A Dream Realized

Today, I was called into the Principal's office- always a nerve wracking experience, even once you've moved past childhood into adult territory.  There is something about that mammoth wooden desk, and the stern way in which he's seated behind it, that makes my palms sweat a little, even now.

But I am no stranger to this experience.  Each year since I've started this job, at just about this time of year, I am called to his office to collect a letter from Human Resources.  This letter states that I am employed on a terminating contract (as are all part-time employees), and that my re-hire status for the following school year is uncertain given the difficult financial times.

This hasn't given me too much worry in years past, as my unique position is mandated and funded through a special, federal pot of money that I know isn't going anywhere.  And this year, when the principal handed me the "dastardly letter" (his words), I had even less concern than usual.

"I'm giving you this letter, because I'm supposed to, but it doesn't really apply to you this year, does it?" he said, with a genuine smile on his face.

You see, friends, I got my dream job, and I will not be returning to my teaching position next year.  Upon the conclusion of this school year, I will start my first day with the job title "Stay At Home Mom."

I've mentioned in passing that J got a new job back in December.  That opportunity brought us the financial ability for me to give up my part-time work and stay home with my nugget full-time.  I decided to finish out the remainder of the school year, though, as I certainly do not want to burn any bridges here.  This position has been ideal over the past few years, and there may be a day when I'd like it back.  Also, my continued income throughout the first half of 2012 will put us in a good spot when that income ceases to exist in a few months.

My principal let me know that he is happy for me, and I believe that he is.  He also let me know that he'd be happy to have me back if that was ever something that I wanted, or that I could feel free to call on him if I'd like his help finding something else.

Suddenly, my palms aren't so sweaty and the nerves have subsided.  Now, I'm just happy.

July 1 marks my first day on the new job, and I couldn't be more excited.      

Feel Good Friday: Avoiding Unemployment!

Good news on this terrific:

Folks, it's official.  I still have a job.

Remember back when I wrote this post?

The principal called me in to his office to tell me that since I was on a terminating contract, there were basically no guarantees for my job next school year.  I was totally unimpressed and carefree at the time.

But as the months went on and I hadn't heard anything, I'll admit.  I was ever so slightly concerned.  Then the county imposed a hiring freeze.  I was a little more concerned.  Then I got down to my last two weeks of the school year without any news, and I was more than a little concerned.  I was imagining-the-scenarios-of-me-being-out-of-a-job style concerned.

I thought to myself, "Self, what will happen if they do away with my program and I don't have a job next year?"  I thought about the special skill set that I have, having had a major and three minors in my undergraduate career, as well as a Master's degree and National Board Teaching Certification.

These are the options I came up with:

1. Barista at Starbucks.  Hey, there's a Starbucks on every corner.  Surely they need help at some of these locations!  I could look ever so stylish in my green Starbucks apron, and probably drink all the fancy espresso drinks I wanted (for just the cost of an arm, instead of an arm AND a leg!  Nice, huh?).

2. Grocery store bagger.  I think I'd be fine with this, as long as no one came through my line with pickled pigs feet or anything disgusting like that.  Oh, and I'd probably giggle at some of the people buying condoms, because come on...it's funny.

3. Delivery Girl.  Not sure what kind...pizza, maybe?  I could put one of those cool pizza signs on top of my car, and wear a pizza shop visor?  And my car would have a permanent pizza smell!  I would DEFINITELY NOT deliver for UPS, though.  You know how I feel about those brown shorts.

4. Diner waitress.  I could learn diner lingo, and yell things like "Gimme an Adam and Even on a raft, and wreck 'em, with a Harlem Midget, hold the hail!"  Wouldn't that be fun??  And I think Betsey really sounds like a good diner waitress name.

5. Sign twirler.  I've always wanted to know how those people spin and twirl those big cardboard signs!  This would be the perfect time to learn!  I could perfect my tricks while I advertised haircuts for $9.99, or $5 foot-longs from Subway.  Maybe I could even dress up like the Statue of Liberty and spin my sign, trying to get people to have their taxes prepared!

Luckily, none of these new professions became a necessity (although I really did like the diner idea).

The county lifted the hiring freeze, and my principal offered me my job back this week.  AND, with an even sweeter schedule than I have this year.

BIG sigh of relief.  I'm employed.

Happy weekend to you all!

A Visit to the Principal's Office

So yesterday I got an email from the school secretary, asking that I stop by to see the principal sometime that day.  Immediately my heart started to beat a little faster, my hands got a little clammy, and I may have broken out into a momentary sweat.  My mind started racing through all of the possibilities- what had I done?  Isn’t it funny how the mere mention of the principal’s office can elicit this type of reaction, even from sane, level-headed adults?

I made it through the rest of my morning classes, despite my distracted psyche.  After my last student skipped back to his classroom, I fearfully made my way through the halls to the man’s office, and with trepidation waited to be invited in. 

Turns out, he wants to personally hand me a letter from the Assistant Superintendent, rather than putting it in my mailbox, stating that my Terminating Contract will terminate at the end of the school year.  Duh.  Already knew that!

Don’t fear for my job, friends!  It’s a mere technicality, and in the next six weeks or so I should be reassured that my job still exists.  I know budgets are tight, but hey, I’m pretty sure that the school district still aims for children to learn how to read.  I’m thinking my position isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

My heart rate is now back to normal, I am no longer sweating, and my hands feel just dandy.  Whew.