GBE2 topic of the week: Work

I've been wondering what to write about the topic of Work.  Many people have had a wide variety of interesting jobs, but I only had one - teaching.  Okay, it was in three different High Schools over a period of 25 years, and I did teach a variety of subjects. Although my main subject was History, I also got roped in to teaching other things from time to time, ranging from Geography (which I hated at school!) to French for just one term (with the worst French accent ever!).

Then I got to thinking about other 'work' I've done, and in particular my voluntary work.

For over 20 years, I was the leader of a Girl Guide Company and also held various 'adviser' roles in our local District and County, ranging from PR, to Arts, to Training, and ending as County Commissioner, with responsibility for all the adults leaders in our local area.  And if that wasn't work, I don't know what was! Meetings nearly every evening or visits to units or helping leaders with their training - and their problems too.  But it was very satisfying 'work'.

Then for about 12 years I directed musical shows (2 shows each year) with the Junior Section of our local Musical Theatre Group, and frequently was involved with making costumes, scenery and props, as well as actually directing the action on the stage.  The few weeks leading up to 'Show Week' often involved the hardest work I've ever done! But so rewarding to see those teenagers wow their audiences with their acting, singing and dancing and to watch them gain in confidence (and talent) each year.

But now I'm retired, not just from my paid work but also from my voluntary work (well, almost all of it!). So have I stopped working?  Don't believe it!  I'm working as hard as ever, but now my efforts are directed at writing my novels and then promoting them. It's a different kind of work, but it's still hard-going at times. 

However, just as my teaching and voluntary work were satisfying and rewarding, so is my writing, especially when a reader tells me how much she's enjoyed my book!