It feels a bit pretentious posting a message about me, but it's easier than trying to PM everyone who I think might like to know!

As most of you are aware that at the end of July, I decided to take a break from teaching. On reflection, I can say that at the end of April I had what I can only describe as some sort of complete meltdown (I hate the word 'breakdown') which was a real eye-opener and jolly well made me think.

During the past few months, on the excellent advice of my singing teacher, I kept on 4-5 pupils on an ad-hoc basis, to keep my finger 'in the pie' as it were. We did a lot of thinking, and got quite close to moving house at one point, but we can't afford the financial risk of it at the moment. I've done lots of other things too, all too numerous to list here!

Anyway, the long and the short of it is that I now feel refreshed and revived and have decided to start teaching again in January. If nothing else, taking a step back for a few months has most definitely reinforced what I want to do with my life - sometimes you have to stop something to appreciate how much you enjoy it. The break has also given me a chance to make some changes to the way I run my 'business' - I have decided to restrict my teaching to school terms (about 40 weeks a year) and charge up-front per half-term for everyone (no discounts either) - I think that this is much more in line with what others are doing, and it will save me a great deal of administration time. I have been busy setting up a spreadsheet so I can mail merge my invoices at the beginning of each term. I've written to all my ex-pupils, and have already signed up seven to start in January again.

For me, it was a real wake-up call and something you should all look out for. It's easy to just keep pedalling away fearful of what might happen when you stop. For me, this break has been a real revalation in one way or another, and I'm looking forward to getting back to what I love doing.

Thank you for all your wonderful support over these months (and it was so nice to meet some of you too!)

David

p.s. sorry to dissapoint those who thought I was going to give up and go away

Hope you have a very successful and enjoyable 2010 David

You are so right David. It's very easy to lose perspective when we are stuck in the day-to-day routine. Reading your posts, I have always felt you are probably a natural teacher, but teaching involves giving a lot of yourself emotionally and practically.

I think it is wise to delay starting until after January - in that way you reduce the pressures around XMas and will have more energy when you do get started.

Like Barry I wish you all the best for 2010.

All good wishes David - many of us will know what you mean by 'meltdown' - I'm glad that you're heading out of it with a positive and inspired attitude!

I'm with the others David in sending you good wishes, and pleased you've come out of the other side and still wish to teach I did the same as you several years ago in taking payments upfront and sticking to term time teaching where I can. Another thing I did, as recommended by a few others on here, was join www.musicteachershelper.com which has cut down no end of admin for me, and also cut down on the amount of phone calls of pupils ringing with reminders of when their lessons are etc., as they get their own log-in and can check themselves.

Hope 2010 is the start of more relaxed teaching for you (if there is such a thing )

Very best wishes David, and your recent Diploma award will enhance your service and reputation, and make it easier to re-build your practice. A nice boost that you've already got some of your old pupils back as well. You sound to me like a very dedicated teacher and you deserve every success

I agree completely with Skylark's message. I'm so glad you're feeling ready to get back to full-time teaching and wish you a very happy and successful 2010.

good for you, i wish you the very best for your re-start in 2010.

we all need to learn to listen to our body and mind. both performing and teaching are incredibly rewarding, but they also take a lot out of you. one reason why i made a decision myself almost 4 years ago to mainly concentrate on teaching, and i haven't looked back since. it is the best decision i've ever made, but i'm also much more careful these days to get the work-life balance right, even if that means less money.

i hope that you'll also find your own perfect balance, best of luck ...

So glad to hear you are feeling better David. It's good that you have decided to teach again. Wishing you all the best,
Bev.

It sounds as if you are feeling on top of things once more and really positive about your future teaching. We all need a break sometimes and I think in the scheme of things your tricky patch was just a little blip. There is so much to enjoy about being a musician and teacher, we just have to get the balance right!

You've got a great future ahead of you David and loads of time to continue your professional development. You have achieved so much already, so I guess by the time you're my age (late 40s) you will have your LRSM and more! Best of luck with it all

Well done David for getting back on track! Hope things go well for you in 2010.

That's good news, David. Hope everything goes well next year.

I think you've shown a huge amount of wisdom in how you have dealt with this situation. Very best of luck for your future plans.

David, may I wish you all the best for a wonderful career in teaching in whatever discipline you choose. May I ask why your recent diploma, an associate if I recall, will help you more than the Fellowships that you have already though? I should be asking Skylark I think as it was her notion. Please keep us in the picture about your career plans. Go you!

Different subjects.

Certainly not disappointed David, although I would be disappointed to lose the one student who came to me

Very best of luck, and hope to see you again soon,

D x

As several people know already, I had a bit of a 'meltdown' six or so years ago now. The doctor diagnosed complete physical and mental exhaustion and promptly signed me off work for six months (it actually took me nearly five to recover) - I slept almost solidly for the first month and when I wasn't sleeping I was crying. This was NOT a nice place to be and was the result of 26 years of non-stop teaching, including a lot of pretty stressful (for me) situations and pushing myself to the limit at times.

So well done, David, for taking this break when you felt you needed it - and I'm delighted that you are coming back into teaching with renewed energy, vigour and enthusiasm (we need all of those things in spades!).

And I so hope that over the next few years you will be able to start some Kodály and Dalcroze training - you would be great and I think you would love it!

All the very best in all you do.

Wow! A multi-talented musician then. Well done you!

You never know, he might prefer you!

Good luck for the future David.
It's people like you guys on the forum who are enthusiastic about their jobs that inspire people like me to keep going and make it as a music teacher one day with the same enthusiasm you have.
So thank you!
PSL

Do feel free to email me if you'd really like me to answer your question


(You're sounding more and more familiar, although I'm sure I've never met you, JohnBH - you must have a doppleganger who I have met )

I agree totally with Andante here!

It seems that most of us go through a phase of pushing ourselves too hard before we realise that it is not worth it! I'm glad you've decided to go back to teaching David and also that you'll be taking the time off. There is a very good reason that schools close for long periods in the summer, and it's not just for the kids' benefit!!! Time for ourselves is SO important, not only in the hols, but throughout the year too. I work pretty hard (but not to the point of killing myself!) and get six weeks totally off in the summer...without the time to recharge and re-energise I don't think I would be able to do the job.

Best of luck David and don't forget to take care of yourself first!

I don't know - he's been a several years with you, and 2 months with me!

It's great news David. I think taking a break was axctually a very courageous decision - it's so easy just to soldier on until you hit the wall. Glad you feel revived and all the very best for January.

Excellent news David - it's all too easy to forget how to get off the treadmill!

All the very best for next year and beyond.

I don't take kindly to threats and intimidation, JohnBH, so I've forwarded your PM to the mods, and if necessary I can prove to them that your attempt to intimidate me into removing my post is unfounded. I've now put you on block.

David - you've been SO sensible and I look forward to your valued contribution on the AB forum as an active teacher once more.

I agree wi C - you really WOULD love K & D (and think of the stickers - just ask Baz!)

All the best,

Bag x

Glad you've found your feet again David! It is good news that you are going to more formal contractual arrangements too, everyone knows where they stand then.

David, I'm so delighted that you've decided to continue teaching. It can be a tough and lonely job at times, but it's wonderful to be able to earn a living doing something you love so much!

I had a really serious breakdown (for want of a better word - I completely stopped functioning for a while) when I was 24 and it made me think a lot about all kinds of things. Nearly eight years on, I still have to be careful, and although I still come quite close to the edge at times, I've worked out that preserving the school holidays and Saturdays helps me to cope.

All the best for 2010.

I'm sure you will feel much more refreshed with your teaching - wishing you good luck and sending positive vibes your way!