My life has settled into a very pleasant consistency lately. During the week I get in as many hours at work as possible, given our new budgetary restrictions. I play some Sorry, make sure kids don't bust their heads open when they're playing on the monkey bars, and try not to crush their delicate little souls when I beat them at chess and/or checkers multiple times in one sitting. Then I maybe squeeze in a brief (read: 2-4 hour) nap sometime during the day, contemplate doing some homework, and catch up on my blog reading and DVR watching. On the weekends I spend time with friends, actually do my homework, and try to stay away from those addictive eBay auctions. It's nice, I like existing well within my comfort zone and I'd gotten, well, comfortable there. (My Lord, I have a way with words.)
Anyway, a funny thing happened today when I was on my way out the door of the school after earning an entire hour's worth of a paycheck. My site director asked me if I would be interested in being promoted to... site director. After less than two months on the job.
Obviously, I am incredibly honored to be asked. I've never been this successful at a job, well, ever. And I've never felt as appreciated and respected as a worker and a leader as I have at this job. My immediate reaction was honestly shock, and I had trouble thinking of any of the right questions to ask. I do know that the job would come with a fairly sizable raise (I say sizable in a sort of 100 x 0 still equals 0 kind of way, but you know, slightly better than zero), an average of 36 hours a week compared to the whopping twelve I'll be lucky to pick up this week, and most intimidatingly, a much greater level of responsibility as I will be ultimately responsible for an entire site and in charge of at least one site leader as well as 20+ kids. That, in case you are wondering, is not within my comfort zone.
There are a couple of cons, aside from the intimidation factor. One, I'm not entirely certain that I want what is essentially a full time job. I'm pretty certain that I could handle school while working those hours, I mean seriously, most of the other people in my class juggle multiple children, multiple jobs, as well as school and they seem to survive. I just don't know if that's what I want. Two, I would be going from a ten minute commute to a twenty-five minute commute down one of the most horrific roads known to man. Third, I have gotten incredibly attached to the kids at my school, and it breaks my heart to think about leaving them. Four, we're talking a 5 o'clock wake up call EVERY MORNING. Granted, I'll still be back home by 9:30 in the morning, but damn y'all, 5 o'clock is EARLY.
Of course, I can't make my decision based on the kids, and if I'm going to be a teacher then I certainly need to learn to accept the fact that I'll only have these little people in my life for a short time and that my next class will probably earn their own special place in my heart. And I suspect that the additional hours and pay raise will more than make up for the longer commute financially. My initial instinct is to say thank you so much for your vote of confidence, I really appreciate the offer, but no thanks. But then a second instinct creeps up, right when I feel like I've made my decision, that says, "Stretch your wings little birdie! Take a chance and a walk on the wild side! And really, just think of the joys of paid vacation!"
So, you know, I've got a lot to think about over the next few days. Not the least of which, how cute is this dress, and why shouldn't it belong to me at 60% off retail price?
The dress is lovely...A perfect way to celebrate your new position as Site Director! (Should you decide to accept the offer.)(Which I think you should, because it's a great opportunity for you to grow and is not SO far outside your comfort zone)
I think this would be so good for you, as long you as you think you'll still have the time you need for your studies.
But whatever you decide, I congratulate you for being recognized for your awsome-ness. :)
(((((Angela))))
It was SO great to see you!
Love you!
xo
Posted by: Anonymous G | October 28, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Hey, if you take the position, you'll have more money for eBay auctions! :D
Posted by: Jenn | October 28, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Having the position of site director will look fabulous on your resumé! Just another thing to consider!
Posted by: Annie | October 28, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Two words: DO IT!!!!!!
Posted by: A Super Girl | October 28, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Oh, you should take the job! It's only a few hours in the morning, and you'll still have time during the day to do schoolwork, read some blogs, take a nap, and hang with Colby. Plus, it'll give you a little more experience in the teaching and managing arena. I think that's awesome, and it's such a great thing to add to a resume!
Posted by: LK | October 28, 2008 at 04:04 PM
There are those who impose their own version of the Peter Principle by avoiding new levels of responsibility and those who have as the the answer to every question, "Can you do XYZ?", is "Of course I can! What was it you wanted me to do again, so I can get started?" And some people just seem to constantly back in (We call it crawfishing down here in the bayous)to great adventures.
My recollection being a bookish couch potato who decided to take JROTC in high just to avoid sweating in gym class. And then, somehow, was the Battalion and Drill Team Commander three years later with a full four-year Air Force scholarship to the college of her choice.
Opportunity knocks, but you have to open the door.
Posted by: Old Warrior | October 28, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Congrats!
That's a huge deal.
So much to weigh. On one hand - yeah resume!! A director position means more responsibility and might set you ahead of the crowd.
On the other hand - tripling your hours is TOUGH. I have no doubts that you'd rock at your job - and love these new kids JUST as much, but working more is hard. Especially with a long commute.
Okay, no more unsolicited advice!! :)
Posted by: ashley. | October 28, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I totally understand your hesitancy, as a devout comfort zone lurker myself. Kudos to you for getting sucn an offer, regardless of whether you take it or not!
Posted by: Operation Pink Herring | October 28, 2008 at 04:46 PM
just because it's on sale, doesn't mean that you're saving money
Posted by: still in turkey | October 28, 2008 at 06:38 PM
No matter what you decide, congratulations on being asked! That is just great and such a compliment on your work ethic!
:) Becky
Posted by: Becky | October 28, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Just think- you could wear the new dress to your new job!
Posted by: nancypearlwannabe | October 28, 2008 at 07:02 PM
I say trust your gut. Unless your gut tells you to eat an entire package of striped shortbread cookies like mine does, in which case you should probably just flip a coin.
Posted by: Jay | October 28, 2008 at 09:13 PM
My first instinct is to say "Take the job!". I'm always up for new experiences. But Congratulations, no matter what you decide. :)
Posted by: AshleyD | October 29, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I say go for it! It sounds like an adventurous move.
Posted by: Larissa | October 29, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Go for it. Give it a shot and if it doesn't work out, you can always look for something else :) Never hurts to try.
Posted by: Jessica | October 29, 2008 at 04:10 AM
That's a nice dress :) In all honesty, it sounds like you've made up your mind to not take the position in light of the other things you have going on (if you have to second guess getting a raise, it's probably not worth it).
Posted by: Becky | October 30, 2008 at 01:14 AM
Still in Turkey made me laugh!
I agree with the caution that it will be a real adjustment period. Not just the total hourage but the 5 am wakeups. Even if others seem to manage it, it's still brutal! But that doesn't mean it's not worth it, and you can get used to anything.
Questions to ask: Is it a step that you would take for its own sake, like, "yay, I'm awesome, I should be in a management position," or is it a step that actually takes you in a direction you want to go, even an exploratory one? Money is money, but you're building a career. Strategy vs. tactics, as some might say.
Posted by: TasterSpoon | October 31, 2008 at 08:44 AM
That dress? It would look FAB on you. Oh how I wish I could wear stuff like that.
So, what did you decide on the promotion? That's really quite a feather in your cap that you were asked so soon after starting there. You are certainly an impressive gal! I'll be waiting to hear what you've decided.
It was so fun to be with you and G last weekend. I don't see you nearly enough.
xo
Posted by: RisibleGirl | November 01, 2008 at 05:10 PM
If I were in your shoes, I don't think I would know what to do, either. :/ But the dress is fabulous. And either way, you're going to be wonderful.
Posted by: E.P. | November 02, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I'm way late to the party, but I hope the decision makes you happy. Getting the offer is terribly cool by itself.
Posted by: sophie | November 02, 2008 at 09:34 PM
I've been so bad about commenting lately, but I'm hoping to catch back up now that my new site is up. I say TAKE IT--and by that I mean, the job and the dress. If the job doesn't work out, well, you gave it a shot and you can probably scale back. And the job will give you a lot more moolah to buy more cute dresses (and shoes!)
Posted by: Steph. | November 22, 2008 at 04:27 AM