Not even an interview...

[mamabear]

Matt just finally called the organization to see what was up with his job application for the communications director position. He didn't even get an interview! Honestly, I'm surprised - but then there were 25 people applying and he doesn't have much of a background in desktop publishing, only teaching. So I'm guessing that with the salary they were offering (quite high for around here), plenty of people further along in their careers, who have a teaching background *and* the publishing/PR experience, applied, and there were enough of them that they have their pick and didn't need to interview people without the publishing experience.

Huge positive side to all of this, is Matt got to really articulate for himself what he loves about teaching (summers off being a big part of that for both of us), we both explored our relationship with money, and I think overall it has recommitted him to continue teaching. He is going to start work on his Master's (his school will pay for 3 credits per semester), look into teaching a community college class or two for extra money, and pursue a couple of test-writing related freelance jobs that have popped up.

What a weird mix of emotions...overall I am glad. Yesterday he went and got a great haircut and a suit in case he got the interview (it was the only chance he had to get to the Big City) and he looks hot! I get to return the suit tomorrow, yay, when I drop him off at the airport to go to San Francisco with his mom to help her with her pottery show.

Just thought I'd update everyone. I thought for sure Matt was a very strong potential candidate for the job because his coworker, who's on the board, recommended him for it and thought he'd be great for it. The funny thing is, all this time we've both been having such mixed feelings about him potentially being offered the job. It would have been much harder on his self-esteem if he'd interviewed for it, but not been offered it. Everything worked out for the best.

[LatteLover]

I think when stuff like this happens, something better is coming his way!

[Marina]

What she said! But, still, I'm sorry.

[3boysnagrl]

I know that you know that there is a reason for everything... and a reason he is going to continue teaching for now. We don't understand the reasoning sometimes, but there is always a reason. It's good to trust that the right things happen in the right timing.

I say this as I am still wondering why in the world we are in the Army now. Life leads us places we swore we would never be...

[ThirtySomething]

That's kind of a bummer, but it sounds like you feel pretty ok about it.

Leap and the net will appear.

[gypsimama]

I hope this means that something even better is right around the corner for Matt.

On a selfish note.....does this mean you're coming to B'town? If you have time and want to meet up, lmk. There is a little park not too far from the airport.

I'll be heading down later to go grocery shopping and maybe even to Costco. Woo hoo, Costco with 3 kids. <------ that's my kids freakin' out over the "free snacks". They think Costco is one big snack fest.

We must meet soon!

[Marina]

Oh, and update your blog!

totally changing the subject here. . but you need to keep letting me know about Jake's pant sizes. Last time, I had plenty in his size, but no adjustible waist. I had adjustible waist pants, just not the right size. :/

How's Matt feeling this morning? Hopefully he also realizes it's just a matter of everything happening for a reason. He must feel a bit disappointed though.

[mamabear]

Thanks mamas.

Kaight, I'm so sorry I didn't see this earlier! I just got back. But, barely had time for meeting...I had someone who needed to spend the afternoon haying her fields, watching Jake, so I had to rush back. I will be picking him up on the 11th - and have both kids in tow - want to meet up then?

Sorry about the lack of blog updates. I've been super busy with summer. I promised myself I'd do it 3x a week but that just has not happened! But things are calming down a little bit...

Marina, J is in a 7X now. 8s still look very big, 7's are too small. Regulars with adjustable waists work. Hey, I'm also looking for 10R pants for Katie...let me know if you have any hanging around. Boy or gender neutral is fine. We've actually started shopping in the boys' section for her because she hates pink girly stuff now! Who knew? But in a hand me down she'll take anything. What I mean is, she will not be particular about wearing boys' jeans.

Matt seems relieved, honestly. He was pretty happy this morning as he headed out.

Now me - I'm bummed about the money - we're stretched thin, still, and checks are sooo slow and variable with freelancing, it drives my cash flow plan mad. But I think that honestly he didn't want the job. Maybe it's sour grapes, but he seems genuinely relieved and happy and motivated to start the school year.

In the process we also came to realize that he could teach in another district and make about $8k more...he was looking for a job as close or closer, this year, teaching at another school, but there weren't any. So, maybe a really nice job in a higher-paying district nearby is around the corner. Lots of people are retiring...

It's weird, the day before they called, I had done all the math in my head, and figured that he'd only net about $500 more a month than we do now, considering the added costs of making more money (higher taxes, losing some supports we have in place now, etc), and the significant commute costs. I thought, what a bummer, considering he's giving up summers off and the job security he has, which is significant, and having to work nights/weekends and travel.

[maryalene]

Ah man, what a letdown for you guys! But as others have said, I am sure something bigger and better is right around the corner. {{{hugs}}}

[herc]

We went through very similar drama here recently!!! What Mark is going to do is some online teaching. Here it is called Access DL , Florida is called Florida Virtual school (we are thinking of him applying in FL too) Welcome to Florida Virtual School, and I am sure VT has something similar. They don't need people teaching fall semester here, but they do spring, so he will probably do training around christmas. We also are going to apply for his Fl license and put it for it as well.

And login to IM soon! I have missed you this summer! I keep saying that I should call you, but keep misplacing your number LOL
heather

[mamabear]

Hey Herc, I keep meaning to log in to IM, but then don't, LOL! It's been super busy and I have been working hard when I'm on the computer. Matt and Katie are gone now so it's very quiet, so I should be around more.

Vermont doesn't have any sort of virtual school thing going on. But, I know we looked into it in Florida - it looks like a great opportunity. He was also looking at doing it in Colorado when we were considering that as a possibility. I wonder if Matt could still do Florida - he has his license there until 2009.

I think though that between taking a class per semester for his Master's, scoring the SAT essay online (they keep asking him to do it again), and doing some essay and item writing for the ACT (I can do the essay myself, he can do essays and/or item writing because he's an English teacher), we will have the income we are looking for and he will be plenty busy.

[stephanielynn]

glad you can see all of the benefits. thanks for updating us!