Well, the title says it all, doesn’t it? As of next Monday, I work my final freelance lesson so as to better manage my life and mental health. It’s been a bit weird in my newish job: I thought reducing the number of workplaces I go to would reduce the mental load but instead, stupidly, brain makes tons of suggestions of things to do. I also started some different research projects which are exciting (to me) but also time consuming.
Now, even though I am not a freelancer any more (for the time being?), I am very much doing my own thing with my professional development. Work is very laissez-faire about what I do but I can as to order any number of books for our intensive course teachers’ library, and have had this for a while and honestly it’s brill to just know that I can get stuff basically whenever.
Anyway, this is a bit of a rambling post, but basically, some stuff that I have been looking at that relates very much to TESOL teaching issues and such are:
Giulia’s post about her bag, which is essentially any freelancer’s office.
Bullet Journal, which I have dabbled with, went to buy a different book about productivity and couldn’t find it so bought Ryder Carroll’s The Bullet Journal Method.
The latest Teachers as Workers post on working conditions (which says that working conditions in Germany are similar to those in Japan); keep your eyes peeled for a new post by me on the iTDi blog, too.
I am also looking quite critically at task-based language teaching stuff: not especially negatively, just critically, and hopefully will have a paper out about it sometime in the next year or something.
Anyway, those of you on holidays, enjoy them. Those still teaching, thanks for stopping by while you are so busy.
Congratulations, Marc, on your new career! I’m sure once things settle down, it will be a great relief in terms of working hours etc. Interested in your article on TBLT, do keep us posted! Cheers, Kamila
Hi Kamila,
Thanks very much. As for the article, once it’s done I’ll send it along.
I hope you’ll find the new job less stressful and more motivating, change is usually a good thing.
As regards The Bullet Journal Method, if you get past the whole “this will make every aspect of you life better” stuff on the book, you’ll find that it makes a lot of sense. I’ve never been really convinced by it, but after reading the book I’ve been experimenting with it for a couple of weeks, and now I’m finding it much more useful and convenient than I thought. If you do try it, let us know what you think.
Oh, and thanks for the link. ^_^
Hi Giulia,
I am already using it. I’ve been using variations on it for about a year or so but desperately needed an alternative to GTD. I like how it fits in with Agile/Sprint project management as well, which is handy for various research and materials I have. I would love to put pictures up but there is barely a page without stuff I feel uneasy putting on the internet.
The new job is great, by the way. Sometimes tiring, but nice. 🙂
Oh, that’s great. Why don’t you just write about how you use it and how it helps you organise research projects then? No pictures necessary. 🙂
Oh, quite probably during the summer. 🌞
Hi Marc, so your last freelance class is tomorrow? I’m glad your new employer is flexible re CPD and it sounds great to have access to a good library and to be able to keep adding to it. I read the post you linked to on the TAW website – depressing stuff. Definitely makes you feel better about quitting freelancing, even if it’s just for a while. Anyway, thanks for the holiday wishes; just got back from mine and still getting used to the office again. Looking forward to the TBLT article, like Kamila!
Thanks so much, Vedrana. I hope you had a brill time. Last lesson f freelancing starts in 9 and a half hours!
My main job is really nice and I love it, but it keeps me busy so not much blogging!
Thanks so much, and see you on Twitter.