The answer: ....Im not always sure. Its definately different.
Its different not in a bad way but just in A way.
I find parts of it desperately annoying and other parts absolutely delightful. Its an odd feeling after being in the classroom for so many years.
I think that one of the reasons that I love teaching...aside from the students, is that it is concrete and measurable and done for a definitive amount of time. I have dominion over a manageable situation. I am the boss...I am in control...I am responsible for those students and their activities and their education for a set period of time. For someone who likes a framework and does will with predicitiblity...its a great situation because I can provide for my own classroom...nothing happens that I dont make happen or control.
My new job is a bit more nebulous. I never know what might happen on a given day as managing a student body of 240 students and being part of a staff and faculty of 30 plus opens wide the probability of issues arising that need immediate attention. Its definately addressed two big themes in my life...1. Desiring control and 2. Having boundaries.
Because those two things are related, is it really any wonder that at times this job can pull me out of my comfort zone? And while I dont like being out of my comfort zone, I do see the benefits for growth. Its just scary sometimes. For example, I can go into work with a plan for the day and have it totally obliterated by crisis. While this isnt bad its frustrating for somone who is very linear...its made me stretch and also see that sometimes my agenda is not what God has for me that day. It tough to give up control and yet the benefits are amazing--people's needs are actually being met--things get done that I didnt realize needed doing--the implications often reaching the eternal realm.
Early on I voiced my frustration and said, " I cant get anything done because Im constantly intrrupted!" I was given the answer, "But that is your job now...to be interrupted." Oh... well in that case, Im doing a hell of a job.
Will I continue it?? Its really too early to tell. I do miss classroom even though I am teaching still. I miss the ease of it. I miss the hands on interaction with the students. However, I love the planning parts...the planning of retreats, homecoming, prom, student government. I love having the time to talk with students and work on issues that they have.
We shall see...who knows what will be in a year.
1 comment:
who knows?!
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