I got my job offered back to me yesterday. I was sitting, sweating in my classroom starting to pack some boxes and my principal came in smiling! I knew what was in store. Same grade, same classroom for next year. She was super sweet though and said she would totally understand if I wanted to stay at home with my little man. So then I panic. It's easy to be sitting in an empty classroom surrounded with 7 years of awesome supplies, books, and ideas and be only able to recall the good things about teaching. Was this the right thing to do? Was I giving up teaching forever? What if we can't survive on William's (very) small income? What was I thinking?!
But thankfully, I have really good friends! I called Anne and got some great perspective from someone who has been in this exact same spot a year ago with teaching. A few highlights from that conversation and the ones with William.
- No one has ever stayed home with their baby and then thought back and said "I really wish I would've worked so we could've eaten out more."
- Yes, it may mean more hard conversations this year about money, but they will all be worth it and it can be done!
- If I really miss it, I will be able to get a job again at some point teaching because I don't stink at teaching. I have a few awards that back that up.
- This probably means I can't get unemployment. I'm going to go by there today and ask questions anyways.
- Subbing 2 days a week is not going to fun or easy, but I will get some adult time, my mom gets some fun time with the little guy, and I can help pay for our health insurance.
- IF we decide to go with my parents to Peoria, and IF they decide to go earlier than next summer, we'd be able to go whenever!! I wouldn't be tied to a a job until June
- I've always wanted to stay home with my little people. Just facing change is the thing I'm not good at.
So that's it, I'm calling my principal today and saying I'm really honored that they want my back, but for our family this year, me staying home 5 of 7 days is what we're going to make work. Living on food stamps and love baby! I'm already so excited thinking about the play dates with friends and just having a great year of building closer relationships with the lovely ladies in my life! Um, and not to mention hanging out with the cutest baby in the world. Ok, I know I haven't seen him yet, but I'm guessing he's going to be the cutest.
The other thing that made my day really special is a long story that I'm just going to hold really dear in my heart and not on the blog. But the bottom line is that my dad is not going to Mexico on the mission trip. No matter what, he'll be here for Owen's birth!! Dang and I'm crying again. All I want to say on here is that I really do have the most amazing parents and I hope we can do just a fraction for Owen as they have done for me.
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Sometimes part time teaching positions become available. And don't forget Judah as a place you could sub. :-) Trusting God to provide!!!
ReplyDeleteok, now i'm crying and i don't even know the situation or the story with your dad. just happy for you! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Em, I don't comment often on the blogs because I feel too old most of the time!!! But I can speak to this subject from personal experience! I was a school teacher when Taylor was born, RIFed after my maternity leave, then offered my dream job in my same building. After much deliberation I accepted the job, then got a word from God through your Uncle Tim, and called my principal the next day to decline the job (after accepting it the day before!). Rollercoaster. We had some hard times financially, but NEVER ONCE did I regret the decision to stay home with my girls. God opened doors and I taught part time at Parkland 2 days a week for several years. Today, I am subbing in Mahomet and it really isn't that bad...at 3 p.m. you walk out the door with no worries! :) Now, for all you working moms, don't feel guilty. God leads us all on the path he has for us, and some of us are happier being at work or our circumstances insist we be at work. But for Emily, it would appear that at least during this time, she is going to be with Little Man at least most of the time! :) Blessings!!!
ReplyDeleteYou won't regret it for a second! Trust me :-)
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