Pages

▼

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Slice of Life: Looking on the bright side of life

My last teaching job, while fulfilling, drained me both physically and emotionally. Much of that had to do with the fact that my drive to and from work every day lasted nearly an hour. That distance had both a physical and mental impact. And I did it for seven years.

The commute for my new job is less than a half hour. While I'd certainly love it to be even less than that, I'm not complaining. Not only does my new school get out about 15 minutes earlier than my old school, but I've found that I can even run a few errands and STILL get home sooner than I would have by just going straight home from my old job. Suddenly I'm feeling a sense of freedom I've never felt before. I'm getting home every day feeling, not only less overwhelmed than I ever did before, but I feel like I still have time to get things accomplished after I've made dinner.

Despite the fact I still feel the way most teachers do -- like there is never enough time to get everything done -- this year I feel hopeful that I can experience the work-life balance I was so desperately seeking in my first seven years. The weight on my heart, mind, and spirit has suddenly been lifted. 

Slice of Life is brought to you by Two Writing Teachers


at

6 comments:

  1. Michele KnottAugust 26, 2014 at 6:00 PM

    That feeling of relief, which comes in so many different ways and manners, is one of the best feelings! I'm sure you'll fill all extra time up in no time and then wonder how did you ever manage before? Hope that feeling of weightlessness lasts awhile!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Holly MuellerAugust 26, 2014 at 6:46 PM

    That's wonderful! A short commute can make all the difference!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lee Ann SpillaneAugust 26, 2014 at 6:54 PM

    I am a little jealous of your time gift. Next year my afternoon commute will be less than 30 minutes, but this year I still cross town to pick up my son from school. I love his school and the community he has there, so it has been worth the commute. Still, I'm looking forward to all of that extra time.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JackieAugust 26, 2014 at 7:04 PM

    How nice to have that extra time. Long commutes can be a bear. My commute was about 20 minutes each way and I found in the morning I could use it to finalize my plans for the day. Hope you have a great year. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. StaceyAugust 26, 2014 at 8:59 PM

    Yea for short commutes! I'm not a fan of commuting so I know what a blessing it is to have an easy one.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Linda BAugust 26, 2014 at 9:22 PM

    That's just wonderful, Beth. I moved about two years ago, to be closer to a number of things, including my work. Now I'm only 5 minutes away, and 15 minutes from my daughter & family. I understand about the errands. I can easily stop at the store, etc. before I go home, & still have time to cook, read, relax for a while. I'm glad it's working so well for you.

    ReplyDelete