In March 2010 I was dismissed from my role in the ..... after an occupational health report said that I was likely to become ill again if I continued in that role. So the ..... decided to give me 5 weeks notice and if I didn’t get another job internally I would have to leave. I was mortified !. There was another admin job going at the time which I applied for and got, but I had definitely decided that if I could get on an Art & Design course I would leave. I could stand it no longer. I applied for a BTEC Foundation course in Art & Design, to a university with a specialised art and design campus ....... To my surprise they accepted my application and offered me a place after an interview in May. (I have been told it is a very difficult course to get on as it is so popular). I was still hesitant about giving up my job but as the weeks went by I found that the new role and department were as bad as the last. Also the organisation was getting rid of admin staff left, right and centre. The whole morale of the building was dreadful. I finally handed in my resignation at the end of July and had to work my six weeks notice, even though I had over 3 weeks holiday owing to me. (They wouldn’t let me take the time owing to me, but at least I got paid for it.) Anyway here I am 3 weeks in to the course and loving every minute of it (it’s only part time – Tuesdays and Wednesdays). I was so relieved to leave the ..... Everyone on the course is great and are all like minded people. I have the opportunity to try out things I would have never thought of and actually be treated more like an adult (although I am a student) than when I was at work as an adult being treated like a child (ironic really). I would like to say a big THANK YOU to you for making me seriously look at other opportunities. I probably would have never taken that first big step if it wasn’t for you and I cannot thank you enough for that. Even if the course does not lead to a fulfilling future career… I can at least say “I tried” and not say “I wish I had tried” and hopefully it will at least help me overcome my depression and build my confidence. All the best, here's to a brighter future...