You`re going forward, and moving in that direction implies resolve, closure -- or at least a change of scenery. Maybe you feel like playing, but the farther you go, the more your attention turns to serious matters. Mature people are quick to accept this -- it`s the young and untrained that you have to worry about. Be light but firm: Jokes become a way of teaching. Engage your students by degrees. They`ll be more eager to do your bidding once they understand how serious you really are. You`re turning liabilities into assets and at this point the assets become allies.