Promotion! Scared but excited!

[MelanieJ]

Hey gang! I work at the 5th largest bank in the U.S. as a training coordinator. Last week, I got a "promotion" to trainer! (That is, the responsibility but so far, not more money...) I'm excited but scared out of my whits too! I'll be training a technical system and right now am trying to learn it. I've got a ton of work on my plate right now...I'm feeling very overwhelmed but am trying to manage my stress level and not flare my IC/PFD (which has been GREAT for the last several months). My new job will require some travel. My last trip on an airplane set me into a flare (from stress due to flying phobia!) and I'm really worried about that! How horrible would it be to be in a flare and trying to teach a class?!? My boss knows I have a chronic illness but not what it is nor my limitations. I need to find out more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act, just in case this gets to be too much for me...

Anyways...I wanted to share this news with my IC family and also share with those who understand my worries and fears about my health. Any support would be appreciated right now.

Melanie J.

[ICNDonna]

Congratulations! (and advice )

If flying really is stressful for you, talk to your doctor about this. My daughter takes a mild relaxant before flying and does exceptionally well with it.

I think it's great that you are being offered this opportunity. It may be a little stressful at first, but after the first class the stress will ease.

Sending an encouraging hug,
Donna

[Melanie]

Melanie,
Congratulations! I really hope it works out for you. I wish you the best of luck! Training and teaching is my dream job. I hope I'll be able to do it someday, if my IC ever gets under control.
take care,
Mel

[yvette]

WOO HOO!!!!!!! Hooray for Melanie

I am so proud of you, try not to stress & put those good coping/relaxation techniques to work! I know...easier said than done...its normal to have a bit of fear. I think we all feel that with new experiences. But I have faith in you, you will be wonderful. I will send you good thoughts and vibes, and best wishes for things to come....
hugs,
y.

[MelanieJ]

Thanks, you guys!!! I guess I'd be a little less freaked out if the promotion wasn't accompanied by a lot of conflict on our team (everyone is looking for a new job, has left or is quitting). It's very messy right now and our bossy is the shifty type. <sigh...> If it was my old boss, who was very cool and sympathetic about my IC, I wouldn't be even 1/2 as afraid.

I wonder how teachers who have IC manage their jobs? Right now, I'm trying to come up with strategies on how to leave the classroom to use the bathroom as often as I need. Geez! I'm starting to miss my cushy desk job that didn't require any demands on my body! <gulp!> What in the world have I gotten myself into?!?!? I guess it's true that you should be careful what you wish for!

Hugs to everybody as I continue freaking out,
Melanie J.

[This message has been edited by MelanieJ (edited 04-25-2001).]

[Alexa]

Congratulations!!! That is great news Melanie!!!!!!!

I'm a teacher too. I teach ESL (English as a Second Language) to adults, so I'm lucky because they don't have to be supervised every minute like kids do (I used to teach kids and found it quite difficult to sneak out to the washroom). I incorporate a lot of pair and group work, and find it easier to sneak out during these times. The students are distracted with their task or activity, and don't notice if you step out for a minute or two. Of course I've had to use little white lies at times .... Sometimes I've said I forgot something at my desk in the staff room and have to run up and get it. And I always keep an "emergency" activity on hand...just a 10 minute activity I can take out at any time to keep the students occupied if I'm having a really bad IC moment!
I hope this helps, and if you need any more "tips" about teaching with IC (which I have extensively developed over the last couple of years! ) ...just let me know!

Good luck and don't forget to enjoy yourself! Teaching is such a wonderful profession...I feel very fortunate to be working in this field!

Lots of love and hugs,
Alexa

[MelanieJ]

Alexa!!!!! I would love to chat with you more off line! Here's my email address:
Treehugger30@excite.com. I have lots of questions for you!!

Melanie J.