Cheers to 2024!

I know that for some people a new year means all change, but for some it’s just another year. I like to think of starting the new year as a chance of starting afresh, I think maybe I feel like this due to fighting chronic illness for so many years now, I like to set little goals – it gives me some hope on my dark days. However, this isn’t going to be a “New Year, New Me!” type post (I promise).

In my last post I was deciding whether I should start the PGCE course I deferred. Well, I sensibly decided to withdraw from the course, rather than deferring again, and prolonging being in limbo. When I applied in 2020 my health was much better than it is now, and I hoped my dream of teaching might be my life starting. Aside from a fulfilling vocation, I was hoping to improve my prospects, and hoping to move back Down Under permanently one day. In 2021 my Covid risk was too high, in 2022 I was too unwell, and this year no improvement. It’s a shame as this year would have been perfect in that our government had reinstated the training bursary for English teachers.

I had thought about potentially studying for a part-time Masters in Creative Writing, but I told no one until I’d been offered a place. My thinking was that I need a sense of purpose, and now I have the time, why not pursue something I enjoy? I want to be a writer, and I want to be held accountable by someone or something.

I had the option of a place with The Open University or Brighton University, but I accepted the place with the O U. Studying with the O U is very flexible, and I study when I feel well enough in the day. My aim is just to write and see where it takes me. It seems to be going well so far, with a supportive tutor and tutor group.

I’d love to be a published author eventually, and/or be a freelance writer/copywriter, but maybe add Proofreading/Copy Editing to the mix. Teaching isn’t totally out of the equation yet, it’s on the backburner, maybe I’ll have more to offer students with more experience in writing.

For 2024 I don’t have any resolutions as such, just a continuation of my hopes for 2023 - which is my health improving or not worsening. Any hospital appointments this year haven’t yielded any answers but have raised more questions than anything. So, my aim is to be fitter and stronger, have more fun, catch up with some friends I haven’t seen in too long (Perth friends, that includes you), and make it through to the end of the year!

Cheers and a Happy New Year to you all,

Love Jo xx