We got THE CALL!
8 years ago
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Where Should I Be?
I'm in a sticky place career wise, and am not really sure what I should be doing about my job. I miss my family. I don't love my job, with the politics and games behind the scenes. And the wait time for referrals, well, keep getting longer. I understand (sort of) why the wait times are what they are, but of course it is disappointing. As disappointing as having to wait even longer for my sweet girl, is the fact that in order to fully collect on my parental leave, I have to stick it out in this current job. Well, I don't have to, but in my head it is the right thing to do. If I get a referral by the end of the school year (which would put my wait time at 8.5 months), then it would be fine to stick it out here, knowing that I'd only really have to wait half the year before I could go and get my daughter. However, if it takes, say a year by the time I get to my referral (which, unfortunately, would not surprise me), then I could have another whole school year under the belt before I start my leave. And if that is the case, I could see about getting a job in Edmonton for a year before my adoption is completed. That would get me home this summer (which would be so nice). However, I don't want to start a new job with a different district, only to be unable to finish out the contract, because I'd worry that it would get me blacklisted. So I don't know what to do. No resolution in this post, but it is a topic that is weighing heavily on my mind. What to do, what to do...
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5 comments:
That is a dilemma for sure. It sux not having an exact timeframe - like 9 months - to plan your life around. But try not to worry - the right choice will come to you.
The best advice I got, about a year ago when I was facing the same dilema, was in the form of a question: "You can only guess how long your adoption will take. What if it takes another two years? Will you be glad you stayed?"
That was back when I thought we'd see a referral by February (not August!), but the answer was obvious. I was in a new job a few months later, and have had no regrets. Not one.
I don't understand all the complications of teaching contracts, so this may be of no use to you. That said, removing the adoption "what ifs" (including "what if they hate me for going on leave so soon") from my decision was the best thing I could have done.
All the best making this decision.
Not sure if you are aware, it doesn't matter if you are with your job only a week before starting paternity leave, you do qualify for the federal EI benefits (the paycheck from the Feds) as long as you have worked at least 600 insurable hours in the last year at any organization (or combination of organizations). The only thing you do not qualify for is the security of your job being held for your return. To qualify for that you must be with the organization a minimum of 52 weeks. Since it sounds like you do not want to return to this school after your leave anyway, then I don't see any reason to leave.
PS. I did the same thing and trust me, this journey is tough enough without dealing with a crap job on top of it. In fact I just interviewed today for a new job and I am hopefully within a few weeks of referral (7.5 months waiting). I have just been very upfront with potential employers and so far I have found a lot of support.
Good luck!
I know how you feel. I passed up three,yes three, job offers in the last 6 months because of our adoption. I didn't feel right about being taken on by someone and then potentially leaving soon(ha ha)to travel. I wish now I would have taken one of the jobs. I'm not happy where I work but I feel stuck until this adoption is completed.
It's a tough choice for sure. Good luck!
Finish the school year, sell your house, and get thee back to Edmonton! Apply for jobs, get on the sub list, whatever. Do not wait until you HATE life there (right now it just sucks. Imagine if it SUPER sucked). Also, selling your house could take a while. Might as well start sooned rather than later. You have great support here, your costs will be lower, and you'll be happier (I think). Start planning and start packing. Oh, and get a great reference letter from your VP.
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