I've resigned from my high school teaching job this week.
It was a long, hard decision. But it had to happen. DH and I realized soon after we knew twins were coming that I would not make enough money to cover childcare for two infants. This next year, my numbers have dropped and I would actually end up PAYING to go to work while my children are in childcare. Yeah. . . that is not going to happen.
Our original hope was that I could take "the year off" and then decide later if I was able to convince family or find a cheap childcare whether I was coming back or not. But our current contracts say that I would have to come back to work for September and October before my "due date" in November. The problem is I will most likely deliver before my "normal singleton due date" and may even end up on bed-rest before. I don't need the added stress of worrying about all of that. It's just not for me anymore.
All my work this year (and the years leading up to it) to get this job and make it the best program and facility possible. . . and now I just give it to someone else. This is simply another example of how little money teachers actually make. *Sigh*
Oh well. Life will go on. I have always talked about how much I'd love to stay home with my children for a few years. Now it's here and I am having trouble making the adjustment. I'm sure when September rolls around and I have no meetings to attend or lesson plans to finalize or papers to copy in massive quantities-- I will be just fine with my decision.
I was at a party for retiring teachers last night. One of whom was my mentor and 'teaching idol'. Those that knew about my choice to resign were very excited for me and told me I'd never regret my choice. Many of them had made the same choice themselves-- even a few with twins. I really do feel I have made the right choice. I just need some time to understand that I have now given up all control of my life to two people that are not even born yet.
Now if we could just sell this house so we can buy one for the babies and start nesting!!!
That picture cracked me up.
ReplyDeleteI'm a teacher too and although I'm still going through IF treatments, I wonder if teaching will still be in the cards for me in the long run since it tends to be a pretty unsupportive environment for those going through IVF.
Good luck finding a house and enjoy this time!