h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Ormy,

Sorry to see you're leaving the Scouts. Will you still be a volunteer on the other schemes, or have you resigned from those as well?

You might like to know that I've made a pick on your behalf, and I suspect you can still go to see what it is. I hope you approve. I've made it to test the water on an entry that's been around a fair while and the author passionately believes in it. We'll see. And I may get the other one too, as other scouts weren't queueing up to take it, although if someone else says they would like it, I'll give it back.

The poignant truth is that I have no more schemes left to resign from! I am now an ex-Scout, an ex-Sub-Editor and an ex-ACE. I had good moments doing all of those jobs, but Scouting suited me best, hence the fact that I stayed with it for so long. I must admit that lately it seemed to me that there was less good stuff in Peer Review than in the past, but that isn't why I've quit. It really is just a matter of being too ing busy.

Thank you for making that pick and letting me know about it. To be honest, I don't think I'd have chosen that one. It's a good idea for an entry, but it looks like it needs a bit more work done on it to me. But perhaps the Subs can sort it out.

Maybe not. In retrospect, I may have chosen another instead. Sam has given the author a broad hint to make some changes, I see. I was meaning the *other* pick, though, which I chose for you.

What's the subject of your course?

Oh yes - the cycling one! I like that one, but I wonder if the Eds might consider it to be an opinion piece. I'll watch its progress with interest.

My course is Continuing Studies, a BA course for mature students in which you have a wide choice of different modules. Unfortunately, you're lumbered with doing a compulsory module in Lifelong Learning (study skills) which is boring the off me.

Beyond that, though, you have a lot of choice, and I've opted for a real mixed bag: scriptwriting, counselling and assertiveness.

Yes, the cycling one. I also wondered if the Eds would consider it an opinion piece, but the author has really stuck with it and I think it deserves to be considered. Interesting, really, as I disagree with some parts of it, given I work in road safety.

Your course sounds interesting and the subjects are ones that I could well have considered. I've done some counselling and assertiveness work. You might consider doing stuff like coaching, which can be very lucrative, I understand.

I've just made a second pick for you. I think you'll approve!

Now that one I do like! That one should certainly get through, although the appeal to lobby your local politician on behalf of the otters sadly won't survive the Subs!

I'd be interested to know more about the counselling work you've done. We were told by our tutor that it takes at least four years to train as a counsellor, that the training is expensive and that there are no grants available to pay for it, and that even when you have qualified there aren't all that many jobs around, all of which made me write off any thoughts of pursuing it professionally. What sort of 'coaching' do you mean?

I like the changes you've made to your nickname!

Oh, the counselling was firstly through work. As a manager, it was one of the courses we were offered and it was a long time ago. I was then approached by someone to train as a counsellor and I went along to the first couple of sessions. Interestingly, my marriage broke up, so I didn't continue it and I was then the one in need of counselling.

As far as coaching is concerned, there are business coaches, personal development coaches, relationship coaches, etc. I think all the courses you have to pay for. I'll see if I can find you a good link or two.

As promised, here's a link:

http://www.coachingnetwork.org.uk/ResourceCentre/TrainingAndAccreditation/Default.asp?t=org&filter=UK

The one I was recommended was Estrella, which one of my partner's ex girl-friends trained with and is now making a comfortable living. However, you pays your money and makes your choice, as they say.