Lorna. Hiya! I'm a teacher. I'm a Newly Qualified Teacher (or NQT) at the minute. In September, I will begin my first teaching year at a local high school. I'm obviously not going to tell you which high school because 'reasons'. Don't get me wrong, I'm not aiming to be entirely anonymous on this blog but I'm also not wanting you to stalk me or follow me home. You dig?
Anyway, everything's gotta start somewhere, and this is my start. My new beginning, my first ever post as a soon-to-be NQT. I'd love to be able to tell you what to expect, but I can't. I don't know what this is going to turn into (if anything - God knows if I'll even have time to continue this come September) - but meh. Let's just say we're going with the flow and seeing how this going, yeah?
So, welcome aboard - it's sure to be an inconsistent and incredibly rambly journey. I hope you're ready.
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