Page 201 - She's One Crazy Lady!

Why were they so keen to ‘pay me off’? “ I did eventually complete the forms. I had to fully explain, in detail
how ‘ill’ I was and why. I was NOT ill! It was the ‘treatment’ that was making feel unwell and causing temporary nasty side-effects. I felt as though I was having to lie in answering some of the questions in order for them to produce a suggested ‘package’ but when the estimated ‘settlement’ figures were sent to me I realised that, even though I would get a lump sum from the superannuation amounts I had paid in and my ill-health pension would be enhanced by six years, I would not be able to live adequately on the Teacher’s Pension that was proposed – I was only 47 – unable to draw my retirement pension for thirteen years, or more. (More, as it turned out, as the goal posts kept moving for women born in my year – the retiring date changing from 60, then to 62, to 64, then to 66 – the cut off point just three days before October 9th, my birthday! I remember joking with Mum that, had she given birth just three days earlier I would have benefitted from an extra two years’ pension.)
Over the next few weeks my mind was in turmoil for I seriously did not know what to do or who to talk to. Everyone around me had their opinions and were quick to express them:
“If I was you Glennis, I’d accept their ‘Golden Handshake’ and let them get on with it.”
“They’ve obviously messed things up so get out girl.”
“Wait until your treatment is over.”
“With all that you have had done and the treatment you’re having, I’d
call it a day. You’ve deserved it.”
“Having had time away, I bet you don’t want to go back. I know I
wouldn’t.”
“Would you really be up for the challenge again?”
“Put your health first Glennis, you’ve been through so much.”
“Stick it out Glennis. You worked so hard to get that Headship. Don’t
let the buggers bring you down. It’s not your fault the School is in a mess.”
Some even said I should have returned the forms empty, showing my contempt for being asked to consider ill-health retirement.
Oh dear! Everyone meant well but I was getting more and more confused, even now asking myself if I wanted to go back. All of the conflicting views weren’t helping so I chose to concentrate on getting through the chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and went with the advice from my oncologist, Dr Matthew, to wait, commenting that they should not be putting me under such pressure at this time. I rang my Union who said that by rights, if I was deemed fit enough to work, my position as Head should be open to me, although I may have to consider the fact that a ‘phased return’ might be recommended having been away for a long period of time. Something else to think about.
The alarm bells fell silent but were still very much in my mind and rang again when I was told the current Acting Head was leaving and that a
Stick it out
Glennis. You
worked so
hard to get that
Headship. Don’t
let the buggers
bring you down.
It’s not your fault
the School is in a
mess. ”
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