The year that was (2012)

Wow, what a year, this post is the first with a little more information on my life over the year that has just passed.  A crazy year, perhaps the busiest, most rewarding and fruitful in my time...

It all started at the beginning of the year, I was struggling with university, after contemplating quitting or going part time to ease the burden. The burden of working, trying to be a father and a full time student, or more importantly trying to fulfil these things to my ability.  But my ability was limited by time and time was affected by work and being a good father, the cracks took place, my work was chaotic and read badly.  Sadly the effects of late nights, early mornings and long days caused my university work to suffer.

Towards the end of term my university life was aborted or halted to the arrival of my second daughter, finding the motivation after spending a couple of weeks with this new bundle was difficult, knowing I would soon have to concentrate and prepare for exams very quickly. But alas these shortcomings were overcome, with dedication came clarity, which paid off in my examinations, my dissertation and final assignments, which would become my best results!  My daughter was a very good baby, smiled so much, every morning was rewarding in itself and she slept through from only a few months, a blessing indeed.

After many weeks anticipating results I looked over my web page in shock, I had actually achieved higher than I thought, obviously with my level of confidence I assumed it was a mistake.  Truthfully I contacted friends to find out what there's said, could it be right, I was so happy for my friends, those that had worked got their rewards.  The graduation was easier, having been there the year before, but this felt something more, having worked so hard, making sacrifices (especially monetary) and took some pictures with my fellow graduates.  I also managed a quick talk with one of my peers and introduced them to my family, whom quickly realised what a nice gentleman he was and how he had helped me (he suggests nothing of the sort though and refutes he helped at all)!

The year was closing after spending endless nights writing blog entries, typing up covering letters, cv's and filing in application forms in the hope of finding new work.  I had hit my stumbling block, work, because of university I had changed, I longed for change, for curiosity and stimulation (intellectual).  My progress was slow, so so many chats to perspective recruiters, some great interviews, I was getting my interview style to a tea.  I had limited experience for the jobs I applied for, but I had something to offer most others didn't have or wouldn't ever have, willingness.  After working voluntary at some stage in all 3 years I had worked in the industry in the only means possible, after all I was only working 3 days a week in paid employment.  This is the reason I believe I got interviews, who else had worked for the last 4 years on a 4 day week and then thought I will give up a further day and volunteer - and yes before you comment I had children and a mortgage and high petrol bill!

So there I was fretting over a great interview at university I recently attended before I got the ever so common sorry, though I admit they were ever so nice and urged me to try next time - it was just not my time.  Luckily a position came up working in a school a bit further a field, but I felt terrible, full of cold and barely eating I went for it.  I felt I pitched myself badly in a way but I got my points across and unbelievably I got the job, i was so shocked.  The weirdest feeling, leaving a job after 20 years, what do you do, I had no experience of swapping jobs!

So I left my job and entered IT full time in the educational sector (at long last) and thoroughly enjoy the endeavour, the learning and frequent lack of knowledge I realise many people have, it wasn't just me after all!  the job has meant diversity through learning web stuff (soon) to audio and visual work with stage lighting, school disco's and concerts.

The build up to Christmas was a very busy period for my new role, but I'm thankful for learning and pushing myself, I got my wish.  I had a new career, I was getting challenged in many ways, I was working with intellectuals and I was now an experienced father of 2.

What a year, a degree, a child, a new job, and after all that time with my old job what did I feel after leaving you may ask?  Well to be frank, I felt nothing, it was so odd, I assumed I may break down on the last day, but no, we didn't even go for a drink!

I believe now after years like this and learning in both education and parental speaking I have found my calling, I have arose from a slumber.  I now embrace and look forward, whatever is in the future is out of my hands, but bring it on I say!