My working life began in the Inland Revenue. Two years later, refusing to be held back by a freeze on promotions, I struck out into the excitement of a tax advisor’s job in a Chartered Accountancy firm.  But, in two years there, I did not find much sustenance in the daily grind of stretching only a few hours’ work to fit a seven-hour timesheet. Onwards I went, to a national finance company within the motor sector; onwards and upwards I’m glad to say: I loved it. I relished the introduction of new technologies; the continuous striving for (and always meeting!) targets; the negotiations; the management courses; the feeling of satisfaction of a job well done. Most of all, I enjoyed interacting with, learning from, and sometimes guiding, people from a wide range of backgrounds and ages. I think it was there that I first became aware that attention to detail and being a people person are, perhaps unusually, both parts of my behavioural style.

Much as I loved my work, I left because I was, fortunately, able to be a full-time mum to my first and then to my two daughters. I thoroughly enjoyed motherhood and avoided mental stasis by helping my husband in his business activities and related social commitments. I always had one class or another on the go and took part in courses ranging from child psychology with the Open University, through ‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’ art classes, to Accounting and a NEBSM certificate in Supervisory Management. Additionally, I sat on several committees and had great fun working as a Play Leader in the local playgroup.

In my biography, there’s no way to avoid the horrible ‘in 1998, my husband died’.  After many intervening years and much heartache, though, I can look back and proclaim ‘I have survived.’ And, with pride, ‘I have thrived.’

I returned to work, in the local high school, at improving attendance figures before moving across to supporting students with learning and/or behavioural difficulties. I loved that work which I found very fulfilling. Following my need for continuous self-improvement, though, I headed off to Dundee University. Hard work (studying Philosophy, History, Career Planning and English), determination, as well as many hours of committee work and fun culminated in my collecting an MA (English), First Class Honours, in 2007. Then, I was unable to resist an invitation, from the University of Montana, to study there. What an adventure! I lived there for two years, and worked my passage by teaching Composition and Rhetoric in the university.  After studying Advanced Strategies in Teaching, and English, I graduated with my Masters Degree.

By my return to Scotland, my passion for language was equalled by my love of teaching.  In 2011, I graduated with a TQFE – a postgraduate certificate in teaching in further education. I have also broadened my practical experience by teaching students from many different backgrounds, ages and motivations.  As well as coaching middle managers within a national utilities company, I have written and delivered courses into the oil industry on technical writing. I am currently enjoying preparing a business-history course.