Change

Change is never an easy thing for people to handle. No matter what we are trying to change: lifestyles, weight, jobs. Humans are creatures of habit. We let ourselves get comfortable, as we should, and then we give lip service to change, but have a hard time following through, or even starting.

If we hate change, why do we even talk about it? Because the grass is always greener. Fifty years ago, it was pretty well determined that where ever you got a job out of college, that would be where you would work for the rest of your life. Stable, consistent....albeit boring. But in today's American society, the average person will have thirty-seven, yes 37, jobs in their lifetime.

Fifty years ago, it didn't matter if you hated your job, you did it anyway. The work ethic and the emotional mentality was different. Now, we have realized that our lives are but a tiny spec on the timeline, and it is totally up to us to make the most of it. So, we do leave that stable, comfortable job for the unknown. Why do we do it? Because it can make us happier.

I say "can" because there is no guarantee. What prospective employer is going to tell you that the environment sucks and you will hate it within a month, or a week, or in some cases, a day. But, if the research has been done and the change is worth it, JUMP for it.

Easy for me to say right. You don't know me. You have a family to provide for and a house payment. Well, I do know, because I have those things too. My children and my husband are my world. My husband and I are both teachers, so we know what it is like to be on the low end of the spectrum when it comes to the payscale. So imagine my husbands surprise when I told him that I had a job offer, making LESS money, but doing something I had always wanted to do in a place that I felt would make me much happier.

I write this post not even knowing what I am going to do. I have been offered a position that has so many positives to it for me in my life right now, but there is the money aspect. Maybe someone out in cyber world has some insight for me. I work two jobs currently, one in a regular high school and one at an online high school. This year, we have had a regime change and the regular high school, and it has essentially made my life miserable. I seriously have panic attacks at night at the THOUGHT of going to work. But, it pays well, and allows me to provide a comfortable life for my family.

I recently took a position with a community college teaching a class, which I am super stoked about. I have always wanted to move into the college level. So I was going to be happy with my three jobs. But, I interviewed for another position, teaching college level courses part time for a charter school. Well, I was offered the job and my conundrum began.

The question before all of us is simple. Which is more important: Money or Happiness?
This new job presents a wonderful opportunity and a position to grow into, but at half of what my current full time position pays. But, with the new position, I wouldn't be asked to teach five classes each period of the day. I would be able to remove some of the hats I have always had to wear. I wouldn't have to be relied upon for the IT stuff. I could just teach my classes. I can focus on kids. That is why I am an educator.

Don't get me wrong. There are plenty of reasons for me to stay. I love working with my husband for one. I know it sounds crazy, but it is actually wonderful. I love the kids I have at school. Many of them have been my students for four years or more. I love them almost as much as my own kids. But I won't get so say goodbye. If I leave, I will be gone before they get back from Winter Break, and school is already out.

The only other reason I would stay is almost embarrassing for me to even say. But it boils down to laziness. I know many teachers who are very, hmmm, clinical in their treatment of their classrooms. They put minimal amounts of themselves in their spaces as to not get too close to kids or the space. I always thought that was malarkey. I have pictures of me, my husband, my kids every where. Awards I have won. Pictures that were drawn for me. Four full years of my professional and personal life are in that building, and taking it all out is going to be a bitch. I know, that is a lame reason to keep a job.

I guess, the point, to make a short story long, is that each person has the right to pursue happiness. Right? I guess that is the premise I am working from right now. Can I swing it financially, yeah, I think I can. Do I want to? Yeah, I "think" I do. Will I have regrets? Oh yeah. But is this opening a door that I may not get again? It is possible.

Money or happiness ---------- What will you choose? I think I am 95% sure of the happiness side right now. I only have till Monday to figure it out. Stay tuned.