Put my foot in it. . .

[lostinteaching47]

I think about another colleague.I know I shouldn't have been moaning and bitching and it wasn't just her but I think she might have overheard something and now I feel awful.I was having a bit of a moan about stuff with another teacher in our team and I can't even remember what I said exactly but when I went to say goodbye to said teacher she seemed really off with me and she has since tried to call me on my mobile.I missed this call as I never have my phone on me.I tried to call her back but we were cut off(or she didn't want to speak to me , I don't know) She could just be calling to ask me to make some playdough as she has done this before, or to remind me to get work done or she might want to have it out with me.
This isn't normally in my character I try to stay neutral and not get involved in bitching as it really saps your energy and brings you down but I'm agency and just seem to have more and more work being put on me and the person I was moaning with is in a similiar position.I guess we have kind of bonded.I really hate that left out feeling as I've been in that position myself and I always try and stay as upbeat and helpful and friendly as possible when on temporary contracts.
I don't know what to do? I accept all responsibility, no-one made me say those things but I don't know how to play it.Do I try and phone again out of politeness, do I just go in tomorrow and act like nothing has happened? Has anything like this happened to any of you before? I'm actually really mortified, I think I was criticising her managerial skills and leadership(new in post and quite inexperienced) She does delegate a lot, get others to do work that I think she should possibly be doing herself, she is horrible to her support staff and runs me ragged giving me more and more work to do but I need this job and don't want any tension as I am there until Easter.She is effectively my manager so I know I have royally screwed up (potentially) I really can't remember what I said as we were having a good old moan, so I can't even prepare myself.Help, I know I've been a reckless fool.

[capsium]

All you can do is apologise. Try and ring her again to ask her what she wanted if she says she overheard anything apologise. Say you were having an off day and was just moaning generally.

[MaccaPaccaismyNemesis]

Take a deep breath and call them back. If she does want to have a word then acknowledge that but agree to meet at work not out of it. Good luck.

[lostinteaching47]

Thank you, I know I should call her back, I'm just dreading it but if I don't I will be stewing on it all evening, better to try and clear the air.

[MrsYoungSalvoMontalbano]

Did you call back? A manager should not be off with people or take things personally - maybe she just wants to fix a time to meet with you to talk about your concerns, which will give you a chance to explain them rationally.

[lostinteaching47]

Hi, yes we did speak last night.I don't think she heard or if she did she hasn't said anything or been funny with me.She wanted me to do something work related, thought it was a bit off to be contacting me outside school, especially as I'm agency but hey ho :>)This is the 2nd time she has phoned me of an evening, this didn't happen at my last school and I was there for a year.I think she is the type that can't switch off from the job, but I can.I have a family and need to make sure we are all o.k.She knows this, I think she might be taking a bit of an advantage, I will have to watch things as I find it hard to say no.

I definately won't be risking anything like this from now on, I have definately learnt my lesson, thanks again everyone.

[MrsYoungSalvoMontalbano]

whew! good for you! she should not be phoning you in the evenings - there has to be some upside for agency!