posted
Warning! Long and rambling -- mostly me thinking aloud.
Some of you know that I have spent most of the past year looking for a job. Until this year, I had been teaching HS science for a number of years, primarily at one school (we'll call it BCHS). However, with the changes in my life in the past few years, I needed a job that paid more money.
So I tried to become an actuary. Two attempts at taking the test (and many MANY hours of trying to wrap my head around the math necessary) later, I think it's safe to say that's not gonna happen.
Additionally, for the past 18 months or so, I have been actively looking for a job in a wide range of fields (editing, technical writing, office work, some stuff related to teaching). What do I have to show for it? An impressive collection of form letters. The job market in L.A. is not good. *sigh*
I have been doing a fair amount of substitute teaching this year -- both at the school where I taught last year and a couple others. Which is how I happened to be BCHS on Monday, when I was offered a position for next year -- and got full details on Tuesday.
It's four science classes in the afternoons (about what I was doing last year, except without the two typing classes -- for scheduling reasons) and various other stuff (supervising certain things, some office work; but mostly working on the process of getting the school through accreditation) in the mornings. The per-hour rate for teaching is a tad higher than what I was getting last year (which is pretty good for a teacher) and the rate for the other is at the high-end of office work. So even though it's fewer teaching hours than last year, it's about 15-20% more money.
I need to give them an answer by Friday.
Pros:
Job is available, definitely, now. All other possibilities I currently have are just that -- possibilities.
I've taught in this school -- in fact, some of these students -- before. I know what's expected of me; I'm familiar with the curriculum; I have some idea of how to 'work the system'; I get along fairly well will the administration and other teachers.
It pays better than many of the other options I've looked at over the past year.
The daily schedule will allow me to avoid having to arrange for someone to watch my kids.
Holidays and similar scheduling issues are similar to my kids' school, with only a few times of non-overlapping vacation.
There are a lot of things about teaching that I really like, and have been missing.
Cons:
There are a number of things about teaching that I really don't like, and have not been missing. I got out of teaching! I'm being sucked back in!
I really need to be bringing in more money. (But that's likely unrealistic, at least for now.)
Mornings, which are already difficult with the kids, are going to be tighter. Even if we're on time at their school, getting to BCHS on time will be just-doable -- and only when there are no exceptional traffic situations (like the light that was out the other day).
I've taught in this school before. I know the particular brand of recurring nonsense and annoyances I can expect (each school has it's very own, I've found ). I know which battles I've fought every year, and can expect to deal with again.
I've never had much to do with accreditation before, and while it will NOT be solely my responsibility, I am a bit concerned about my responsibilities in that area.
Committing to this means that I know for sure that my next full paycheck will be September (unless I find something short-term, which seems even less likely than finding something long-term). Of course, at least I will have one then!
I won't be able to go to my Wednesday morning classes anymore (I've been going for 7 years, off and on) -- but that would be true of any full-time (or close to) job.
I feel so pressured to take this, to end up right back where I was, and back with the same frustrations -- and some new ones on top of it.
Thoughts? Sympathy? Wanna hire me to post on Hatrack all day? Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Okay. 30 is really not too old to be considering beginning a whole new career. Especially considering I have fellow med students who are in their early 30's. And that's one LONG learning track.
Do you like hands-on things? Computer-centered? do you know your personality type (myer's brigg's)? people-person? do you want an easy schedule, or you don't mind a non-standard one? add in anything else you might think helpful =)
It sounds like you're looking for something in at least the 40k/yr range?
Posts: 1892 | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted
BTW, craig's list has an amazingly huge list of jobs right now, it seems there are at least 20 posts per category per day. Maybe something will jump out at you?
Posts: 1892 | Registered: Mar 2002
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quote: 30 is really not too old to be considering beginning a whole new career.
No, it's not -- although the idea scares me half to death. *weak grin*
quote: Do you like hands-on things?
Some, although I'm not always very good at them.
quote: Computer-centered?
I don't know how happy I would be spending ALL day at a computer, but yeah, I'm comfortable with computers. But not programming or really techie stuff.
quote: do you know your personality type (myer's brigg's)?
I'm familiar with the test, but I can't remember if I've ever taken it.
quote: people-person?
Not really, although I do ok, I think.
quote: do you want an easy schedule, or you don't mind a non-standard one?
Flexibility would be very useful, because of the three kids (ages 4-10) and the religious holiday issues. But I'd be fine with a non-flexible schedule (assuming I can make arrangements for the kids, which I presumably could).
quote: add in anything else you might think helpful =)
I have a bachelor's degree in chemistry.
quote: It sounds like you're looking for something in at least the 40k/yr range?
Having left High school teaching at the end of 2002 to pursue writing as a full time career, and finding myself now at the beginnings of a PhD in Creative Writing (something I never thought I'd get a chance to pursue) I can empathise a bit. It's a tough call.
Like you, I found that having left teaching, there were quite a few things I missed a lot, but a lot that I didn't miss at all. I'm also doing a bit of relief teaching to pay the bills, and I'm really enjoying it for the opportunity it provides me to get back into the classroom, without having to put up with a lot of the downsides (marking, sports coaching, staffrooom politics)
Despite being scared when I walked out of the school gates for the last time, I haven't looked back since, and life has certainly put some opportuinities my way which I wouldn't have experienced otherwise - so I can understand your reticence to go back to it.
I guess that my advice, for what it's worth, would be to keep in mind that it's only a year - and in a busy school a year can fly by. That might put you in a position to reconsider where you're at - a bit of a breather without having to worry about the bills for a while. I think that the important thing will be not to let yourself be pressured into your decision - by anyone, which ever way it goes. As we both know, if you go into a classroom without really wanting to, it can be the most miserable place in the world, and that's not fair on either you or your students.
Either way, Imogen and I are both thinking of you, because it is a very tough decision. (and despite last night's little oversight, you're also definately on the list of USA must visits ) Drop either of us a line if you want to chat....
Posts: 466 | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Is the school in a place that you would want to buy a HUD house for cheap and sell it down the road? My sister was a teacher and kept mentioning this perk.
Posts: 383 | Registered: Nov 2003
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posted
Rivka, this might not help you much in deciding, but...
Maybe this is God sending you where you are needed. Beyond the knowledge of your subject, there's wisdom in you as well and there's a world full of kids out there who need what you can give.
Posts: 2848 | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
Well, I can only recommend what I myself have done, so here goes:
If you're interested in taking classes towards a future career, you might look into becoming a staff member at a local university. Many offer employee education benefits, often allowing you to take a certain number of credits each semester for free. I looked around real quick, and it looks like USC has such a program, and also has over 600 full-time job openings! They need people to work as admin assistants, library collections managers, and all sorts of things.
posted
There is no reason to stay in teaching unless you really love it. There are so many other jobs that pay better and are less taxing. I think that's sad.
But any career transition is difficult. You almost always have to start at the bottom and the leap is often made without real knowledge of what the new career is actually like. The thing is, you'll never know unless you try and you can't try halfway in most of these things.
Have you considered being a temp worker to make money while you do your job search?
If the job market sucks where you are, is moving an option? Here in TX, for example you wouldn't necessarily need a raise because housing (at least) is so much cheaper than where you are. Probably...
Posts: 22497 | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
These are complex issues for an early a.m. without so much as a single drop of coffee, yet.
Okay - seriously!
It is only a year and it might open some doors that are otherwise going to stay shut. Farmgirl's right - listen to your gut. Are you feeling nauseated thinking about taking this position? Or just a wee bit tense? You've done a nice job listing the positives and negatives - but here's a thought for you. Look at the "little" things, too.
I.e., if I were you and I had to face the commute and starting-on-time issues, I'd probably have a coronary on the spot. I wouldn't can the idea on the basis of that - I'd make a couple of quick calls about before-school care, etc. In my experience, it's the little things that make or break what we do.
Just my two cents.
Big hug! You'll know what to do!
Posts: 5609 | Registered: Jan 2003
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posted
While I completely agree with and understand the advice you have received to look into other options, figure out what you like, etc, etc, I gotta say that my first advice would be to take this job.
I know that I have taken jobs before simply because they were available and I was the sole provider for my family. My philosophy is that I can certainly look for something I like better, but in the meantime my needs don't come first. My family's do.
Each time I have taken such a job, it really hasn't turned out to be that bad, and it has been only temporary, with a better job to follow.
Posts: 1652 | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
Rivka, I hope you find your way through this tough decision. My mother taught as a reading specialist with a double major in English and Reading for years and then migrated into teaching 7th and 8th grade reading for about 20 more years before becoming frustrated enough to retire early at 58. She became frustrated with the administrative politics, but had 36 cumulative years and was able to retire at a pension based on about 91% of her salary.
Bob had and excellent point about teaching only if you love it. In my mom's case, the years and years of service paid of financially, but she left on uncertain terms, with several loose ends she might have liked to tie up.
My sister has a degree to teach El Ed with a speciality in early childhood, and all she can find is a job as a daycare worker...
I also agree to follow your gut, but also your mind and your heart. Hope it works out!
Posts: 1870 | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
(((((riv))))) No matter what you end up doing, you'll be FABULOUS at it! But good luck with those decisions, we really can't make them for you! Do whatever you feel is best.
Posts: 7877 | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
Have I mentioned lately that I love Hatrack? Cuz I really do! Other RL stuff has kept me busy (and STRESSED!) today, so it was great to come here and see so much support and lots of suggestions.
Thanks, Tony. It's good to hear from someone who's been in a similar position. Yeah, I think I've pretty much decided to take the job, barring any miraculous insights in the next 20 hours or so.
Pooka, that perk only applies to public school employees, I think. In any case, it wouldn't work for me at the moment -- but it's a good thought. Thanks.
Sopwith, actually, I sort of said that to someone this morning. I mentioned that a few months ago, I kept complaining that I had always thought of myself as a teacher, and it was yet another huge change in my life to suddenly not be one.
I figure this is God saying, "Fine! You kvetch about not teaching? Here, so teach already!" And there really are some things about teaching -- like the relationships that I build with many of my students, which last for years after -- that I love.
I dunno, Ayelar, does USC hire UCLA grads? Seriously, that is something I've looked into at UCLA and Caltech (I know people on the staff at both places), and it may be a possibility for the future -- but every job I've applied for so far hasn't worked out. I'll add USC to my list of places to check.
quote: There is no reason to stay in teaching unless you really love it. There are so many other jobs that pay better and are less taxing. I think that's sad.
Well, but I do love teaching -- except on the days when I hate it. And while there may be many other jobs that pay more, I'm actually very well paid (for a teacher), and I haven't had any luck landing 'em.
quote: Have you considered being a temp worker to make money while you do your job search?
Yup. Applied to some dozen places months back. No luck -- they want office experience (at least 2 years, in most places) that I don't have.
quote: If the job market sucks where you are, is moving an option? Here in TX, for example you wouldn't necessarily need a raise because housing (at least) is so much cheaper than where you are. Probably...
No, moving is not an option. And I'd almost certainly be making less at the same job elsewhere -- local salaries do take the cost of living into account somewhat (not enough, but salaries are a bit higher).
Farmgirl and Shan, that's a good question. It's undecided -- excited at some aspects of going back to teaching, but nervous about others. Much more toward tension than nausea, though.
quote: I know that I have taken jobs before simply because they were available and I was the sole provider for my family. My philosophy is that I can certainly look for something I like better, but in the meantime my needs don't come first. My family's do.
Exactly.
quote: Each time I have taken such a job, it really hasn't turned out to be that bad, and it has been only temporary, with a better job to follow.
May I follow in your footsteps!
Alucard, thank you. Good luck to your sister!
Raia, metukah, thanks for your vote of confidence. (((((Raia)))))
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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You should develop a real plan for an alternative for teaching.
As an aside, you know I was in a similar situation last fall. I really didn't want to return to clerical work, but I did, and now it's definately getting better. But my success here is due to some really great people to work with, in an office that doesn't do anything that I might not want to do (if you remember, I used to be in the collections industry).
Take the job, even with it's detractions, but you really need to make a plan if you no longer wish to teach.
Posts: 2506 | Registered: Jul 2003
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The job market in L.A. is not good. *sigh*![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
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). I know which battles I've fought every year, and can expect to deal with again.![[Frown]](frown.gif)
(I've been going for 7 years, off and on) -- but that would be true of any full-time (or close to) job.![[Wall Bash]](graemlins/wallbash.gif)
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But good luck with those decisions, we really can't make them for you! Do whatever you feel is best.
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