At our school, around the start of spring, our head of school asks everyone to schedule a meeting to discuss their goals for the following school year. It is a time to reflect on your school year so far, as well as how your personal goals can be reflected in your professional career. More companies should do this, actually. It’s a nice, face to face, one on one time to really flush out your dreams and your role in the establishment. I have worked with my boss for several years, was present in the development of this new school, and had a friendly relationship with her, I was excited to discuss the upcoming year.

I stood by my plan and started by explaining how this year was a struggle, for sure, but that I had found my groove, thanks to her support. My students were flourishing and parents were happy. Looking ahead, though, I asked if we could look at other options for me at the school. I didn’t want to leave but I needed something less demanding of my time outside of school. What happened felt like it came out of left field. My boss tried to convince me to teach the kindergarten class next year. Knowing the amount of time teaching kindergarten needs, I knew that would not be the best fit for my family. Staying until 5:00 at least every day is not fair to my son. I didn’t have a child so he could see me for a rushed dinner, bath, and bedtime.

In the blink of an eye (well, 10 minutes in total), the meeting ended with me not having a place there next year that fit both the school and my family. The school needs a kindergarten teacher and they are willing to lose me altogether if I decline it. I declined it. My son comes first. I think what shocked me the most is my boss’ willingness to lose me. I am not saying I am irreplaceable, but I have built very strong relationships with my students and their families. I was hoping there was a way for me to stay involved in their lives, at the school. Since that is not a possibility, I am forced to take a break. Rethink my goals as a mom and a teacher. I let myself wallow in the fact that we moved back to Georgia for this school, to pursue my passion at a school that believed in me. I let myself wallow for 30 minutes. Then, I called my husband, we chatted that night, and I realized that although this is a huge shift for us, there has to be a reason. So, now, with 2 months left of school, we are pursuing other options. My husband was determined to make my dreams come true at the place that I wanted to be. Now, it is time for his dreams to come true. The sky is the limit and we have no ties to this city anymore. Little thoughts keep popping in my head.. good thing buying a house didn’t work out, thankfully our son is young so moving won’t be too difficult for him, and the one that won’t go away.. why couldn’t I make it work?