As you may know, "Wife of RevPhil" has been looking for a teaching job for the past few months. She's made phone calls, sent letters and emails, visited, talked, interviewed, checked employment websites, etc. every day since April, and up to this point, has had no luck.
Well, a couple of days ago, she interviewed for a middle school special education position in the school district our kids will go to. Middle school is not her preferred area (she likes working with the youngest kids), but the schedule and drive fit into what we already do. Additionally, this would be getting her foot in the door in our home district, bringing up the possibility of a transfer to a position she may like better next year. She felt great about the interview, and the principal sounded very positive, even going to the point of talking about salary, etc., but he stopped short of coming right out and saying that she had the job.
Last night, another school called about a pre-school position in another district. She would enjoy preschool more than middle school, but this district has a different vacation schedule and would involve a longer drive to work each day. This interview went very well too, and the principal "extended an invitation for her to join the team" (she was offered the job right then).
So.
Now we have a situation, don't we? We've been freaking out (that's not an exaggeration) every day (and I do mean every day), sometimes to the point of tears (for her, not me) about this whole job thing for her.
A decision now has to be made. Two apparent job offers:
One has the schedule and proximity she was hoping for (and pays a little better), but is not exactly the area she wanted.
The other is the area she enjoys most, but presents issues regarding schedule and driving time (and the pay is a little less).
The question she has to wrestle with now is: what am I CALLED to do? Both of these positions are do-able and she is more than qualified to handle either very capably.
Things have taken a distinctly spiritual / philosophical turn! God has provided a crossroads, both of which are positive, and would fill a need for our family.
What to do? What to do?
Until next time - RevPhil
My New Church
5 weeks ago
15 comments:
I hope you were all able to enjoy the Colorado Youth Re-cap last Sunday. If not, shame on you!!! Anyways, Sue Saur said something that really hit me. It is something that I already knew and believed, but just needed to be reminded. It seems that Sue was not looking forward to the white water rafting trip. As she talked about the day, she mentioned that she thought it was a lot easier than originally thought. The raft guide would tell the group forward one or forward two...their job was to move their oar (or whatever it is called) correctly. The procedure seemed really easy. Later in the trip, Sue turned around to see the raft guide working sooooo hard to keep the group on course. He was the one doing all the work. That is how are Jesus works...He is the one in control!!! (I am probably the one that needs to be reminded of that more than anyone who reads this blog). You see, I am a control freak. Mix that with a perfectionsist and a lot of obsesive compulsive behavior...well...If you know me, you know how that all works together to create HM me. (HM means High Maintenance...that is how Phil refers to me).
Anyways, Phil had the blog right on the mark except the pay thing...the job that I would have to drive to, but would enjoy more is the one I would enjoy more.
I must also add that the big difference of the vacation thing is spring break...is that a big deal? We still have Thanksgiving, Christmas, Good Friday, Labor Day, etc. etc. etc.
I love life. Today, my prayer for myself and all of you who read this blog is found in Colassioans 1:9 - 13. I dare you to go find and read this verse. Everytime you see the word "you" insert your name. (By the way, I learned this verse and the whole insert name thing from the 40 Days of Prayer, at FPC...thanks to Tim Judkins).
Wife of RevPhil
Dude...it will all work out! I say this from experience, and plenty of it. I faced a similar decision a year ago: Do I remain in a job (Head Athletic Trainer) that I love, know, and am confident in even though it is very demanding on my time? Or do I take the new education position with more $$, easier schedule, and much more administrative duties? Initially i chose to stay with what I know and like. After an exhausting search of great candidates for the ed position, no one hired, and another offer extended to me, I thought: Wasn't I just at this intersection? Was god trying to tell me something? So I took the other path and have enjoyed the ride so far. I took this as further evidence that god is in control and he has kept up his end of the deal...helping me get through situations I have no clue about...which I shouldn't be suprised about.
Both positions would be a means to an end. Middle school: cool, same district, transfer easier. Elementary: hello experience?! In the long run both jobs can get you where you want to be. For me the question is what to you want to deal with: middle schoolers or driving, gas, diff schedule. (i'm not biased)
You guys know all this and don't have to look back too far for evidence that god will take care of you (move from ohio), but I like to type now (thanks administrative job) so you will read what I have to say. I could have just told you this, but y'all had to go to Ohio in the middle of a job search! Nice. Oh and I beat amy!!!!
Oh Lordy! What are we going to do? Phil, I am torn on what advice to offer my dear friend. After all, Brian would tell you that I am a waffler and I would probably sit on this decision for too long. So for me, trying to be helpful and offer sound advice, I am probably just prolonging the indecision. When I decided to move from the in town HS to one that is a bit of a drive, I drove myself crazy. I mean it. I was literally on my knees in our dining room in a semi-psychotic praying state trying to hear what God was telling me to do. At the time I made my decision, I could go either way and got so worried about making the wrong one. There were things about each one that were important. Being local was important but the job was bring me home very upset and unfocused on why I was a teacher. I was ready for a change but that meant leaving the local comforts and driving to find something new and unexpected.
So, here I am trying to help my friend with much a similar situation. God has brought us a situation which is challenging and difficult. Looking back on my prayers during my decisions, I often felt like I was just not getting spoken to by Him. Really this put me in a more upsetting state. I just wasn't hearing the words or guidance that I was hoping for. Finally after about 5 days of trying to decide and bugging Brian to no end, I just had to make one. Interestingly enough, I made the correct one. Being out of town, while it does stink, it has been the best job experience I have had since I began teaching 7 years ago.
So, this decision has to come 100% from Ms. Anna. Regardless what I, you, or anyone else offer her, she will need to just pick one and go with it. I finally got to the point where I kinda just closed my eyes and put my finger on one, and it worked. God did help unknowingly. Maybe he is always helping unknowingly. We always want the signs that are a lightning bolt telling us what to do but we just have to know that it will be alright in any way. She will make it good either way.
I just want Anna to be comfortable and excited to start a new job. I would hate for her to go into the year super stressed and doubting the decision she made.
One last note, my first day driving out to my new school about 20 minutes away from NB, I heard a song on the radio. Our trusty theme to the River (aka Terra Nova), Mr. Chapman sang
I'm diving in, I'm going deep in over my head, I want to be
Caught in the rush, lost in the flow, in over my head, I want to go
The river's deep, the river's wide, the river's water is alive
So sink or swim, I'm diving in
I was driving, arms in the air worshipping (within reason since I was driving). My dear Anna, when you make a decision, go read these lyrics
http://www.lyricstime.com/stephen-curtis-chapman-dive-lyrics.html
Good Luck. God is there and He's the only one who you need to listen to.
He didn't "beat me" to injury. We were both typing our entries at the same time....I was on the laptop-he on our home computer. Note the times of the postings. My WAS a tad longer!!!
Since money is not the driving force behind you seeking a job, why not try something new. It's been a while since you've been a classroom teacher. As your kids are getting older, maybe working with an older group of students will give you some new perspectives. Seems like in my own life that when I get comfortable or there is some choice I have to make that I can feel God pushing me in the direction that is less comfortable for me. In the end, the discomfort leads to happiness because I can feel that God lead me where he wanted me to go. Maybe this is your moment of uncomfortable joy.
Really great advice so far. The only thing I can add is to have Anna call the first principal and let him know that she has another offer on the table. At least it will let him know that he needs to make a decision. Also, if the $ is a big deal, which I am guessing it really isn't, tell him that you have the offer for more money from the other school district. Maybe he can bump it a little. Most importantly, don't be afraid to bring this up. A lot of people are afraid to talk $$ when looking for a job. Take it from me, the people on the other side of the desk are just as uncomfortable. Granted I don't know how Education works, but if he really likes you he isn't going to let a couple thousand bones stand in his way.
Also, take it from me. $$$ is not everything. I have seen a lot of people leave my organization for a few dollars extra only to find out that they aren't happy and should have never chosen to leave. In fact, a few have found their way back to us. From my limited knowledge, getting your foot in the door is step number 1. Transferring to another class next year may be an option, or maybe Anna will find out that teaching middle school isn't such a bad deal and she likes it more than she thought.
Take care,
FPC is really rubbing off on me, talk to you about that sometime soon.
What a great position to be in, really, don't you think???? I suppose you need to weigh time, money and happiness because those seem to be your biggest issues at hand. Being on the same schedule as the kiddos would be ideal, but having spring break to yourself might not be a bad vacation either:) Plus, depending on where this other district is located, the drive might be just the answer for a few minutes of alone time. Just you, the car and some music to boot. Like others have stated, it's all on you. As we are often reminded, God has a plan for us . . . follow his guide.
Well, has a decision been made?
So, here's the deal...
This entire exercise has been a hoax.
Just hours after I posted this dilemma to the world, "Wife of RevPhil" confessed that she had already accepted the pre-school position.
My most heartfelt apologies to each of you. I was led astray, and by default, you were led astray. "Wife of RevPhil" allowed each of us to speak our piece, encouraging our input, when all along, she had already made the decision and accepted the position (right after it was offered).
Please direct your comments directly to "Wife of RevPhil" care of this post.
Godspeed and good night.
Until next time - RevPhil
You guys are so funny.
I'm glad she took the preschool job. My cousin works the middle school job and a friend of ours did also. It's not an easy job by any means. I think at this time in life with several little ones the preschool job is going to bless you more.
Congrats on the new position.
How exciting.
You cannot play with our emotions like that! I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to hear the outcome, and the outcome had already been decided. How dare you make me lose so much sleep for nothing
Sounds like some really lame soap opera scenario.
Excited for you and your family. The children of Schertz are already better off, and they don't even know it. Have a safe trip back to TX. Kaila needs her E fix.
Way to go Anna! It was a rough couple of months trying to sort out all of your job woes! I think you got a great gig. Can't wait to see you guys!
A hoax?!? And look at all the response you created. Anna, you are a trip. Regardless, I'm excited for you. Now you'll get to organize another room:)
Maybe you can have Phil move some plants, or the chalkboard, a couple of inches until it is in the perfect position.
Let us know how we can help, but please do not fool us again, that was just cruel.
Anna: I hope that you know anything I said in this comments section was truly in jest. I, in no way, feel deceived or any other kind of negative feelings. In fact, I speak for my entire family when I say we are thrilled for you and the entire Brown Bunch.
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