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Post by Jan and Shah on Feb 5, 2017 12:40:46 GMT -5
It took a number of months for my health to settle but I knew that this was the aftermath of all the stress I had been going through. Don't know that it is a good idea staying at the same school - you are in physical danger. Do you report your injuries and the children that cause them? I cant believe the school principal doesn't do anything about it. Taking stress leave can be a bit of a two edged sword. While it gets you out of your current situation, it can work against you if you are applying for another job. And while you say you will be stressed while at school and not at home if you take on a casual role, you know in your heart that that isn't true. I used to stand across the road from where I worked every morning and cry - every Sunday I would get upset and not sleep that night. Can you just leave and devote your time to finding another job - even if it is waitressing or something like that until you find the right job?
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Post by biteybird on Feb 6, 2017 0:40:01 GMT -5
All I've ever done work-wise is the Army and school teaching - so I have zero experience in retail or hospitality...
I just have to keep trying, I guess. I am getting impatient to hear from V/Line, seeing as I passed their medical (I haven't received any written confirmation of that yet). I hope a vacancy comes up soon.
It sounds as though you were quite a mess when you left. I'm well acquainted with not sleeping on Sunday nights, too! It's not a good state to be in at all.
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Post by biteybird on Feb 8, 2017 3:38:56 GMT -5
Today my assistant was head-butted by a student and had to go to the doctor with possible concussion...I was given two other staff for the afternoon (one to help with the most violent student), but I was exhausted by the end of the school day, the same as every other day since the kids returned; only 7 days! My face hurts on both sides - I think it's from clenching my jaw all day. In front of everyone at work I was fine & calm, but once I left I actually got quite upset.
I'm still exploring other job options, but now it's just a question of whether my sanity can last waiting until another opportunity presents itself.
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Post by easttex on Feb 8, 2017 7:15:00 GMT -5
Is there any chance that you could combine the two things you know well into one job? I haven't a clue how these things are run in Australia, but the US service academies hire some civilians to teach the cadets in academic areas. Maybe there are some opportunities in private schools geared to the military? (These might be more common here than there.) I did some teaching of adults in the past, and I imagine that it is very different to teach motivated adults, or semi-adults, from what you're doing now.
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Post by biteybird on Feb 9, 2017 2:17:59 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestion, Easttex...as far as I'm aware there is little or no scope for that sort of thing in Australia. In fact, the Defence Force keeps cutting funding (e.g., now there are only 2 full-time Army bands in Australia, where there used to be one 50-piece military band in each state & two in New South Wales). I know it sounds pessimistic of me, but the only thing here that seems to attract big money or interest from the general population and corporations/organisations is sport (AFL -Aussie Rules football, cricket, tennis, golf). I just have to keep looking, keep thinking and keep positive!  |
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Post by biteybird on Feb 21, 2017 6:13:00 GMT -5
I am still waiting to hear from V/Line...getting somewhat impatient now! Meanwhile have applied for another Melbourne trainee train driving position for Pacific National. I still have not heard back from a couple of jobs I applied for in the Northern Territory back in Dec/early January. My assistant has had a couple of weeks off school, due back this coming Monday. I've had casual staff each day while she's been away, not knowing who I have until the school day begins (and having to relay safety alert info to them as quickly as possible each day). We've been having parent meetings last week and this week to set goals for the year. It's hard yakka all right, but have to keep going. |
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Post by aaron on Feb 21, 2017 11:29:03 GMT -5
Sheesh. I hope you find a better situation soon, Biteybird! Life sounds like it is pretty intense for you right now.
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Post by biteybird on Feb 22, 2017 4:30:21 GMT -5
Thanks Aaron! My way of looking at it is: if you want something to change then make it happen - if you don't try and make anything happen, then don't whinge! Easier said than done, but I know I HAVE to be proactive and look after my health first.
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Post by easttex on Feb 22, 2017 6:57:56 GMT -5
Excellent philosophy, biteybird. I like to grouse about things sometimes, but life's too short to accept being really unhappy about something that you can change. On a completely unrelated note, I dreamed last night I was in Australia. I remember saying that if things got too bad here, I would like to move there. I've spent time in New Zealand, but never made to Australia. I've known some great Aussies. |
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Post by biteybird on Feb 24, 2017 3:28:24 GMT -5
On a completely unrelated note, I dreamed last night I was in Australia. I remember saying that if things got too bad here, I would like to move there. I've spent time in New Zealand, but never made to Australia. I've known some great Aussies. Are things getting bad over there? If you want to come to Australia for a holiday or something more permanent you are more than welcome to stay with us - we'll show you around and take care of you! I'm sure your Navy postings would have brought you into contact with some great people of many nationalities.
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Post by biteybird on Mar 22, 2017 5:13:15 GMT -5
Update: I've been offered a job in Darwin! Yet to sign a contract, but offer has been made. It starts on 18th April and is a Special Education teaching job (probably the same as what I'm doing now, but in a really small school) - I figure that the Northern Territory Education Department may be better than the Victorian one, so why not give it a go... It is for Terms 2, 3 & 4 (probationary period) this year, then if successful in the probation period it would be for 60 months. I would have to leave hubby behind for a few months until we're sure it's right. I would take Bonnie with me. Exciting & scary, but I'm set to go! |
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Post by easttex on Mar 22, 2017 8:37:44 GMT -5
Congratulations biteybird! That must be a monumental spirit-lifter for you. I knew it was just a matter of time before someone would be smart enough to snatch you up!
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Post by Caseysmom on Mar 22, 2017 18:07:40 GMT -5
Wow! Congratulations! What a neat big adventure for you! Very exciting!
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Post by biteybird on Mar 23, 2017 1:35:26 GMT -5
Thanks! It's kind of scary in a way (I've always lived in Melbourne), but really more exciting than scary. The thing is I only have just over a week until I have to leave - I'm driving up to Darwin, which is a 40-hour drive, so after the school term finishes at the end of March I'll be off. I have to make sure things at school are organised for the next person & there is a HEAP of admin due, along with meetings nearly every night after school next week (which is the last week of Term 1), so I will have to stay back several nights to make sure it's all squared away.  ...then I have to find somewhere to live that doesn't cost the Earth (Darwin rental prices are about the same or slightly more expensive than Melbourne, looking at $400+ per week, depending). :0 |
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Post by Jan and Shah on Mar 23, 2017 12:14:39 GMT -5
Congratulations Biteybird - that's great news. Such a big move and from one weather extreme to another. However, I really liked the NT when I visited many years ago - full of interesting scenery and people.
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