Lisa's Think Ink

After I made up my mind to quit, I still wasn't sure that I'd actually do it until I entered my principal's office.  I sat down and the first words out of my mouth were, "I'm sorry, but I just can't do this anymore." At first, she looked perplexed and then realization hit her as she comprehended the full meaning of my words.  I listed a myriad of reasons, finishing with the most important, no work-life balance. We departed on good terms.  I know not to burn my bridges for future recommendations. I felt an immediate sense of relief as I walked back to my classroom that day.  It was as if I'd been told that my cancer was in remission. (I do not have cancer) I know, terrible analogy, but probably similar emotions.  The rest of that day was eventful to say the least. My students  (present and former), co-workers, and parents all found out and wanted to know why I'd quit and where I was going. I told them that I needed a change and that I had an...

Part 1 So, what is it like to job hunt in 2018?   It is energizing and exciting, but also, time consuming and frustrating.     How did I get here? Let me explain. My journey began in February of this year when I decided that I no longer wanted to teach middle school ELA, Social Studies, and Health.   Honestly, I had been thinking about leaving the profession ever since I went back into it in 2014.   I took the job because my husband had lost his full-time job as a pharmaceutical sales rep, and we have five children, so we needed the money and benefits.   Also, I already worked in another position at the school, so it was easy to accept the job.   These are important factors, but not enough to sustain the effort and motivation required to stay in the job.   I could write several posts on my teaching experience, so I’ll save that for another time. Over the summer, I consulted for my friend’s place of employment, IUPAT , as a curriculum w...