When I left the paper and returned to the school, which were intertwined, the third option, the other school, was cut loose as a not compatible option.

After a term revisiting my old life, I am in the same place for better or worse. I have no contract, no security, no official place, just a vocal pledge, knowledge I am wanted and happy enough with that I guess.

At first the reality of my new-old circumstances hit hard. Back to where I started, only a commitment for a larger marketing budget funnelled my way. The school can (and does) bring in others as needed, for specialist tasks or even some old projects that need consistency.

Then I realised, the freedom that they have, goes both ways. I am a contractor (without a contract), not a signed-on staff member, so when the other school, not a competitor, a different financial base, got in touch to see if I was keen to do some small jobs, I thought, why not. I am never going to be wealthy doing this work, comfortable would be the dream, but even that is a stretch.

Having two similar, but unconnected employers could work.

Anyway, today some football, something this school is very strong at.