Sometimes I worry that my teaching job has really burned me out.
For two years, as I worked looooong hours and suffered various abuses from students and administrators, I longed for a more straightforward job. Answering phones, maybe, or filing papers. Thus I have found myself attracted to these administrative sorts of job openings, not because I think they're easy, but because it seems like I would have so much more control over how my day went. And hopefully I would be able to leave my work at work and have some sort of a life after 6:00 p.m. Also, it's extremely tempting to take the first job that comes along (if or when I am offered one), because as we all know, jobs are precious these days; the job I have the best chances at right now, according to my inside sources, is an administrative assistant sort of gig.
But I've always wanted to contribute something interesting to the world. So here, at a crossroads of sorts in my career, is taking a job that isn't fascinating to me selling myself short? I'm tired of waiting to start my career.
Should I do anything so I don't end up doing nothing, or should I hold out for something great?
But, troublesomely, I'm scared of things that might be great because I'm so tired. After all, as my father is fond of quoting from one of the best movies of all time (A League of Their Own), "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great." Great jobs require great effort and great people, and I've lost my confidence in my ability to be great or put forth a great effort. I'm sure that's temporary, since I'm usually pretty full of myself, but it does make the job hunt more challenging. I'm lost in a sea of conflicting priorities.
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I enjoy the Jimmy Dugan quote, but I think more sage advice would be, "Avoid the clap."
ReplyDeleteAgreed, but here's to hoping that particular gem is not relevant to the job hunt.
ReplyDeleteI think that given who you are (smart, motivated, kind) and your work ethic (thorough, organized, effective) you will do well in ANY job and find new opportunities in any organization! AND there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a year "off" to collect yourself so you will be ready to commit yourself to a job that you really want to do!
ReplyDeleteThe two don't have to be mutually exclusive. You can take a position doing more routine work for an organization that is making a difference, and then you're contributing to making a difference too. Edward Everett Hale, the 19th century author, intellectual, and clergyman said "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do." Maybe you can't do everything right now but whatever you decide to do, you will do very well. And you and others will benefit from that.
ReplyDelete@Kathryn: Thanks for your encouragement! You are great.
ReplyDelete@Impartial: Impressive quotation skillz. And an excellent point; thank you for making it. I hope that whatever I end up doing is helpful to someone.