It's just a very very very baby idea, I have been thinking about it for a few months but am just starting to voice it - I'm thinking of switching jobs to be closer to home. Right now I drive quite a bit during the day many days, usually starting out at a site about 20 min. away and then ending up about 30 min. away from home by evening. Not the worst, not the best. We are in a highly walkable/busable area and I think we could give up a car if I could get in at a school near enough to walk/bus/bike.
I wrote in my journal that my boss is leaving, and this feels like an opening for me to make a change. I am not exactly sure why, as 80% of days I like my job, but I had such a weird feeling of freedom when she announced her retirement. I should be clear - the feeling wasn't in reaction to her being a bad boss. She's an awesome boss, meaning no one could ever be as awesome in this particular position, so maybe I should cash in my chips while I'm ahead. I guess I was more loyal to her as an individual than I ever thought. So in honoring attempts to listen to my gut, I am trying to see what this feeling might mean. But I also might be overanalyzing it to death!!
I am currently working with teachers in helping them make the most of classroom technology and have been for the last two years, but already there are aspects that are old. The transformative stuff is great, it's just that it's a lot less of the job than I thought it would be. It's a lot of listening to people complaining. I might be a better instructional model back in my own classroom. If I did look for a teaching position, it would be doing ESL. I have the required credentials but it's an area I've never worked in for pay, and have been thinking about it on and off for a few years.
Very afraid, of course, the grass won't be greener. Also, our local district is large, and so I'm afraid of inertia mostly, though they did pass a big levy focused on technology for personalized learning. However, I'm also quite afraid of what having a different boss will mean for our team and work, and wondering if it's better to get out now and try something new.
Hmm, that's interesting how many times I used the word "afraid." I wonder if this is driven chiefly out of fear rather than seeking something positive.
What good resources do you know for people thinking of making a change?