Work

Good conversations about this topic the past few days.

In her own effort to right the problem of pain in this profession, my friend Addie is moving to Kwait to teach kindergarten. There she will seek savings, adventure, maybe a masters degree, and a new perspective of the world. I'm envious of her, knowing full well I can't join her, but happy that someone out there can live freely.

Now, for me, fleeing would be the easy way out. Yes, the two year itch supposes that I can't remain grounded for more than 2 years at a time. This coming June, I will have lived in one city for the longest since, say, high school. Actually, I have surmised this to be the problem of our generation: move on...rather than "sticking to it." It's easier to leave then to endure. I know, I've done it.

So, I found a teacher who has done this for 40 years. She said this school year has made her ready to be done, that it didn't use to be like this, and that she is tired and frustrated too. That made me feel a lot better. I got into this career because I wanted to make a difference and change lives. I don't have time these days.

Teaching has changed. It used to be that we directed change in students lives (or, I suppose, passed on knowledge (though that goes COMPLETELY against my philosophy of teaching ...)). We used to encourage creative, critical thinking. Now, we demand it. Now, teachers are not only teachers, but moms, dads, police officers, baby sitters, counselors, admissions counselors, rehibilitatiors...it's no wonder I end my day so tired.

I teach in a poverty stricken school, so I realize this isn't always the case AND that I am doing this to myself. But if I don't, who will?

So, I resolve (or at least to try)...

...to do my best each day and be satisfied with that. (Really, to just be happy with what got done).

...to try not to take everything so personally.

...to relax. I'm going to burn out too quickly (like, tomorrow) if I get so frustrated so easily.

...to laugh. It helps. I swear.

...to find something other than my job to fill my time and wash my worries away. I need a hobby. But those cost money. Maybe a new job? Or, a good book. I'd rather remodel my condo.

Work to live, not live to work, right?

Nik -- I admire your dad. It's men like him, who stick to something because it's the right thing to do, who keep our country going strong. I feel like I have a lot to learn from people who have worked 30+ years in the same career.