Computer issues

Still here... lots to say about my new place of employ but not enough time to get into it. My old computer finally died this weekend... more to come soon.

Back at it again...

I had an interview last Wednesday, got an offer at 7:30 the next morning, took a few days to think it over, and accepted it! I go to fill out HR stuff on Monday. God is good!

Hopeful

So, I didn't get the job... BUT I have two interviews scheduled this week--yippee! Both jobs have pros and cons, I just have to figure out what I can live with and what are my deal breakers. In an ideal scenario, I work close to home (less than a half-hour away) in an environment that fosters a healthy work-life balance. I enjoy my job, and am compensated handsomely. I am recognized as a valuable resource and am given opportunities to advance my skill set as an instructional coach and workshop facilitator. This or something better!

The best...

The best interview that I have ever had was this past Friday. Oh, it seems perfect, or as close to perfect as we can get on Earth. I don't want to say much else for fear of jinxing it!! *fingers crossed*

Reflections on interview 1.2

Second interview for the same organization. It went well! I did a 10 minute workshop demonstration then answered some follow up questions. I couldn't find the right time to bring up salary negotiations but... if they offer me the job I suppose I can discuss it then. Back to waiting :)

This must be...

a test! I'm so tempted to apply for teaching positions, specifically in a private school or suburban setting, under the false belief that it will be 'better'. If I'm honest with myself, it's not the setting that needs changing--it's me. I desperately need to find a position that fosters my creativity and/or allows me to connect with others, human to human. I know that, as it currently stands, all schools have to answer to 'someone'--be it parents, community members, board members, city, state, and/or national officials. Right now, I'm done with answering to people, at least about things (standardized test scores, results of poverty, etc.) that I don't have answers for.

So I sit...

and wait. On the plus side, I've been inspired to write poetry lately.

Reflections on Interview #1

One thing I pride myself on is the ability to rock interviews. I can usually land interviews quickly, however they don't always lead to being hired. So, even though I've been unemployed for 2 weeks, it doesn't surprise me that I've already gone on one interview based on the 3 positions that I've applied to thus far. Each position is closely related to working with youth without being directly in the classroom. I really need the break from teaching! I am greatly impressed by the organization that I interviewed with yesterday. This particular organization is all about fostering young girls' self-esteem. The interviewee seemed really down to Earth and passionate about what she does and the hours work with my family's schedule. However, the salary range offered for the position is way below the poverty line. The only way it would work is if I found a part time job in addition to working for this organization full-time. As the popular meme goes "ain't nobody got time for that"! I will definitely keep them in my radar if a higher position within the company opens up. It's plain to me that this position isn't quite 'it'.

Incubation

Now that I've had time to process, it's time to write about it. As of mid-March, I am no longer a middle school ELA teacher. It wasn't my choice (and, as opponents of charter schools will tell you, being an 'at will' employee gives these organizations the right to hire and fire at any time) but I'm looking at this situation as a fresh start. I've been working since I was 15 years old, partly because I had my oldest daughter when I was 16 and partly because I felt like I had to prove something. 'Proving something' got me very far, including--graduating from a vocational high school on time with honors, graduating from Mount Holyoke College while working part-time and mothering full-time, and graduating from Simmons College for my Master's degree while commuting 1.5 hours each way. However, through all of the schooling and teaching, I never really sat down and asked myself--what truly makes me happy? I fell into teaching; I originally wanted to work with older children in a mentoring or counseling capacity. I still do, to some extent. I also like to: write, read, create collages, mix patterns, colors, and textures within my wardrobe, organize items, drink tea, take day trips, visit new restaurants, laugh, and watch TLC and HGTV. In other words, I let my job define me for too long. I am way more than what I do for a salary. This is my incubation period.