I got a text from my former employee (the one with the DUI and all) and she was applying for a job with my new district. I said I could give her a reference based on her improvement she made before I left but I would be honest about her attendance. Apparently she was also applying at our old district and interviewed with my old boss. He told her that the past was water under the bridge and she had a chance. Then they said no, of course upsetting.
Before I had done the reference she texted me blaming me and what I put in her file, said that she was not every going to work again. So I told the person who interviewed her that I couldn't do the reference after all. She seems to be unstable again, my other long term staff called me because she had to hang up the phone basically when she started to make no sense. It was a horribly hard experience. I was pulled to over-empathizing because I had such a bad 6 months, missed paperwork, starting to lose my temper, and even big mistakes. I really think a little understanding in fall would have made a difference. So I always want to give people a chance, but I am not like her. I had 7 previous years of really good work. (on a side note I heard that many people are bugging the new PS and saying that I was much more organized, got things done, etc. Kinda hope my old boss is listening and putting in perspective the late email I sent compared to running childcare and 25 clubs).
I think what is sticking with me is that I always want to help. It is not as strong as wanting to fix people, but I really want to help. With a couple skills and background I have I think I could be a really good personal coach. Right now is all about taking time and recovery however. Teaching some crochet on the side but not anything more. My brain still needs rest.