Relieved in Retrospect
The Road Not Taken ... Thank Goodness!12 total reviews
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
You told your story well, Liz. It's best to find out that teaching isn't for everyone regardless of the reason. I was told 'those that can't, teach.' I believe your career in computer tech served you well. thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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You told your story well, Liz. It's best to find out that teaching isn't for everyone regardless of the reason. I was told 'those that can't, teach.' I believe your career in computer tech served you well. thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
Comment from karenina
You are so funny! I never fail to have laugh out loud moments when reading your work...
"Not that I tried very hard; the number of jobs I applied for could be counted on the fingers of one thumb."-- HAH!
All kidding aside, teachers these days are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. In my town we're in "hybrid" mode--three days a week IN school and two others FROM home...
Now the powers that be are pulling a fast one, declaring ALL K-8th graders WILL go back full time after April vacation.
I wanted to be a teacher...once...for about five minutes...
I opted for nursing (which is teaching sick people, alas)
Today's teachers (at least in this state) are NOT considered essential workers, in that they are not being put up for vaccinations prior to in school contact.
I have four grandkids and (as I recall, since it's been a year...) I could BARELY herd them all to one table with Chili Dogs, much less convince them to wash their hands as though they had OCD, stay six feet apart, keep the damn mask on their grubby faces, and on and on...
Congrats on the education and the second effort...
This "dream deferred" is a blessing for you. I mean computers get VIRUSES....but not COVID!
Karenina
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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You are so funny! I never fail to have laugh out loud moments when reading your work...
"Not that I tried very hard; the number of jobs I applied for could be counted on the fingers of one thumb."-- HAH!
All kidding aside, teachers these days are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. In my town we're in "hybrid" mode--three days a week IN school and two others FROM home...
Now the powers that be are pulling a fast one, declaring ALL K-8th graders WILL go back full time after April vacation.
I wanted to be a teacher...once...for about five minutes...
I opted for nursing (which is teaching sick people, alas)
Today's teachers (at least in this state) are NOT considered essential workers, in that they are not being put up for vaccinations prior to in school contact.
I have four grandkids and (as I recall, since it's been a year...) I could BARELY herd them all to one table with Chili Dogs, much less convince them to wash their hands as though they had OCD, stay six feet apart, keep the damn mask on their grubby faces, and on and on...
Congrats on the education and the second effort...
This "dream deferred" is a blessing for you. I mean computers get VIRUSES....but not COVID!
Karenina
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
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Cheers to you! We never know where life will take us, right?--Karenina
Comment from Judy Lawless
First, it's interesting to learn more about the background of our friends on here!
Second, I understand exactly what you mean. I have often dreamed about revisiting jobs, or people, from my past, only to discover one way or another how grateful I am that I'm much better off where I ended up.
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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First, it's interesting to learn more about the background of our friends on here!
Second, I understand exactly what you mean. I have often dreamed about revisiting jobs, or people, from my past, only to discover one way or another how grateful I am that I'm much better off where I ended up.
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
This is a first for me to read. You have a metaphorical dream. IN the past, I have written short stories that were inspired by dreams. It was an interesting exercise. Sometimes it's hard to remember all of the details of the dream.
This is a great description. "Counted on the fingers of one thumb." That's a masterful phrase.
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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This is a first for me to read. You have a metaphorical dream. IN the past, I have written short stories that were inspired by dreams. It was an interesting exercise. Sometimes it's hard to remember all of the details of the dream.
This is a great description. "Counted on the fingers of one thumb." That's a masterful phrase.
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
I made that up years ago--just googled--don't see it!
Comment from Ric Myworld
The system sure sucks. The human mind doesn't start to mature until around the age of 27, which means, that by the time we start to really understand all that we've learned, we're too old to be useful. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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The system sure sucks. The human mind doesn't start to mature until around the age of 27, which means, that by the time we start to really understand all that we've learned, we're too old to be useful. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
Comment from BethShelby
You and I have some things in common other than the name Elizabeth. I too wanted to be a teacher in first and second grade. I finished college with a teaching certificate, and also didn't apply for any jobs due to having done practice teaching with junior high brats. I too in went back to college in the early eighties to try to renew my teaching certificate. I only took eight hours toward it, before I gave and decided maybe the desire wasn't that strong. Now I'm thankful.
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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You and I have some things in common other than the name Elizabeth. I too wanted to be a teacher in first and second grade. I finished college with a teaching certificate, and also didn't apply for any jobs due to having done practice teaching with junior high brats. I too in went back to college in the early eighties to try to renew my teaching certificate. I only took eight hours toward it, before I gave and decided maybe the desire wasn't that strong. Now I'm thankful.
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
Stunning synchronicity!
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
Me too! That was my dream as well. The most I lived it was as a volunteer helper with low-grade readers.
I just reviewed one of your other essays and wondered about your level of education, since you come off brilliantly in everything you write about.
I figured, Master's Degree.
Nevertheless, back to this rendering. I understand your dream clearly.
I had that yearning, as well. Picturing something in your mind does not always translate the same when faced with reality. The teachers we grew up with, or I should say, I grew up with, did not have the smartass kids that are the substantive lot these days. Not all, but some. Whatever!
Ralf
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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Me too! That was my dream as well. The most I lived it was as a volunteer helper with low-grade readers.
I just reviewed one of your other essays and wondered about your level of education, since you come off brilliantly in everything you write about.
I figured, Master's Degree.
Nevertheless, back to this rendering. I understand your dream clearly.
I had that yearning, as well. Picturing something in your mind does not always translate the same when faced with reality. The teachers we grew up with, or I should say, I grew up with, did not have the smartass kids that are the substantive lot these days. Not all, but some. Whatever!
Ralf
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
Stunning synchronicity!
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I'm going to look that word up. I know what part of it means, but the two parts mean something more.
Comment from royowen
It's a difficult one they keep saying that "ageing" are an asset because of their sheer "nouse" at their given career exposure, but in interviews, they're no quite what they are "looking" for, as you say, "to cover the bums", I solved that by being entrepreneurial. Beautifully written Liz, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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It's a difficult one they keep saying that "ageing" are an asset because of their sheer "nouse" at their given career exposure, but in interviews, they're no quite what they are "looking" for, as you say, "to cover the bums", I solved that by being entrepreneurial. Beautifully written Liz, blessings Roy
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 25-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
Comment from lyenochka
So true! I think we have so much in common! I also have a background in Humanities which via a Masters in Information studies ended up in computing and retired early and actually got another masters to teach English and basic computing. But that was only for a few years as ESL jobs were few within the country. God has His reasons. I'm glad you're safe!
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2021
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So true! I think we have so much in common! I also have a background in Humanities which via a Masters in Information studies ended up in computing and retired early and actually got another masters to teach English and basic computing. But that was only for a few years as ESL jobs were few within the country. God has His reasons. I'm glad you're safe!
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2021
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As they say, be careful what you wish for! Cheers. LIZ
Comment from Wendy G
Yes, I read her post too, and it does sound complicated! Trying to juggle face to face teaching with Zoom (or equivalent) lessons would not be easy. (Maybe you could become a teacher's aide if you have them there. Nice interactions in smaller groups, no parent-teacher meetings etc!!) However I think you would be a great Creative Writing tutor, and gifted students should be withdrawn, as a privilege, to sit in your classes for Extension work.
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2021
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Yes, I read her post too, and it does sound complicated! Trying to juggle face to face teaching with Zoom (or equivalent) lessons would not be easy. (Maybe you could become a teacher's aide if you have them there. Nice interactions in smaller groups, no parent-teacher meetings etc!!) However I think you would be a great Creative Writing tutor, and gifted students should be withdrawn, as a privilege, to sit in your classes for Extension work.
Comment Written 24-Feb-2021
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2021
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Thank you! I'm floored by your suggestions. Cheers. LIZ
