Roughly two years ago I left a job that was making me feel miserable and unfulfilled. It was a rather spontaneous decision which left members of the family a bit thrown off course and we did have a bit of a wobbly time. But, I decided I was not going to stress about it and let the Universe show me the right path.
A friend suggested a job at a dear little school working 1-1 with a young Autistic boy. It was less hours and less money but I thought What the Hell and checked it out. After visiting the school to chat with the Head I then had one of the worst migraines ever, which meant I was unable to prepare for other interviews I had lined up for the following a week. I decided this was A Sign so took the job thinking I could supplement my income with Woollycraft Workshops and selling my hand crafted wares.
What I discovered during my two years of working with my new friend was an aptitude, skill set and love of supporting non-neuro typical children. I also discovered the only part of my so-called business I actually enjoyed was the making....I was useless at self promotion, I found selling at markets stressful and I struggled to 'put myself out there' . I liked sharing my skills and tools doing workshops but found it hard to get the word out and attract enough participants.
As the two years progressed my hours increased and the time spent on my 'business' decreased. I had also joined the wonderful Wiltshire Mighty Girls, helping run afterschool clubs empowering our next generation of young women find their confidence and their voice in what still appears to be a male dominated world.
Then by the end of the last academic year my friend was due to move onto a specialist autism unit much better suited to his needs, I was looking at finding another job.
Cue another wobbly time. I was tentatively offered some hours to stay at the school which left me with the quandary of staying somewhere safe and familiar or moving on to pastures new.
Again the Universe came through with a possible role at the autism unit my friend was moving to. I went for it and got the job and I'm now a month into my new role. I have to say I LOVE IT. The unit has 29 primary aged children all with the same diagnosis but all different and wonderfully unique. I love how everyone's characters and quirks are accepted and I really do agree with Greta Thunberg when she calls her Asperger's diagnosis her Super Power!
So, for now, Woollycraft has returned to an activity that soothes my Soul. An activity that helps me process a often challenging day, a chance to just make the things I love for the people I love. I no longer have to worry about monetising my creativity, I can just enjoy it but I shall continue to create and share my creations as when I feel like it.
Boat life continues as usual...
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