Looking for work: On the road

The criteria for acquiring substitute teachers has changed recently. Used to be that a school could bring in a substitute teacher for one day. Now the teacher has to be off for longer than one day to qualify the school to hire a substitute teacher.
I distributed 22 CVs on Wednesday and Thursday to primary (grammar) schools and secondary (high) schools. Everyone was very gracious and receptive to my marketing.
I visited places like Brackloon , Carrowkennedy , Drummin , Cogula, Murrisk , Lankhill , Lecanvey , Cloggernagh and, of course, Louisburgh . These are mostly small local areas with narrow roads in remote locations.
It is now apparent that I need to pull into the side of the road while on these roads because the others do not. They are so familiar with the roads that they plough on. At least twice I thought I was going to get hit in my little 206. The only realistic aproach now is to get in out of the way and let them pass by.
Many people beeped at me and flashed their lights. I thought they were annoyed at my driving but it became obvious that they knew my sister and her car, and expected to see her driving. I beeped back, flashed my lights back and waved energetically. It made me feel good!
With my qualifications, I am registered with the Teacher's Council of Ireland to teach at the VEC further education level or at Institute of Technology level. But I can also put my name in for substitute positions in the other schools, so if there is not a qualified teacher at primary or secondary level they can consider my services. The idea is to get any position going and get "in the system." Getting in the system, I have been informed, is being paid by the Board of Education. I then get a "number" and I am "in the system" and positioned better for the next opportunity.
The people are all very welcoming. Many recognise my surname and ask about my father and sisters. It all makes for good conversation. Some took the time to talk ot me about the online Hibernia course available for training to become a primary teacher. There is still a shortage of males in this profession I am advised. Perhaps if I get some experience as a substitute primary teacher and I like it, I would go ahead and do the course. It costs approximately 9,000 euros.
The job search is going great. The weather is still beautiful and travelling the highways and byways of the West is a true joy. I imagine that the great weather is having an impact of the positivity I am experiencing at all the schools I am visiting.
I have many more to visit.
The search continues.