Yep, it's 2012. Feels weird to type it, especially since I'd just gotten used to typing 2011. Oh well, that's how it goes sometimes.
2011 was difficult, but not terrible; I learned a lot, had some great experiences, and made new friends. I didn't have much money, but that's not the end of the world. It makes things more difficult and limits some of my options, sure. But there are many things worse than being broke.
So I'm taking a very cautious yet optimistic approach to this new year. I'm taking graduate courses once again, and am teaching three sections of English 1101 at Somewhat Larger University (SLU). Last semester was extremely difficult, both in terms of my graduate work and teaching; SLU's system is set up for students to do poorly, and there's no room to teach them what they need to know. Another SLU instructor told me that his first semester here was terrible, so I don't feel so badly about my own experience.
Still, my conclusion is the same as it was a year ago: I'm completely burned out and must stop teaching as soon as it's feasible. My goal is to have a non-teaching job lined up by mid-May, when my contract ends. Even if I'm just working for a temp agency (which I've done before), I need to find something different, something I can leave at work so I can pursue my own interests once I get home.
I don't quite know how I'll do any of this. How does a person look for a job when they won't be available for several months? Do I start looking now, or do I wait? How do I explain to prospective employers that I can't break my teaching contract (even though it's part-time and pays poorly) for the position they're offering?
Lots of questions, for sure. I don't yet have all my answers, but I guess they're forthcoming. The new year is filled with new experiences and opportunities that I can't even imagine right now—so I hope that I can get out of my own way long enough to savor it all.
6 comments:
Big decisions and big challenges, Miss K! Burnout is no fun, all right, and you are wise to recognize it and get moving on changing your situation. Best wishes!
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Miss Kitty. I agree with Ms. Kitty. Hugs.
Really hope your plans take shape this year and for your future.
Don't worry about the terms of the employment yet, (you're already finding excuses not to move on !!??) just line up as many interviews as possible. You may not be offered anything until your contract expires anyway.
Also, don't stop to think about what sort of work you may or may not like (I know this sounds stupid) but many people think they won't like something so dismiss it without a second thought. Often these are the jobs that, while you may not stay in them, open the way for a whole lot of new possibilities.
I have also found that interviews have absolutely nothing to do with the job. And remember YOU DON'T HAVE TO STAY! Take whatever is being offered (within reason of course) and use it as potential for the next thing. Even if you hate what you're doing, you will have learnt something along the way.
This from someone who has re-invented herself +++.
I have been a factory floor worker, pattern cutter, theatre usherette, bank teller, print proof reader, travel agent, office administrator, nurse, and am now in medical admin. Then there was all the other stuff I did.
What doesn't kill you, pays your bills.
Onward and upward Miss K
Karen C
I wish you the best as always. I don't have any answers for your employment question, but I know that you will make it happen.
Thanks, everyone. I'm keeping an open mind and applying at quite a few places. I've held many jobs over the years, so who knows where I'll end up? Y'all will be the first to know here on the blog. :-)
Hi -- I wish you the best of luck in your job hunt and career hunt. I don't have any answers to your questions, but I have an idea for a business that might be a good idea: lots of people get their identity stolen, and it's a big job to clean up: it might be a good business to lead people through the process, helping them to navigate through all the forms, and who to call, and etc.
Post a Comment