Career Worries

So I finally told the principal at my school about the pregnancy on Monday. Unfortunately she had already heard about it which is very disappointing seeing as how I only told a few people (and I told her that). She wasn't upset and understood I was waiting until the 2nd trimester began so that's good. In fact she gave me the great news that she would hire me for sure next year! So I asked if I could apply now to get the process rolling but unfortunately with this system you can't even apply until you have the degree/certification. So this uplifted my mood after a bad morning (see below).

However even with this great news I've been stressing with the decision of working. So many moms here don't work but I also know that's because the lack of jobs here. Here I am being offered one but not sure if I want to take it! Here's my thinkings. I am worried about being on maternity leave the first 6weeks of school and coming into a classroom that has been with subs the whole time. So I thought ok well maybe I don't apply for a job until later so I could start in January after the break. I am also worried about putting a tiny 6 week old baby into daycare! Another option I had considered was subbing a few days a week and gradually working my way up to full time. Or do I not work at all? So many choices!!!

Well yesterday I learned that my worrying is probably all for nothing. I guess that the principal can't say for sure that I will be hired (I'm hearing this from 2 other teachers) because the open spots depends on the number of enrollment. Also apparently the spots that are open must be made available to all other DoDDS employees and if any of them want to transfer to our school then they have seniority. Another new teacher was also told she was going to be rehired for sure next year but technically I have seniority over her because I was hired 2 months before her (yes it really does get down to that here). So if there is an open spot I should get it instead of her. I also heard another teacher's horror story. She had a job as a teacher 3 years ago but then the next year they didn't have one for her so she subbed. Then she was supposed to have a job this year but she had a baby in Aug. and another person (with less seniority) was hired over her to take the job. She assumes because she had the baby but really how can you prove it? Luckily another came available soon after so she did get one but still! So much trouble!!

So I have decided that if I get a job offer then awesome- I'll take it. I'm not worried about starting late in the year because I won't be the kind of teacher that just leaves everything up to the sub. Matt and I can come set up the room before school starts and I can have everything ready to go as if I would be there- lesson plans, procedures, everything. Then I can keep up with the sub daily through email and once a week I can go in and help prepare materials and check in - in person. I think this is something I need to discuss with the principal so she doesn't worry about the maternity leave either. I hope it works! But if I don't get a job offer for the beginning of the year then I get to enjoy my baby at home for even longer! :-)