Yesterday I had an interview for an English position at a local school, full time. I prepared for it, went, answered the questions as well as I could, was my bright and charming self, created a writing sample, and...didn't get called for the second round of interviews that afternoon. Honestly, the waiting felt worse than finding out I lost out.
That told me something, something that's swirled around in my mind for a while (what I wouldn't give for a Pensieve some days): Maybe I should take a break from teaching. Maybe the universe or some Higher Power has given me the signal that I can use my other skills and interests to do something. I love teaching, love it dearly, but the paperwork--grading essays, homework, you name it--tripped me up even before I had J. I can do it...I can get things done, but it's not my strong point when I don't have a deadline imposed on me by someone else. I don't do self-imposed deadlines well at all because somewhere in my head, I believe it's not a big deal if I don't meet it. Somehow I don't get that not meeting that deadline means less sleep, less time with T, more stress. I know it but I don't.
I certainly don't think going into a job other than teaching will be...easier. I just think it might be better suited for me. Right after I found out I didn't get the callback from this place, I immediately called this person my dad knows who can help me find something. We've got a lunch coming up, we discussed the idea of international student programs (Trick Panda, may need some help on this from your end on this--I'd love to know more about St. Margaret's program if this comes to fruition), using my languages, editing and writing, and I began to get excited. It felt good to think about using my other talents as well.
This probably sounds repetitive, but I know now that getting cut from my last job has become one of the most serendipitous events in my life. I would never, ever have had all this time to spend with my son otherwise. And I wouldn't have the chance to expand my horizons on the job front, either. Thanksgiving has come and gone, but I find myself still, every day, deeply thankful and grateful for my life and the course it's taking. What a surprise.
2 comments:
The universe is always sending us signs. Brava to you for recognizing what they are and totally embracing them - I really believe that's the key to happiness.
Can't wait to see what the next chapter holds!
Our friend, Irene, has been working in the study abroad field for like 15 years. If you're interested, I would definitely talk to her. She knows a bunch. Not having homework is BY FAR the best thing about leaving teaching. It's worth trying--even if it's just to see how the other half lives ;-)
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