Thursday, April 15, 2010

MIA for a reason

Sorry I've been MIA the last few weeks. I miss it, blogging I mean. It is a way to release all my thoughts, edit them so they're appropriate for public viewing, and get honest responses from people.

So here's what all of my online time has been taken up with lately...




We're doing a strategic nation wide search for a new job.




Our families know. (At least I hope John told his like he said he did! I offered to tell everyone, because it is me looking for the job, but he said he would.)
My supervisors know (and encouraged me)
People who ask know (I refuse to lie)


A lot has happened since I last posted I don't really know where to start.

I guess the beginning is a good place. Here are snip its from all the important events...

Sunday we found out our superintendent (good friend) was leaving, and the fact that the district has to eliminate $800,000 from the budget, I posed the question to John if we (I) should look into other job possibilities. Monday, we had a very long, loud, and tear filled discussion. We learned we have very different things that make us feel secure. John with a house, job, car, and food... Me with people around who will join me in battle, and go to bat for me.

It eventually boiled down to the fact that it wasn't really about job searching, but about the fact that we both feel like it's time to jump back on the TTC roller coaster and we can't really go very far on that ride because we live so far away from an RE.

That Thursday we went to the school board meeting... We had a long chat with my principal. I adore him and his management style and his willingness to do whatever needs to be done. He basically informed us "the titanic is sinking, untie yourself and jump off!" His words, not mine. He and John then continued to talk in sinking ship metaphors until each got their point across.

Then we had spring break. I looked a little bit, found some good opportunities, and asked John to decide whether he was okay with me applying for jobs.

(Let's rewind a minute to mention that I have NEVER, EVER applied for a teaching job. My current job was handed to me on a silver platter... (long story, e-mail me if you want to know) I don't have a resume, I don't know what a teaching resume is supposed to look like, and I really haven't a clue as to what I'm getting myself into. )

So then we go back to school. People are speculating... People are spreading all KINDS of rumors about everyone and their dog, and people are staying away from each other because heaven forbid someone be truthful!

Anyway, John finally decides that yes, I will apply for jobs. I work for days gathering information, getting various applications ready, trying to set up a resume, and writing cover letters.

Then the final straw...My principal found himself a new job.

I just keep asking myself these questions while I try and make it through the pages and pages of applications I've filled out and resumes I've made...

  • Do I really want to work with new administrators, new rules, less pay, and possibly no insurance unless I pay for it all myself (which we can't afford) with close to 30 kids in my classroom and no support? I think not... (although I may end up doing that anyway!)

So to my Principal's accuracy, our ship is sinking, everyone is looking to jump off. Just today our business manager, who is the reason why we're not in debt to begin with, is jumping ship too.

So I've sent my application to a few places, and this is where I come to you Internet friends...

  • Do you know of a school district hiring worth teaching in?
  • Do they offers infertility coverage?
  • Are you close to a metropolitan area where there are RE and such so we can move forward?

These are all the questions I have in my head. I've been dying to ask them, but with all of John's homework and my job hunting... finding time to write this has been rough! Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome :)

**Sorry if I'm rambling. I tried to make sense... I just have so much to try and get out of my head!

15 comments:

bibc said...

erika
times are tough for teachers in NJ right now as the governor has just cut a bunch of funding for education. lots of people are losing jobs. the good news is that a teaching job in district in NJ gets you great insurance and NJ has an infertility mandate. 4 IVFs would be covered + FETs don't count.
i don't know your teaching specialty (if you have one, better chance of getting hired) but it's worth a shot. we have a ton of REs here because of the mandate and of course we are right next to philly and nyc...in these 3 states we have some of the best doctors in the country. (in all specialties)

good luck xoxo

Keiko Zoll said...

I'm not sure where you're based, but if you're open to New England, I highly recommend Massachusetts. I don't know of any specific school districts here, but MA leads the country in the scope and breadth of its infertility/healthcare mandates. My second choice would be Connecticut- they also have a pretty decent IF mandate as well.

I don't know how you feel about charter schools, but MA is chock full of them as well, and has some of the best public schools in the nation. Also, we eat the most ice cream per capita than any other state, so you know, we've got that goin for us too :)

Good luck in your search - job searching SUCKS. I'll keep my eyes/ears posted. Also, if you want to stay affiliated with education, check out educational non-profits: Idealist.org is a great place to look. Most non-profits are very good about having excellent benefits/healthcare coverage.

Best of luck!

Gretchen said...

Not that I know of any teaching jobs or any info on any of your other questions, but you know I would LOVE it if you were in driving distance from Indiana wherever you guys end up!

Let me know if you need/want help with a "teaching resume". At the very least I can email you mine if you want;)

Lee Family said...

John told me. I'm not sure how to feel about this. I know and understand why, but then there is the selfish part of me that wants you two near. I know that we don't get to see much of you, but it's just the idea of you being near. I love you two and wish you nothing but the best. I hope that everything works out for you and that you find what's best for the two of you.

Life Happens said...

I'm sorry that I can't be much help in this department. The only thing I can offer are prayers. I will pray that the doors of opportunities will come your way. That you will find the position that will provide you with good coworkers and principal.

I will be thinking of you!

Niki said...

Stopping by for ICLW week. I hope you can find a new job that has everything you are looking for good luck!

http://myaccidentallyonpurpose.tumblr.com/

Angie said...

I wish you the best. I teach in KY, and my job was pretty much handed to me, too. I would be in the exact same boat when it comes to applying for a new job, preparing a resume, etc. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Stopping by for ICLW (#48)

Anonymous said...

I wish I had answers to your questions but my Resume literally says Glitter Application Specialist. Great blog, can't wait to read more. I'm your newest follower from IComLeavWe.

-K
http://mypottyseat.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Gamgee said...

I'm sorry that I can't be helpful in the suggestion department, but I can pray... for direction and clarity.

ICLW

daega99 said...

Oh wow! A lot has changed. Unfortunately I am not in the US so I don't have any ideas on districts. Good luck in your search though.

ICLW
http://daega99-arewethereyet.blogspot.com/

Keiko Zoll said...

Checking back in for ICLW- any updates? Sending you both lots of luck!

Happy ICLW!
~Miriam (ICLW #52)
Hannah Wept, Sarah Laughed

Wishing 4 One said...

Man best of luck in your search girl. I wish I could recommend where my Dad is teaching, a southwest state, as he is retiring and said it SUCKS bad where he is. The state is cutting funding, his school talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk, blah blah blah. Its a tough time but hopefully something great will come about and you will find yourself an awesome new job, ins coverage, and an RE not far away. Happy iclw and will check in again soon.

Gurlee said...

Stopping by for ICLW.
I live in Vermont, amazing state, great insurance but few job opportunities. Besides, you have to LOVE winter.
You crossroads sounds exciting and scary! Change is amazing but scary. Be patient with the process and I hope that your transition opens doors in numerous ways.
Good luck!

LiL Moo & Mee said...

Just wanted to say thankyou for your kind words on my blog it means alot! And just wanted to wish you good luck on your search for a new job.

~ICLW~

Anonymous said...

i loved teaching in texas. not sure about the IF coverage since i wasn't interested in that at the time...

i have to say it was 8 years ago when i taught there...so i can't claim to know what circumstances are like right now.

a lot of the people i taught with were moving to vegas because of the many teaching positions and great pay. i think that is over now...not sure.

thats all i got! thanks for stopping by my blog! happy iclw and best of luck in finding a great job!

xoxox