I don’t think I’ve ever posted on this thread, but here goes.
I’ve grown tired of dealing with immature teens who would rather be anywhere but in the classroom. An opportunity opened up at a small college ten minutes from where I live, so I applied. It’s working with international students. The problem is the pay- I would be taking a cut of more than 30%. Should I pursue it or not? That is the prayer request. I have weighed all the pros and cons I can think of, but may be just too eager to escape the drudgery that teaching has become.
Peter, Are you tenured where you are? Do you have enough years in to draw board of education retirement? If not, how much longer?
How long is your commute now?
How much are you spending on gas, tires, maintenance?
Are all of your children on their own?
Are you to the age that peace of mind means more than anything?
How much debt do you currently have?
What is your stress level?
There are so many things that go into this decision that are not monetary. Many years ago I convinced my husband that even at what I was making–which was great money–that by the time I bought work clothes, gas, food, daycare, and paid the taxes on my income, it was a wash and I could quit work and stay home with BG. We had everything we needed and most of what we wanted.
Kim is correct. You need to consider tenure and retirement
The magic is (was) 25 for federal employees. If you had that much service, they couldn’t fire you without annuity.
I have tenure currently, but will not be able to draw retirement for another 5 years at least. Sanity means more than money. My commute will be 6 miles each way instead of 40. Plus, I’ll only have income in one state instead of two. However, we’ll still live 1/2 hour from groceries, though there is a middle sized store in the town where the college is for those “immediate” needs.
And they’ll let me still teach the night class at the community college, thought that is 30 miles away. But as for the cave… I guess Saturdays I can “moonlight” there.
And that is what I am asking for Lee. He has a job interview next Wednesday. The job is right up his alley (delivering bread products), he has lots of experience in it (been doing it for almost 15 years), & he has a great reputation among “bread men” (& some of them who know him are at this company).
But this “depot” would be a longer commute to get to & from work. It pays a fairly low base salary plus commission. Not knowing how well the sales would be, we don’t know how much commission he could actually make – or not make. Wisdom & direction much needed. Thank you.
In my experience, peace of mind is worth more than money. I think sometimes you just have to feel like you are making a difference, or you have to just walk away.
Thank You for sharing wisdom and giving guidance when needed. Our Brother in Christ and friend, Peter, is facing a new choice in direction of the hours You give him each day. I know foremost You want us to seek Your glory and help where You are actively kingdom building on earth as it is in heaven. Please help Peter to discern which direction would align him more closely with Your desires to use his skills, talents, and opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus. Only You have knowledge of all the details. Please help him decide, give him a peaceful feeling over his final decision, and give him assurance that You will help him whether he has financial concerns or issues with burnout from lack of appreciation in his current employment. You are the only living God able to show favor to those who put faith in Jesus. It is through His precious name that this prayer is offered for Your timely consideration. Amen
Wandering Views 
I don’t think I’ve ever posted on this thread, but here goes.
I’ve grown tired of dealing with immature teens who would rather be anywhere but in the classroom. An opportunity opened up at a small college ten minutes from where I live, so I applied. It’s working with international students. The problem is the pay- I would be taking a cut of more than 30%. Should I pursue it or not? That is the prayer request. I have weighed all the pros and cons I can think of, but may be just too eager to escape the drudgery that teaching has become.
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Prayers for wisdom and peace in your decision-making, Peter.
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Peter, Are you tenured where you are? Do you have enough years in to draw board of education retirement? If not, how much longer?
How long is your commute now?
How much are you spending on gas, tires, maintenance?
Are all of your children on their own?
Are you to the age that peace of mind means more than anything?
How much debt do you currently have?
What is your stress level?
There are so many things that go into this decision that are not monetary. Many years ago I convinced my husband that even at what I was making–which was great money–that by the time I bought work clothes, gas, food, daycare, and paid the taxes on my income, it was a wash and I could quit work and stay home with BG. We had everything we needed and most of what we wanted.
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Peter, praying God would give you clear direction and peace to go with your decision.
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Praying. I can so relate…..though my teens did not express dissatisfaction until they left.
And prayer for Chas as he makes this huge move, and Elvera to be as comfortable as possible with it.
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Kim is correct. You need to consider tenure and retirement
The magic is (was) 25 for federal employees. If you had that much service, they couldn’t fire you without annuity.
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I have tenure currently, but will not be able to draw retirement for another 5 years at least. Sanity means more than money. My commute will be 6 miles each way instead of 40. Plus, I’ll only have income in one state instead of two. However, we’ll still live 1/2 hour from groceries, though there is a middle sized store in the town where the college is for those “immediate” needs.
And they’ll let me still teach the night class at the community college, thought that is 30 miles away. But as for the cave… I guess Saturdays I can “moonlight” there.
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And benefits mean a lot. My SIL mentioned them to me just last night. Made a big difference for the big change in their lives.
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Praying for wisdom & direction for you, Peter.
And that is what I am asking for Lee. He has a job interview next Wednesday. The job is right up his alley (delivering bread products), he has lots of experience in it (been doing it for almost 15 years), & he has a great reputation among “bread men” (& some of them who know him are at this company).
But this “depot” would be a longer commute to get to & from work. It pays a fairly low base salary plus commission. Not knowing how well the sales would be, we don’t know how much commission he could actually make – or not make. Wisdom & direction much needed. Thank you.
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In my experience, peace of mind is worth more than money. I think sometimes you just have to feel like you are making a difference, or you have to just walk away.
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But also consider if the lower salary would end up causing more anxiety where paying the bills & emergencies & repairs are concerned.
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Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sharing wisdom and giving guidance when needed. Our Brother in Christ and friend, Peter, is facing a new choice in direction of the hours You give him each day. I know foremost You want us to seek Your glory and help where You are actively kingdom building on earth as it is in heaven. Please help Peter to discern which direction would align him more closely with Your desires to use his skills, talents, and opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus. Only You have knowledge of all the details. Please help him decide, give him a peaceful feeling over his final decision, and give him assurance that You will help him whether he has financial concerns or issues with burnout from lack of appreciation in his current employment. You are the only living God able to show favor to those who put faith in Jesus. It is through His precious name that this prayer is offered for Your timely consideration. Amen
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Thank you all. I have a phone interview Tuesday afternoon.
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