I have read that pessimistic (read: depressive) people actually have a better understanding of reality than optimistic people do. That’s a fact that I’ve held close to my chest, using it as a shield whenever fear of failure has kept me from pursuing opportunities. Maybe I’m just being realistic! Or … maybe … I’m being pathologically risk-averse.
I’ve been invited to apply for a job at my son’s school. I’m qualified (actually a bit over-qualified) by education. What I’m not sure of is whether I’m qualified by temperament and energy level. The person who has this job now is so NICE! Could I keep my cool for a 7-hour school day? Could I adjust to almost-full-time work again, and would it be worth the relatively small amount of money it would pay? Would the school staff accept me as a colleague, after seeing me as a parent volunteer for four years?
Would I enjoy it?
These questions have been choking me even as I consider the application form and my old, rusty, and mostly-irrelevant resume. Dang, this is daunting. Intellectually, I know I should just do it, just get it done and send it in and worry about what comes next when worryin’ time comes. Realistically, I’m finding every lame reason to avoid engaging with this task. Ugh.
You can do it, in spite of the realistic FUD, and if it turns bitter, someone else can do it after your turn. Think of the insight into the education systems and next generations for blogging….ok maybe not.
L DeGroff
May 3rd, 2008
God knows the schools need good people! The question is whether or not really good people can tolerate the toxic environment.
That said, I think you should try it if you truly want to do it, but with the understanding that you will walk away if necessary. Your concern about making the transition from “volunteer parent” to “colleague” may be difficult. If your colleagues can’t make that adjustment… then, well, you can cross that bridge when the time comes.
NIW
May 3rd, 2008
[...] I’ve put in about 20 hours in the job I was considering applying for, and I have to say: this job is not for me. It’s noisy and interrupt-driven, neither of which [...]
In praise of internships : A Different Street
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