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Sabbatical

Me: "Say it with me, class.  Sabbatical.  It means I'm not going to be a teacher for a while, but I'll come back the next year."
Precious #1: "Are you having a baby?"
Me: "No."
Precious #2: "Are you sure you're not pregnant?"
Me: "I'm positive."
Precious Group: "But Mrs. Sykes, what will you do?"

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Rest, Refresh, Regroup, Relax, Recharge, Rewind, Refocus...  All of these are on my itinerary for the coming year.  This is a decision I did not make lightly, but did with much contemplation.  I love teaching.  I am really good at working with students.  I big, pink, puffy heart love my teammates!

I just need a break.  For me.  I've shared my past struggles with depression, and I know that this is something triggered by living in a state of stress.  I'm hoping that a few months to a year of recharging time will help me better deal with stress in the future.  Luckily, my hubby has convinced me that we will not starve without my paycheck, since we all like mac and cheese, Ramen noodles, and good old beans and rice.

 I'll still create for my teacher friends, and I'm truly hopeful that my dream job will open in a few months, and I can fulfill my inner literacy geek destiny.  For me, I need to take the time to live a more balanced life...  family, marriage, friendships, work, play - they all need to balance out a bit more in my life.

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Hugs to you all for coming with me on this amazing journey...  Thank you!

Comments

  1. Linda Nelson @ Primary Inspiration5/30/2013

    Bless you, Jen! What a hard choice you've made, and what a courageous one! Long ago, I also made the decision to leave teaching for a year, mostly because of working in a ridiculously competitive environment and letting my own compulsive overworking tendencies feed right into the demands of that environment. At the time, a few people told me, "You'll never get another teaching job." Many more, however, came to me and said (actually most of them snuck to me and whispered!), "I'm so jealous! I wish I could do what you're doing! I'm at the end of my rope and I don't know what I'm going to do, but my husband would never let me do what you're doing!". The conversations were amazing, and so sad. How blessed are we both to have husbands who love us enough to see beyond the job to our real needs! To finish the story, after a year, I went back, to a different district and a better job, and after that over the years also got two other teaching jobs, the last of which was the job that I truly felt God had created for me, and me for it. Trust that He will also work it out for you.
    By the way, it was a tight year, but we didn't starve, and neither will you! :)
    Much peace and happiness to you!!

    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous5/30/2013

    I know this was a tough decision and one I wish I could financially make. I am in the same boat with a challenging year and suffering through depression (severe postpartum). Kudos to you for putting yourself first and doing what is best for YOU!

    Jess

    ReplyDelete
  3. Brandee Green5/31/2013

    Enjoy the much needed relaxation and take care of yourself. :)
    Brandee @ Creating Lifelong Learners

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jennifer Laffin5/31/2013

    Good for you! I admire you for taking care of yourself and your family first. Best of luck!

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

    ReplyDelete
  5. LoveN3rdgrade6/01/2013

    Wish you the best!!

    Many Blessings to you and your family! :)

    ReplyDelete

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