I am known for keeping personal and professional lives separate. Mike and Mr Glavin were separate. Even my wardrobe was segregated. Top rail Mike. Bottom rail Mr Glavin. In work, many didn’t know Mike. They were kept at a professional distance by Mr Glavin.
Five years ago today, I left work and never returned. A highly successful career, excellent attendance and sustained resilience ended. Deep vein thrombosis, a complex irregular heartbeat, stomach ulcers and situational stress could no longer be overcome by pushing the adrenalin pedal. I was broken- physically, mentally and emotionally. I felt I had lost everything. I had failed. I didn’t want to be here.
Time, medics, friends and family healed me.
Today the finalised accounts for last financial year arrived. Its seems that I have created and now lead a successful small business. I love what I do. I support others to make a difference for learners. Mike and Mr Glavin combine powerfully to achieve this. I can now head towards full retirement feeling that I gave back and that I can end on a successful note.
So why share this now? What’s brought about the shift from a lifelong practice of being private?
The fifth anniversary of my leaving work and the arrival of the finalised accounts for Mike Glavin Catalyst Limited, provided the trigger, but it’s what I see happening in schools that provides the driving motivation to share. I feel that others may benefit by learning from my mistakes.
In schools I see leaders and staff battling to get the very best for the children in their care. They battle against ever growing societal need such as poverty and challenging behaviour. They fight increasingly complex policies, processes and procedures that stifle rather than facilitate. They often battle within failing buildings with inadequate resources and they seem powerless to resist further financial cuts. This is all done within a range of accountability systems, some of which destroy the very people that are needed to bring about the school improvement required. In short, I see people that may benefit from hearing the following:
If you are broken, you can heal.
If you are breaking, stop now. It is easier to heal now than if you break.
If you are strong, do all that you can to maintain that, know that we can all break (yes, even you) and ensure that in life you heal rather than damage others.
Hope helpful
Mike
I love this so much Mike. I know how much it must have taken to write and share, but I’m so glad you have. This needs to be heard, far and wide.
It is not surprising to me that you’ve created such great successes after experiencing such lows, because you are an incredible man with skills and talents unsurpassed in my humble opinion. I’m so grateful that I have always be able to turn to you for support and advice and Im proud to call you my friend. X
Your words and the sentiment behind them mean a great deal. Thank you so much.
As someone who was privileged to work alongside you I am so pleased you found an outlet to keep driving your desire to get the best from the pupils while trying to maintain the sanity of the staff.
You will always be the one very special person for whom I have nothing but admiration and respect.
Maybe it was a good thing that your health issues finally caught up with you and you had the opportunity to stop and consider where you could still play an active role in education but at a slightly slower pace.
Be proud and think of all those children and colleagues who have been so privileged to have had their lives touched by Mr Gavin’s determination and passion.
How I wish my grandchildren had been some of them.
Take care.
Thanks Barbara. I loved the time we worked together! Such happy memories!
I greatly appreciate your comments. They mean a great deal.
Best wishes for all that you do. Thank you for your bravery and honesty.
Many thanks.
Thanks Mike for this. Isn’t it monstrous how good people are put under such astonishing pressure – often by people who couldn’t do a teacher or a headteacher’s job, even if they tried. And then there’s a pressure we put on ourselves, because that’s us. Your insight is much appreciated.
Thanks Geraint.
I agree that the pressure is particularly hard to take from those that have never worked in a school! Its hard to reason with those talking from pure ignorance!
A very good article Michael reflecting on the highs and lows and the stresses and high points many teachers and heads go through.
So pleased you’ve come through personally and enjoy your retirement when it arrives.
Many thanks. Greatly appreciated.