Hey everyone, It's been a while since I've posted on here! I need advice / pearls of wisdom. This will be my 5th summer in a row searching for a job and I am just burnt out! I am seriously considering leaving teaching. I don't know if I can "play the game" any longer. Here's the backstory For the first 2 years of my teaching career, I worked at a 7-8 school in CT. I worked doing small group intervention, and then the following year I returned as a long term ELA grade 8 sub. A fter I did not get a full time position there (I really didn't sell myself well in the interview), I moved back up to MA and accepted a grade 8 full time position. I was non-renewed ("not a right fit", stylistically did not mesh with my supervisor). This summer, I accepted a job doing 7/8 Humanities at a small private Jewish school. I didn't feel super confident about the school when I accepted the position, but I didn't have any other offers and was faced with moving home if I did not find a job. The year has been okay - it's been challenging but in good ways. I am the entire department and there was no curriculum to work with. The previous teacher took everything with her when she left, so I was left with nothing. I have worked incredibly hard this year and have been recognized for my work. My observations have been incredibly positive. I have great feedback from all of administration. Here's the kicker - our enrollment is WAY down. Because of this, a new principal is being brought in to "save" the school. She is bringing in her own people. Unfortunately, I am out of a job as she thinks I do not have enough experience with the social studies aspect. My current P recommended that I be renewed and told me if it were up to him I would be here. Unfortunately, it's not his choice and she has someone else in mind. So while it's not based on my teaching, it still feels personal and it still hurts. I'm just so burnt out! I have been hunting for my "right fit" for the last four summers, and now I'm approaching summer #5. It's so hard to stay positive when I am constantly on the hunt. I have had one interview and I'm waiting to hear back. Hard to tell how it went since people are so hard to read sometimes! I also had an interview for a non-teaching job. It would be editing curriculum for a reputable company. I LOVE LOVE LOVE teaching and working with kids, but I hate the politics and all of the other BS that goes on behind the scenes. I guess what I'm asking for is any advice or wisdom or pep talks that anyone can send my way??? :mellow:
Sounds rough, especially because you are well liked and recommended by your current P. I realize how frustrating and tiring that must be. Nothing to do but keep on keepin' on, right? Only recommendations I have is to not let the frustration affect your job decision, dont get yourself in another situation you really think you will want out of quickly just to not be hunting. I'm sure it will work out, and you will get a great gig. Keep us posted on how its going!
Wow, I've been looking for a new job just this last month and I already feel burnt out so I can only imagine how you feel. I know how it is to be incredibly frustrated because your not getting to do what you know you are meant to do. All I can say is keep looking and don't stop trying. I know, it's easier said than done. Maybe take a little break, just regroup and visit all schools, public, private, charter, in a fifty mile radius and take your resume to every single one. Someone has got to take you in, don't give up! If I had given up five years ago, I would have never found my job now which has been a dream come true. Keep your head up!
