On Wednesday morning, I made one of those declarations, or whatever you call it, in my head. I made the decision that this is IT. I'm DONE. This is my last year teaching. I'm not coming back next year. All of the trials and tribulations that come with this job have finally worn through me and I'm done. I'm done with loathing the next day, the tomorrows and next months. I so badly want to look forward to the next day! to be at peace with how I spend my time. I just had a four day weekend due to the fact that this Monday is George Washington's "birthday" and as I'm spending my time doing my pottery, driving around in the awesome weather and just basically not dealing with kids, I felt that it further cemented my decision. Ugh...I dread going back tomorrow.....
So, back to last Wednesday morning. I'm walking back down the hall to my classroom after signing in and I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. The curtain has been pulled open. What a relief I feel to say "Done. I'm D O N E. I'm not coming back next year. Three months left and I'm finished."
On the day that I decide this, I go to my jewelry class that night. I drop my stuff off in the studio and march directly to the office and ask if they're hiring. Funny you should ask....they say. We are needing someone to possibly teach a teen class next fall.
I take this as a sign. The same day I hit my limit and decide this is it, and have the guts to inquire...I find out that there is a possibility of something else. I'm pretty seriously considering starting the MFA program at SCAD in the fall and I'm exploring options for income. I've been noticing how much I work and how late I leave school and I just don't see how I'm going to be able to juggle full time with grad school.
I'm also getting ready to launch an Etsy shop. I've been neglecting home duties on the weekends in order to work on this so I can be ready. I've got a couple of opportunities on the horizon regarding marketing myself and I want to be ready in case it takes off quickly. I want to hit the ground running with a bunch of pots to keep myself covered. My stint working in retail has schooled me in the world of presentation and I've been working on obtaining the right package materials . I want to make an impression so big that they will share my name with friends and family.
I don't expect to be able to make a living from Etsy alone. I think having several pans in the fire in what is going to do it. Teaching at local art centers, Etsy, helping the BF with his business and then hell, I'll wait tables again if I have to.
I'm trying to think positive. The practical side of my brain is currently at war with my artistic side.
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