So… I quit my job today…
Well, not today, but a few weeks ago.
I had it “all”. I graduated from university in May of 2012 with my Bachelor of Education… In layman’s terms, a teaching degree. I subbed for the last few months of that school year and found a full time position for the 2012-2013 year. I was offered a coveted continuing contract at the end of my first year. Every young teachers’ dream! I had job security in a profession that I love… Or loved… The jury is still out on that one.
So why, 7 years later, have I signed, sealed and delivered my letter of resignation? The honest answer? That’s a loaded question. There are several reasons. A few I can openly discuss and a few that are best saved for close knit discussion with colleagues and my husband.
I do not hate my job. In fact, I really do love it (despite being indecisive about that most days). I love it so much that I realize if I don’t step away for at least a little while, I will grow to hate it. And that’s not fair. It’s not fair to me and it’s not fair to the moldable young minds I spend my days with. A few years ago, I submitted to the fact that my heart is, at least for now, in a different classroom. One with a dirt floor and four legged students.
It’s all fine and dandy to long to be somewhere else. Unfortunately, “somewhere else” rarely pays the bills. I’ll admit that. We’ve all heard the stories of horse trainers who can barely make ends meet. Trainers don’t do it for the paycheque, even I’m not that naive. They do it because they’re passionate and have a gift. I’m going to let you in on a little secret – – teachers are in the same boat!!
So by now you’re probably wondering “where are you going with this?” “what makes you so different?” The answer is simple. I’m not. I don’t expect things to be easy. And maybe a year from now I’ll be regretting my decision and wishing for that little piece of paper guaranteeing my position for September. Maybe. But I doubt it. The fact is, I own my decision. It’s mine and it’s the best way I know how to “just do me”.
Not everyone gets the opportunity to take a risk and live their dream. Maybe mine will work… Maybe it won’t. But it will for sure be one heck of an adventure!
Dirt Floor Recess 