After our school had the inspectors - Ofsted - in, we had a successful report and I got a lot of praise. Headteacher assumed I'd be heading off to run a school of my own. The inspectors left on a friday, I had a small gathering of friends friday night.

When they left, I went online to look for new teaching jobs, clicked on the international section in the TES by mistake, and, in a flash of inspiration, I decided to go abroad. I hadn't even considered it before.

The following morning I got an estate agent in to sell the house, by the wednesday I had sold it, and resigned from my job.

I had no job to go to.

In the end I had a choice of three jobs, one in Europe, one in Indonesia and one in South America. All good schools. I chose Venezuela, met my husband, moved to Asia, had my son, moved to Scandinavia, adopted a new son and soon we shall be in Qatar.

Best decision I ever made, that Friday night in early 2000..........everyone thought I was mad! My life has been immeasuraby better since leaving the clapped-out UK. I have traveled extensively, experienced many wonderful cultures and lived life to the full.

I am sure Qatar will be the latest in a long line of good, crazy decisions!

Peace XXX