I guess it's about that time - I promised myself that after the first of they year, I would look for a part-time job. The reasons are complex, but the short of it is (1) my health insurance went up $200 a month (bringing my share to $1100 a month), which effectively cuts my retirement "income" in half, and (2) my daughter got a car, and I got the payment. As her current job is to help reduce barn fees for her horse, besides the payment, I also have to kick in for gas and insurance. I also could use some structure in my life.
In a way, teaching spoiled me. While I often described teaching as jumping on a treadmill and not slowing down until it was over, I feel I was still organized enough to get 'stuff' done. Now, with all kinds of time, I often find it difficult to get motivated.
So, what am I looking for? I don't have a clue. I can probably list hundreds of things I don't want (including public school education), but I really don't know what I do want. I can offer a few guidelines. First, I would like something that doesn't have to replace me if I'm sick or unable to make it in. It was often more trouble to stay out than go in if I was sick when teaching. We had to send in lesson plans that sometimes actually got done (I heard that sometimes the sub nodded off). The subs meant well, but they couldn't know what was on my mind or needed to be passed along.
I would like a positive, collegial atmosphere - not a place that is run by fear and intimidation. I am comfortable working in a people-oriented atmosphere (as opposed to working with things or numbers). I am pretty good with the spoken and written word and am friendly and outgoing. I know I am not a corporate type!
Two possibilities are (1) a personal speech or writing coach (or editor, but I am not sure the demand exists), and (2) a PLC (Personal Life Counselor). That second one has some real possibilities. As one who currently spends too much time on FaceBook, I see a real need for such a calling. There are so many little children in grown-up bodies who don't have a clue about what it means to be a responsible adult. They need the wisdom and guidance they never received growing up - really. They let Life happen to them and have no control to make anything otherwise. As I just posted as a FB status: "God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest." J.G. Holland. So many have learned not to do anything because The System will give them what they need (and sometimes want). Not to be crude, they have mastered the art of sucking the public teat.Usually people are wild in and just after their high school years, but sooner or later, they are supposed to grow up instead of continually being immersed in their "daily drama!" There are so many I feel I could help guide along. No, I am not a miracle worker, but I could help so many make their lives better.
It's late enough that I have to close for now. I will either add more later or edit this. Thanks for reading.
