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Hi guys, it has been a while and I am sorry...I guess that my only excuse is that I have been rather occupied. 

That's a good thing.

I am a teacher (they call me a 'professor' here...Sounds fancier) and I have been self-employed for over 30yrs. It is a lot of running around because I work both in-company as a coach/trainer and in colleges/universities. I have never 'settled down' because no one has ever offered me a full-time position. I also like the freedom that it affords me for both health and holidays...I just book-off if I need to.

Well, one of my favorite bosses and friends offered me Tenure and I started the 'official' recruitment process in the spring. 

It has eaten away at my nerves but the interviews went very well and everything was on-track until mid-August when the HR called to ask about my diplomas. None existent I answered. I studied at the Sorbonne (University of Paris) for 7 yrs, never passed my finals. 

I couldn't tell her why. K pouch, cancer, constant dehydration, working double-time-and-a-half 7days/week for 7 yrs...barely surviving, sick and scared. The details blocked in my throat. 'The Rectorat requires diplomas'...it was a deal-breaker. 

I was heart-broken. I had gotten my hopes up. (bad idea in my life)

She mentioned another teacher who was recruited at another campus having a TOESL certification and that it sufficed. 

I looked it up. There were 3 kinds. 30, 60 and 120hr courses. I started the 120hr certification online. Finished it in a 2-week marathon of studying and tests. (92%)

I sent out the certificate last Sat night. 

Friday I got the word. I have been hired. 

I do not know what this means in the short or long run...I do know that I have never had tenure before. I have never had stability in my 30yr career. I have never had a 'social protection umbrella'. 

My boss wants me to be protected, to have sick-leave, vacation pay, health insurance, paid lunch, paid transportation etc...I will have my own office for the 1st time in my life. A place to leave my shoes and stuff, a handicapped toilet (yay!!!!) and rights. I will also be named Director of Language Studies.

I am terrified.

But I start tomorrow. 

Wish me luck guys...

This is the big one.

Sharon

 

 

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Congratulations. There is really something to be said for professional job security and employment benefits, especially during these very uncertain times. I am fortunate to have had that job and benefits stability for a long period of time. My next door neighbor, a lovely woman in her 50s, just lost her job due to Covid-related layoffs. I feel terrible for her and it's somewhat ironic as only a month ago we were talking about how fortunate we both were to have stable jobs.

One of my clients operated a successful dance studio for many years and due to Covid-related impacts on the business, he has recently decided to close the business. It's very sad to me because I did legal work for them and even wrote their all new anti-bullying policy a few years ago after the client had a bullying incident at the studio. Apart from that, up until Covid, it was a successful and long running business but my client sees no viable path forward.

Being able to work at a job I enjoy and still have the job is a blessing. I am sure you feel the same way.

Last edited by CTBarrister

Week 2 and on the 1st morning of every class I give my usual speach about the importance of communication, looking out for each other, talking to someone if you need help, not letting anxiety and fear fester until it grows into a huge balloon and expoldes ( we had quite a few students that suffered from anxiety and depression and a couple who went over the edge , literally.) 

One of my new students started shaking and her eyes started leaking, her mouth trembling... I knew immediately. 

At the break she came to see me and at lunchtime I spoke with her for 1.5hrs. GHB laced beer in a pub, in a foreign country, a stranger who smiled too much and her who life slipped into a dark hole.

A victim. We talked about PTSD , getting help, being strong, not allowing the bullies and criminals to win.

She cried. We did yoga breathing together. We jumped up and down to get rid of the nervous energy.

Yes, she is already being followed, was hospitalized and is on meds. But back to school and terrified of feeling isolated and alone. 

I start "group" for girls next week. Just a group where they can talk, share and help each other out.

I love my new job.

Sharon 

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