NEW OUTLOOK

It's been 7 long years since I've had a steady, long term job. I left teaching in public school because I was tired of teaching children how to take tests. I was weary of the bullying that was permitted in the public school where taught. I moved to a private school where I was very happy to be a teacher.

Then the economy tanked. For the next few years I taught wherever I could; daycare centers where I was paid 7.50 an hour to care for a room full of children, a private school where I was actually cheated out of the pay for which I was contracted, and even worked for 4 years as a substitute teacher.

Seven years is a long time and it is easy to be discouraged.

Then it happened. I finally found a permanent job. I am no longer a teacher, the job for which I studied and have over 20 years experience. The fact remains that in my area, school systems have laid-off teachers for over 3 years and there is a large number of teachers struggling to find employment, anywhere. I regret leaving teaching, but am happy to start a new phase in my life.

The 4 years as a substitute taught me a couple of important lessons.

Lesson 1--Let others know if you need help. Those who love you will want to help you. Don't let your pride prevent others from getting the blessing they will receive from helping you. My son was working and living at home. I hated asking him to chip in more on the bills. Still, it was something he needed to do, something that was necessary to his maturity.

Lesson 2--I learned to trust God to care for my needs. Though I did make due without many things I wanted, God provided for those things I needed. I used to stress about all of that, but I learned to relax and trust God . 

For any of you, who are in a similar situation, don't give up hope.

 Keep looking.