Wednesday, August 22, 2007

The Sorta-Resolved Dilemma

I know I haven't posted in a while. I was getting ready to end my summer break, pack up the kids and head back to Texas...

Then out of the blue, I got an offer for a one-year position in Louisiana. I felt like Jacob must have when he wrestled with the angel. Do I take the kids out of a school I love? What about my sister, who went back largely because of me? And my ex-professor for whom I was supposed to adjunct this school year, how do I give him such late notice? Oh, and the fact that we just moved to the new apartment in February? Did I have time or the desire to pack up all my old stuff? Am I ready for one year of rural life?

But... the salary at the new place would be more than double my adjunct pay. I also get one class for which I get to pick the topic and design the class. The kids would be closer to family. And this year was to be a transition anyway while I looked for permanent employment, so why was I so determined to stay where my pay would be lower, the cost of living was higher, etc.

So, I took the new job (I literally had, like, two days to accept). My sister, who's a certified teacher, found a job back here in a day or so, of course. My stomach was knotted for a while, but I was in the process of making peace with the idea. As I told some friends, moving is a big deal for me. In my whole life, my parents have moved once, and I was 31 when that happened. Basically, I had the same house, same school, same neighbors, forever. So the idea of putting the kids in a new school is what bothers me the most--that and my lazy ass doesn't want to pack up the apartment. :-)

Then, yesterday, a community college back in Texas called to talk to me about a one-year position beginning in September. Why didn't they call a week earlier??? What if I'm f*cking up royally? Lord, somebody reassure me!

But for now, I am once again a Louisianan--though, readers of this blog know that, in my heart, I always have been. Still, at least one person is upset.

15 comments:

Kimberly said...

Don't second guess a decision that pays better and keeps you where your heart has always been. The kid will be just fine in his new school - might even work out better than you think.

Now as for me........I'll miss you dearly, but I'll be alright. MJ said "AWWWWW Man!" And I don't know about JC........he's taking it pretty hard as you can see. :-)

SMOOCHES!!!

BF TX

Rebecca said...

You absolutely did the right thing. Don't sweat it! Now you can concentrate on getting a permanent position, but you can do it with supportive family all around you. And with more money.

Anonymous said...

i agree with the others. and that video is adorable!

Zan said...

Whoohoo! What school?

Julie said...

Congrats on the job - you will be awesome! Moving can definitely be scary, but it sounds like a worthwhile experience that you will enjoy. Keep us posted :)

comebacknikki said...

Congrats on the job! Yay!

Kiki BE said...

Congrats!

Gwyneth Bolton said...

Congrats, Elle! Girl, you can't second guess yourself. It'll work out fine. In fact, since your sister has already secured a position I'd say all of the ducks are lining up and things are falling into place. Now all you need to do is mentally prepare yourself to ace the job market, like we all know you will... :-)

G

Courtney said...

That is one frightfully cute kid! (And I know from cute.) I think you've made a wonderful decision, and I can't wait to hear how it's going! Knock 'em dead, Elle!

RageyOne said...

Sounds like you made the right choice! All the best this coming year. I can't wait to hear about your new position as the year progresses.

wwwmama said...

Cute video! You'll destroy yourself if you start second-guessing. Move forward and congrats on the job!

Ross said...

If I am correct these are one year positions and you have a week before school starts. Honor your commitments and stay put. One year positions are a dime a dozen in academia.

Blackamazon said...

CONGRATULATIONS!

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Sylvia/M said...

Congratulations, Dr. Elle! :) I think you're making the right decision, and you're just having decision queasies. And those always come about before making big moves, especially when they're big awesome moves.

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