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Old 05-13-2006, 03:34 PM   #5
BigV
Goon Squad Leader
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Seattle
Posts: 27,063
Remember Benjamin Franklin's method? Make a list of the pluses and a list of the minuses. Long list wins. You're already starting this process with the Good and Bad. I realize that is oversimplifying the issue, but the strategy is sound. I also understand it is difficult to quantify real and important issues like "...I have moments of pure joy working with the kids...". How do you measure that? It's hard but you can, in fact, only you can.

I will run down my read on the data you provide, with editorial comments. The remarks are in no particular order.

100 min commute each way. wtf. I worked in SoCal with 80 miler each way into LA for a couple of years. I would not wish that on a snake. It robs your living of life. If you've been doing it for a while, you may not notice how messed up it is. When you get a local commute, and you can spend more of your waking hours doing things in the service of your life and not your employer's, you'll see the difference. This goes double if you have to pay for fuel and drive yourself. This will only get more expensive and frustrating.

The pure joy of working with "these" kids. I know this one too from first hand experience. I include quotes around "these" kids, not to disparage your kids, but to distinguish them from another group of kids. I *know* the joy you speak of and it is a powerful positive factor in favor of this job. But I don't think it is impossible to expect the same joy from a different group of kids in a different situation where the negatives listed above are fewer or weaker. There are other kids out there who could benefit from your help, Griff. You just haven't met them yet.

Bosses who suck. Dilbert's funny because he's right, and we who laugh instead of cry do it because we know. But poor Dilbert can only see the one pointy haired boss he has. There are other bosses and organizations that are more compassionate than the one you've described. Ones that will recogonize your value to the organization and reward you in ways that encourage you to stay, for their own benefit. Reward you with >50% of public school pay, or flexible hours to accommodate your self improvement efforts, listening to your input about what equipment you need and don't need. They do exist, Griff, I promise you.

Dedicated support group. I reckon the professionals that get involved in this field do it for the joy the work, not for the glamour or the money. And the parents that get their kids involved are likely involved themselves. These dynamics exist in other places too. Where these other people are, I don't know, but I am sure that if I were a parent in this position, I'd be looking for a group like yours in my area.

You are working. Well, let me tell you from recent first hand experience, that is a real plus for those of us for whom work isn't an optional activity. Big kudos to you for leaving your bridges intact. Very professional and prudent.

Work while attending school. A very ambitious goal, but perhaps unreachable from your current position. When I need something a high shelf, I will reach for it, but if I can't get it easily, I may need to move closer or stand on something. You have set your sights on something good that you need. Great, now go get it. But if you can't get it here, adjust as needed. Now you need to ask yourself, what am I reaching for: Continued employment, or continued education. Sounds like one of them has to give for the time being. But, heck, you already knew that. All that talk just to restate your question. Sorry.
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