Comments on: Giving Up the Fight

By: Zandria

Zandria — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:03:01 +0000

That’s quite a big decision right there! There are definitely pros and cons and both sides. I think going through with taking the test and applying for the program is a good idea — like you said, you can always defer, and at least you won’t look back later and WISH you had.

By: janet

janet — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:09:42 +0000

Wow can I relate to this. I was searching for a new job for the past 1.5 years. In that time, I went through the application process for Teach for America. In the end, I got a job that is somewhat similar to the old job, but with more diversified experiences and more money. (Since we have a house on the hill — we need the money! lol)

Also, can I just tell you that it is possible to buy a house around here for that kind of money (aka condo money). It seems impossible, you just might have to look for a long time but they are out there!

Anyway, I don’t know the right answer for you but I think patience in figuring it out is something you will never regret. And definitely talk to a lot of people about teaching in DC public schools — I’m sure it’s not ideal either. (Nothing is — it’s just about what’s right for you!)

By: leslie

leslie — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:22:03 +0000

congrats on the raise/promotion…eben tho it’s making your decision-making more difficult. I often make pro/con lists and see how balanced/unbalanced it looks. When my husband and I were deciding where to buy a home, he had this great idea to take five significant criteria (up-and-comingness; safety; proximity to stuff; price; love the area) and we each took a piece of paper and ranked the importance of the factors. Then we compared - was so interesting to see where each ranked each one. That helped up decide to live where we do.

By: Leah

Leah — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:17:25 +0000

I feel like that State Farm insurance commercial, “Yeah, I’m there.”

I agree to take the test and move forward from there. I would even clear your mind of all the alternatives past the test right now. The test is the end, not the means to an end. After that, re-evaluate where you are in your journey and make the decision based on that moment. You don’t want to spend all your energy speculating right now when you don’t even know what your factors will be at the time you take the test.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:04:20 +0000

I think I’m in that both in regards to school.

I personally believe to always have a backup plan. Just trying to figure out the main plan and the backup is quite confusing.

I’m glad you will keep going with both. What is right for you will work itself out in the long run, I’m sure.

Oh, and congrats on the promotion and raise.

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:49:04 +0000

I prefer the tried-and-true pro/con list. It forces me to think rationally about important decisions. True, gut-feelings are important, but they can be misleading. I think you’re right to wait, though, and see how the certification proceeds. No need to jump the gun and make a decision now when there is technically not a decision to make—you don’t know if you’ll pass the test (though, good luck and I hope you do!), so there’s no point in worrying yourself about it.

Anyway, that’s just my two cents. Good luck!

By: kel

kel — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:28:04 +0000

Nope, no current struggle comes to mind at the moment, but when they do I analyse and over-analyse some more. I have to go over every possible solution and outcome just to see which one might be more appealing and even then rarely do I make a decision. True to form, I wait until the very last possible moment to swing one way or another and then there is no going back.

I think you are making a good decision, go ahead with your plan of applying for things and if all comes to fruition, go with your heart. Do what you love and the rest will follow.
~K

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:26:09 +0000

Hi Jen,
Funny, but I was in a similiar situation regarding teaching, too! I did infact take the PRAXIS so I would at least have that part done and then I could make my decision from there. I passed (yay!) but for me the right decision was NOT to pursue teaching. I wasn’t comfortable cutting my salary down that much either as then I too would never buy a house (I live in an overpriced market, too, Northern NJ.)
Things have a funny way of working themselves out. I truly believe ‘going with your gut’ is key to many decisions. Also, if you think you are going to regret NOT going for the teaching thing then you probably SHOULD DO IT! As you mentioned, you will put the wheels in motion and take it from there. Remember, that is really all you can do. Unfortunately, you are not really in control of the outcome, but you can put everything in place to get there.
I am notorious for making rash decisions, and freaking out over everything and for having to know right now what to do. Not 2 minutes from now, but NOW! LOL…
I think everything you said sounds great! No one can predict the future, but sometimes we need to take a risk to get somewhere in life.
Hope this helps : )
Anna