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. 

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