Remember that post where I told you all about how depressed I've been this year and how long it took for me to get help (again) because of that depression? I wrote that four weeks ago and, well, things have changed quite a bit.
The exact same day that I posted that, just as I was handed a dirty martini at a happy hour with some friends, another friend called and asked how I would feel about working at the school that rejected me in April for the job that would have been perfect for me. A teacher resigned somewhat (but not really) unexpectedly and they needed to fill her position for a year while the curriculum is being restructured. They were very clear that it is only for a year, not a long-term position. Needless to say, I could care less. I need experience in an independent school because I obviously can't count on a TT job (seriously, is anyone out there still counting on that?) but I love teaching and don't want to stop.
I need out of Delaware. I need out of my parents' house. I need out of the adjunct "life." I need a change.
Long story short, it has been a crazy four weeks because I'm moving to Reno. I finished my adjunct classes, found an apartment, hired a moving company, and gave my notice to my bartending job - so long, suckers!
I also have to find time to hang out with the people I want to see before I leave and somehow this feels like a more permanent goodbye. I knew when I moved to Canada that I would most likely move back to the States, if that dream job in Scotland never materialized, that is. Obviously I hope that this year teaching in Reno will help me land a job at another school, but it's starting to feel very real that I won't live in this area again. That's a little sad because now I'm remembering what I like about this place, especially the beach. If only there was something for me to do here other than bartend, work in retail, sell real estate, or teach in a public school (no, thank you). That's always been the problem with Rehoboth, though. The exact reason I love it is the exact reason I can't stay. There just isn't enough for me here, no matter how much I wish there was.
In the meantime, I have to sort through boxes and boxes of...stuff to decide what goes with me and what gets donated. A lot of stuff is still packed from my move back from Canada, but I've somehow accumulated a ton in two years that needs to be packed. Did I mention I'm not a fan of packing? And how I have two boxes of toiletries, I have no idea! The moving company picks up my stuff in two weeks and I have so much to do!
What marvelous news. I'm so glad to hear there are positive turns in your life!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I hope you like your new place. Safe moving!
ReplyDeleteHurrah! What excellent news! It's natural to feel some sadness in leaving an area you like, but this also sounds like a great opportunity. And if you like independent school teaching, I'm pretty sure that, in the long run, you'll have a lot more flexibility to pick the area of the country in which you want to live than if you were looking for a tenure-track university job. Also, a good many teachers at independent boarding schools live on campus and own summer homes somewhere else (this assumes that salary is sufficient to hold down a mortgage, which is should be, since living on-campus is a job in itself, not just a "benefit," and since there are obvious downsides to having one's housing tied to one's work. Oh, and, if/when the time seems right, faculty pets are generally encouraged.) So getting to try out the job and a new part of the country at the same time, with the freedom to move again with full support of next year's employer in terms of references, etc., sounds like a pretty good deal. Of course, it does involve lots of packing, which I'm with you on disliking (I tend to accumulate duplicates of things, too. At least toiletries tend to have expiration dates, and are unlikely to be worth moving, now that you know you'll have a reasonable income for next year). Good luck with the sorting and packing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome news! Congratulations! Looking forward to your posts on independent school teaching.
ReplyDeleteWhat great news! Even if a temporary job, it's great to have that validation. God luck with the move - I'm always stunned Toby the toiletries, as well as the OTC medicines of all sorts of minor things. Closets full...
ReplyDeleteCongrats! YAY.
ReplyDeleteThis is really good news! Aside from having a job you'll (hopefully) like, it will be good to have a change of scenery. I don't envy you the move - I'm not a fan, either - but hope everything goes well for you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! And I think Contingent Cassandra is exactly right; having a one-year position in an independent school will get your foot in the door, and your new school should be very supportive about writing you letters of rec for your job search next year. Hurrah!
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