Ah.
So, this could be a very long story. A long story involving budget cuts, the State not paying programs they've promised to pay, school board meetings, meetings with superintendents, revised plans, and oh so many other things. My school year has not been an easy one.
But I'll keep it short.
Sort of.
The 3 day/week preschool program I've taught for the past 8 years has been eliminated by the school board.
I need to decide if I want to work full-time or stay home and watch other people's babies for a few years.
If this was two years earlier - easy decision to stay home. If this was two years in the future - easy decision to work full-time.
But it's now. Liam will be three. Quinn will be starting kindergarten. I was really looking forward to being able to continue to be involved in his school.
Sounds like I should stay home...
Except, with things the way they are with Illinois schools, things are not going to be getting better any time soon, especially when it comes to early childhood programs (State not paying their bills). And, I have a little seniority at my district, which means if I stay full-time I won't be at the bottom of the chain, and trust me, at the bottom of the chain is a crappy place to be. If I am able to get a full time job I should take it now while I can.
And then... what if Mike loses his job? He swears this is impossible and his company continues to make profits year after year, but still. Where would we be if he did lose his job? Me watching babies... no insurance, no steady income...
Sounds like I should work...
Except today I was able to go into Quinn's classroom and watch his teacher lead twenty 5-year-olds in a make-shift band. It was awesome.
See. Totally not an easy decision - one that I know moms all over the world make all the time. And one that I know some moms don't have the luxury to even think about.
Also - I won't even go into how important I believe this program is. And how many parents are outraged by the decision the school board made. And how it literally makes me sick to my stomach to think about the things this school board may be willing to cut.
Quinn
Liam
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4 comments:
Oh man, what a tough dilemma. I'm so sorry to hear they cut your program. Your worries and reasons for each option make sense, I don't have any advice other than to say...good luck. Go with your gut? That's what people always tell me and I kind of want to punch them when they do.
Oh boy, I have been worried about you! Tried to comment the other day but couldn't---weird. My husband is in the midst of the Illinois budget crisis, too. What a mess. It's definitely not an easy decision to make. I guess my words of wisdom (which are completely lacking in any real wisdom) are, "You will make the right decision for you." Whatever it is, it will be the right decision. And a hard one to make. Good luck!
Ugh...they are cutting everything in Chicago as well:( So hard...
i'm sorry to hear about the cut. a friend of mine in chicago was just laid off from cuts, too. i think you should take the job but i don't really have a reason why and i am certainly not the person to be doing the advising. maybe because i would hate to see you--such an accomplished and passionate teacher--start at the bottom again someday. but whatever you decide will work. you have great support around you and you'll succeed no matter what you do. xoxo
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