Am I doing the right thing?
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On Friday of last week I needed to call the Special Education Coordinator for all of the schools in our area. We were told that BB would be introduced into the “SMILE” This did not sit well with me (nor my DW), but we were being told that three days a week was all the school was offering in July…and that it came down from corporate. I had made a real ally in the school psychologist and she informed us in a very “wink, wink” kind of way that appealing to corporate might get us the five days. I called “corporate” and spoke with the secretary for the Special Education Coordinator, Cindy. She told me that Cindy was in a meeting and asked if she could take a message. We had a little chat (very friendly) and she said she would pass the message along and hopefully Cindy could get back to me today. A hearty thanks was given. Cindy called back about five minutes later. She was wonderful. I asked her if her secretary had briefed her and she said, “No. She told me a very nice man called and I wanted to get back with you as soon as possible.” I said, “What a nice way to start a conversation.” I told her our dilemma and she agreed 100% that BB should be in class 5 days a week. I wanted to make sure that I was not going over anyone’s head and she assured me that this was the way to go. We spoke further about services et al and she stated that things were crazy around there as she was moving up and looking to fill a position and… I said, “How would you like a guy who has been 20 years in the field working with the Chronically mentally ill and the homeless populations, is currently working with a non-profit and The Department of Children and Families and is rapidly becoming a homegrown professional on autism?” “Do you have a resume?” She replied. “I most certainly do.” I said. So…we are meeting tomorrow at 4:30 so she can look over and “rewrite” my resume. I meet all the quals re: degrees and scores etc… I have some trepidations about this though. Would it be too close to my son? I know that I would be in a place where I could have a direct impact on BB’s education and supports, but would this be a conflict of interests? The commute would be 5 miles instead of the 90 I currently do. The pay, I am VERY sure, would be much less than I make now, but less gas to pay for, closer to home, working for my son and benefits and retirement package that come with such a position. I know…I don’t have the job yet…no offer on the table. I am just curious…what do you think? Hmmm Sounds like this job was looking for you. Cam - WOW WOW WOW. Lot's to think about, nothing to worry about. See what they have to say and let us know!Well there is good and bad... The good is...she liked me a lot and wants to consider me. The bad is that there are a few "bureaucratic" loopholesthat I would ned to jump throughtat may take a year or so...:( I need to go back and look in my old curriculum to see if anything SPECIFICALLY states "Special Education and Gifted Children." If not then I need to get a course under my belt...back to college at my age? I will callthe Department of education tomorrow, but immediate gratification is just not going to happen Addendum: You know...I am bummed. I got myself really psyched up and the lady was very cool, but she really spoke to me as if I had the job wrapped up in a bow. Now, as unreasonable of me it may have been to think that was the way it was going to go I got my hopes up...silly when I know this system well enough to know that the red tape outweighs all. I should have kept this in mind. Now I just have to figure out my next move. Hey, I am 51 and am filling out the thousands of forms to return to the UW. You are never too old for anything. If it feels right. Just try not to think about it too much and see where you lead yourself. You know what I mean.Don't be too bummed. This is still an opportunity - it's an opportunity to consider a new career path. If you only need a course, that's not such a big deal. My husband, who is 44, regularly takes courses to stay on top of his profession. His classes meet once a week. I know several mothers in their 40s who take evening classes because they want a career change. It's a do-able thing if it's something you really want.Was the money right? It may take just a little "updating" of your education and you will be set. [QUOTE=camusa] Addendum: You know...I am bummed. I got myself really psyched up and the lady was very cool, but she really spoke to me as if I had the job wrapped up in a bow. Now, as unreasonable of me it may have been to think that was the way it was going to go I got my hopes up...silly when I know this system well enough to know that the red tape outweighs all. I should have kept this in mind. Now I just have to figure out my next move. [/QUOTE]((((((HUGS)))))) I am sure this must be real disappointing if you are anything like me - you maybe want the job even more now that there are some barriers in your path Though actually taking a course or something may be a great deal of fun I have to call the department of Ed and find out what needs to be done. It may be that all I need to do is take a college course on the subject matter for a total of 36 hours and then I can qualify. The DOE has VERY limited hours for taking phone calls! 12-4 M, T, TH, F. This is tough as I am at work and an extended conversation about what I need to do to get another job...might get noticed! I will definitely follow-up. As for the question about $...I never asked! EDIT-Just as a note though-the position that she wanted me to get into (namely hers) will not be around long enough for me to get my qualifications up :( I have to call the department of Ed and find out what needs to be done. It may be that all I need to do is take a college course on the subject matter for a total of 36 hours and then I can qualify. The DOE has VERY limited hours for taking phone calls! 12-4 M, T, TH, F. This is tough as I am at work and an extended conversation about what I need to do to get another job...might get noticed! I will definitely follow-up. As for the question about $...I never asked! EDIT-Just as a note though-the position that she wanted me to get into (namely hers) will not be around long enough for me to get my qualifications up :( [/QUOTE] Oh camusa that sucks Sounds like a great opportunity for you and your son and all the future children affected by decisions you may have a hand in:) Divine intervention all around:) I say go for it:) Good luck! What a FANTASTIC opportunity. I can't wait to hear how the interview goes.
Great Camusa, I'll be waiting for your "I got the job" post. It really does feel like everything I want right now, but I have a few concerns. Allegra really hit the nail on the head-I feel like my whole life is consumed by autism. All I do is spend my free time researching or implementing or advocating. Damn, I even missed out on watching a movie with my wife last night because I was so adamant about posting to the new lady about PDD-NOS! Secondly...I can only take so much of a pay cut. I work in th non-profit sector already. I had moved out of non-profit into profit and was the MIS director for a firm on Wall Street for a few years until I realized I had to get back to where my heart was (that and the bottom dropped out, but that is for another time). \ While I work non-profit I make a pretty decent salary. I am worried that they will not be able to come close to it. This is all speculation though right?! They might be able to come close?! The job has not even been offered yet! Why am I stressing so?! She does want me to come in though so she can tailor my resume for the position... <shrug> If you are spending all of your free time researching, implementing and advocating, why not get paid for it? Shouldn't your chosen occupation be something you are passionate about? Isn't passion an important part of feeling fulfilled in what you are doing? Dude, totally - I'd go for it. I wish I could do something like that, too - but I don't have the credentials. I agree, if it's your pashion, you'll be great at it, and who knows where it'll take you in the long term. Camusa-- Go into the meeting with no expectations and see what she has to say. Then, trust your gut- it will be the best indicator of what you should do. If you leave the meeting feeling energized about the opportunity, you'll have your answer. Im a big believer in the power of intuition when you need to make a big decision. DOUBT means DONT. Personally, i think you would be fantastic at this though. Camusa wow! My SIL actually recommended that I get a job with the SD b/c it improves your insight into the situation and you have more access to your child ... How WONDERFUL! Grab it up -- it cannot hurt.I too am pondering taking a job in the school district next fall. I eat, breath and sleep autism at home, but I'm not sure I want to do more of that while my son is at school! However, sometimes you can have more impact on other children than your own! I personally would love if people who were truly invested in autism, like yourself, would work around my son. Never hurts to check it out - it might be the right fit. Good luck with your decision!I think it rocks!Great opportunity and I am so glad you are taking it !You know - while the concern that ALlegra raised is real valid - but I find myself OBSESSED with ASD - It almost fascinates me to the point when I sometimes feel everything else interferes with it The salary cut potentially would be a worry to me - I am sure you can find that out - but the Low commute would totally swing it the other way - right now I work 3 miles from home and DH and I often meet for lunch - it really relieves so much of the stress in life Absolutely, but what if the cut is around 20 to 30 grand? I could not take that swing. Send Positive energy this way hardcore! Well, only you know your budget. But ... consider gas prices. And their benefits package. And then, intangible benefits ... Thinking good thoughts for ya! I would say go and see what they say.. You are theonly that knows how much you can afford to lose.. Good lUck keep us posted..Camusa, you do not strike me as the kind of person to let $$ make your decisions. I know, I live in the real world, too, but you yourself would say to anyone else that having passion in your work is worth all the gold any other job could offer you. Where there is passion, there is life. Where there is life, there is fruition. If you are feeling excited and HAPPY by this unexpected offer, then heed the call. If you smile when you think of this new job, you are being led, my friend. Let yourself be swept up in the stream. Life always goes better when you go with the current. Absolutely, but if the cut is 20 to 30 grand then I cannot afford to be swept anywhere.you are right 30 K less would totally hurt - the other thing to consider is how happy you are at your current job Sending you tons of positive vibes that the salary is good and better than what you are making right now ( how is that for hard core positive vibes you are right 30 K less would totally hurt - the other thing to consider is how happy you are at your current job Sending you tons of positive vibes that the salary is good and better than what you are making right now ( how is that for hard core positive vibes [/QUOTE] Oh, I like those vibes {{{{HUGZ}}}} Hey camusa!I like this story. You're probably freaking out a bit, because this turn of events was so unexpected. I say, roll with it and see where it takes you. You will have more clarity when it gets to the point where there is a decision to be made. Me: have a kid on the spectrum, 10 years+ experience working with other ASD kids, working on my MA in psychology with a specialty in children w/ special needs,and currently enrolled in a training program to become a Parent Educator and Advocate. I don't feel burned out or obsessesed at all. Instead, I feel wonderfully purposeful and really qualified. I recently met a very passionate Mom, with no resume other than her life's experience who now is on the Board of directors at the regional center (state services in CA) She says, "it's great when you can help your own kid, but if you can help even more, that's even better." Even if this job doesn't pan out, perhaps you will have been moved to rethink your career. You certainly do sound passionate. Who knows. GOOD LUCK!! An exciting option for you! Passion in action can change young lives!!! Also sending you good {{{{{vibes}}}}} hope the $$ is reasonable- the commute sounds great! |
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