| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 07 2006 : 2:55:08 PM
It's a really long story and I don't want to go into lots of details right now, but I was asked to resign from my job. I didn't do something I should have done, I screwed up, and I have no job for next year. I'll receive my checks for the rest of this contract year, but that's it.
Right now I'm numb. I've sort of figured this was coming all year, but now it did. I'm not sure what kind of job I can find that will pay what I was making. I also have contacted an attorney and he's supposed to call me back, but this is how things stand.
I just needed to share with someone. My dh took it fairly well, considering that without my check (after August) we can't make it. There is absolutely no way. I did not do anything illegal or anything like that, but I did screw up. I own up to that. Anyway, I hope the rest of you won't think I'm a horrible person.
I need to make some phone calls. Thanks for listening.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| bboopster |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 5:34:03 PM
Hello Patti,
Education has become big business these days and they look for any reason to let Great Teachers and Educators go. Doesn't matter how it affects the students! Tenure is unheard of here any more. Chin up you are on the break of a GREAT Adventure. We're here for you. 
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| katie-ell |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 1:57:26 PM
Patti -- Boy, this brings back memories. I worked at an educational publisher back in the early 80s. Four of us editors were to go to an evening seminar at a local college to meet and greet various professors, etc., and do some pr for our textbooks. Well, we decided to stop at Froggy's, a wonderful French restaurant, on the way and have dinner. And wine. And more wine. And then we all decided to skip the seminar and have a great dessert to top off our wonderful meal. NONE of us was fired . . . my boss said it was 'disgraceful' that we didn't go. I'll never forget that word 'disgraceful' -- but wow, we did some great bonding during that meal!
I think working conditions are much different nowadays. I'm sure we all would have been canned if this happened last month instead of back then.
You'll be learning your lessons from this -- one of them being that the job was no longer the right one for you -- another always to be honest -- and third that you have many friends here. Blessings on you, girl.
kl |
| Destiny~ |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 1:08:34 PM
Beth, it sounds like your daughter's teacher is a drama queen who thinks he's living a tragedy. I mean, teaching theater to farmers, how much worse could life get?
I suspect he'll be gone soon on his own.
Patti, take a deep breath and then let it all go. It'll get better. |
| Debs |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 12:56:43 PM
Patti, you may have made a mistake in not going to that workshop and not telling the principal - but a FOUR hour drive to a workshop??!! I don't think I would have gone. And I think the principal was just waiting for an opportunity to fire you, he obviously had it in for you since he started working there.
I also made mistakes in my last permanent job (booking people on the wrong flights to Europe - DOH!) and I was VERY lucky that I wasn't fired... in the end one of the reasons I left was because the job became too much for me (then they replaced me with 2 people!)
Anyway, I think the school has suffered a great loss - by the way, New Zealand has a teacher shortage, soooooooo if you want to look for a job further afield... 
But really, you have an exciting time coming up, you are lucky to have the time to plan for your new job (and to find a good boss!) Look forward with positivity!
And best wishes for the appraisal tomorrow!
Debby |
| sleepless reader |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 11:30:45 AM
Patti, admitting our mistakes is right and does make it ok to look ones self in the mirror with a "clean heart". It still seems that the way you were treated was poor at best, even if you did something wrong in the first place...
none of us are perfect
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
| celebrate2727 |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 11:26:16 AM
Well all I can say is that is a pretty crappy reason to fire you. Maybe charge you for it, put one of those little letters in your file, but fire you? no way. Great teachers are hard to come by and its important to remember everyone makes mistakes. To me its far worse to be the kind of teacher that treats students as second class citizens and talks down to them, disrepects them, is mean. My daughters romance and tradgedy teacher said to her class just last month that they were all a bunch of farmers and didn't know anything about the theater. I know, not a real insult to be called a farmer but it was the way he said it. i called the school but i don't think they listened. I hope i see this guy some time soon. theater my a#% i have been around some of the best in the business, he needs to cork it.i do hate arrogance.
so back to the point. like i said before its not a reflection on who you are, its a reflection of who they are.
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
|
| Destiny~ |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 10:52:23 AM
Patti, I'm not sure that you mentioned what you 'didn't do' and I overlooked it, but my point is-you were being ambushed. Ok, you did something wrong, we all do at one time or another. I had a similar situation one time and yes, I made a mistake, I made a typing error on a check. It was on a Saturday, I had to drive 20 miles to work in a snow storm to the next city while I was babysitting my 2 year old cousin. My boss who lived two miles away wouldn't even come to work and when I was typing the check my cousin fell off a chair and hit her head on the concrete floor.
I was let go because I was not apologetic enough. Geez, I wonder why. Don't get me wrong, I was sorry it happened but felt that it wouldn't have if I hadn't come in when no one else would. Plus my boss had been changing some of my work, I caught her at it, because she did my job before I did and I was doing it better.
What goes around, comes around. Eventually, she was fired. Me, I eventually got a much better job.
My point is, you were in a no-win situation. I know it's hard now, but some day you'll look back and be a little glad that it happened so you could go on and find your real place. |
| blueroses |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 09:23:49 AM
Patti,
You are a good person! We all have our little faults & crabby days. It's not nothing to be awarded the honor you received. You were well liked and did a good job. For whatever reason, that principal had it out for you...I would at least talk to the lawyer and document "in writing" everything that went down. If for no other reason, just for peace of mind. These kind of things can make you lose confidence and you certainly don't deserve this.
I think we should have a farmgirl picket of the principal. Aprons & straw hats with picket signs. Wouldn't that be a thing of beauty? Just kidding around, but honey, you stay strong.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| bboopster |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 06:35:10 AM
Hello Patti,
I work for a high school as an Special Ed assistant. We are going thru the same things here. This year I work 7.5 hours a day with no lunch and no benifits in an off campus program for the severe emoitional and behavior kids. Why because I opened my mouth last year about unfair teatment of staff. Long story on my end but it ended up costing not only 10K for schooling that they required and then gave to others but time away from my family and my job in the area of my training. This year the school staff also did a surrvey and horrible out come and jobs started to fly. Anyone who said anything or questioned administration lost their contracts. I've kept a low profile only because I want to beat them to the punch. I know just what you were going through with the e-mails, being watched. Oh The STRESS It Causes. Heads up!!!!! God only gives us what we can handle and he takes away what is not good for us. Give him you worries. Write them down put them in a jar and walk away. Hold your head high. You stood up for what you believed in. You want to talk e-mail me and I'll call.
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
| junebug |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 04:56:51 AM
Patti, hold onto your farmgirl spirit, EVERYTHING happens for a REASON!!! Maybe this new venture in your life is just what you need, new beginnings all the way around! Hang in there! HUGS!!
www.sageflowerfarm.blogspot.com
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| sleepless reader |
Posted - Apr 09 2006 : 10:10:02 PM
Patti, I'm so sorry you had this happen. Who ever said life wasn't fair sure was right. You have the joy of knowing you did nothing wrong. Others do not. You can look yourself in the mirror everyday and know you are good and honest. Others cannot. I know this will bring a great opportunity for you...just hang in until it shows up!!! You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
| rockinhorse |
Posted - Apr 09 2006 : 10:02:41 PM
Patti,
Just thinking about you and wanted to say Hi... My prayers and thougts are with you and your family. May your new journey lead you through a field of flowers and great aromas :)
Robin
Happiness must be grown in one's own garden! |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Apr 09 2006 : 1:52:23 PM
Patti - I may be repeating things said before here, because I was so anxious to respond to you that I did not read every single post above. But I have been where you are. And I have felt unskilled and a failure, and like I could never be responsible again in a career position. And let me tell you - I have found out first hand, that this is all bunk! Whatever it is you are supposed to do, it will unfold. Trust God. And believe me. I worked at a job that paid well, but I hated it for the competition and backbiting,for 5 years, and when I quit, I felt like a failure but I felt free! I made mistakes and I felt so guilty, because I was trying my hardest. So do not let this get you down! Whatever is coming next, and listen hard, it will be what you are meant to do. All will be well. And we farmgirls love you! I am so glad your hubby reacted okay, and whatever you find next will be the thing you can rest in and succeed at. You are so talented, I can tell by your posts. And so tender and understanding, and intelligent. That is priceless.
Peace |
| garliclady |
Posted - Apr 09 2006 : 1:00:22 PM
I too used to be a teacher. I know where you are coming from The principal can make a school what it is. I had 2 years back to back that were horrible and thought "am I a horrible teacher???" . The first school was a small private school and after I was hired entusasticly by the principal she was fired the day before school started and I was immediately was on the "outside" because I was hired by "HER". Then as the school year started the new administration thought I was not strict enough and must not be teaching anything because the kids were doing hands on learning and worst than that "Having fun!" I stuck to my style teaching but went home many days crying because of parents or principal. My contract was not renewed and even though I was relived I was leaving I hated the fact that my contract was not renewed ( to me it was like being fired!) The next year I was hired in public school and the principal was glad to hire someone with so much experience because he was in a pinch because enrollment had increased and 2 days before school started.
After the first day the schools enrollment dropped and he really felt he was stuck with me . After the first week I knew things were not right and I seemed to be his scape goat! His biggest complaint with me was "my teaching style was too structured and I needed to be more creative and hands on!" Yep just the opposite than last years school. I again did not change my style teaching
I was being treated horribly by the principal and assistant they were constantly on me giving bad reviews even though the parents, students and other staff liked me and thought I was doing a great job. After such a bad experience the year before my husband encouraged me to quit. I did and imediately felt peace about it. During the rest of that school year I did some substituing in another private Chriastian school and got to spend more time really getting the farm started.
The next year I got the most wonderful teaching job in a Christian school with the best principal I could have ever wanted . The first year I was given all the extra pats on the backs and hugs and encouragement that I needed after 2 horrible years of people tearing me down and making me doubt myself. The parents loved my style of teaching and the kids loved me . It ended up being the most wonderful years of my career. I taught 18 years the last 4 at that school and when I left the parents students and faculty gave me a wonderful party with lots of tears . I left to be a stay at home mom to my new adopted son and pursue our dream of the farm we have now! Hang in there I feel you you are just at a fork in the road and something very special is planned for you. There will be some sadness and weeping (during that time I cried alot ) but Joy did come
love and hugs
My Farm http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&ext=1&groupid=140532&ck=
My Recipes http://recipecircus.com/recipes/garliclady/]
My blog http://www.epicourier.com/Garliclady/ |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 09 2006 : 10:59:58 AM
This is to very person who responded. I need a day or 2 to get ready for the appraisal (on Tuesday) and get some things taken care of, then I want to respond to each of you individually (and privately, so as not to draw this all out here and clog down the board). But I want you to know that I've printed out all the posts and I find myself picking them up and reading them at different times through the day and evening. I also want you to know that when I start to feel panicky (sp) or "down", I try to list positives and blessings, and you ladies and this site (and MJ and her farmgirls, of course) are one of the top items on my list. I find myself at those times, stopping to say a prayer of thanks for those blessings. So ladies, you're in my thoughts and prayers quite often. You're the absolute best!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 08 2006 : 09:13:12 AM
Patti - I have just caught up on this thread, and, my friend, I am sending you best wishes of the finest, free-est, most creative spring and summer yet. I have some sneaking suspicion that you have a dream waiting to hatch for yourself, and this might have been the universe's way of telling you that you're ready - you're perfect for it - and now is the time!
Wash away those blues with whatever treats that Soap Maven has sent your way (what a sweetheart she is!) and know that you have plenty of support here from people who think you're great.
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| sonflowergurl |
Posted - Apr 08 2006 : 09:09:34 AM
((((HUGS)))) Patti, ditto what everyone else has said..."this too shall pass". (even though it doesn't look like it will now---check out my quote, it kept me going for over a year!)
Hey, Florida has a teacher shortage, our principal has been in OH all week recruiting...come on down! ;)
Looking Toward the Son,
Katee
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here. |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Apr 08 2006 : 08:42:53 AM
Patti, when I lived in L.A. I worked for a while as a personal assistant for a very famous "manager" in the entertainment business. I worked out of his home. He was completely nuts. He carried a gun and thought he was a private eye. He took so many "prescriptions" I never knew if he'd be "up" or "down". He laid in bed and "worked" from there while his housekeeper who he called "Mommy" rubbed his feet. I really needed that job to support myself and my daughter so I stayed even after he threatened me with the gun a couple of times (for nothing I did - I was there) and one time I didn't think I'd make it out of the house alive. The next morning, I was back. When I finally had to quit because I couldn't take it anymore, he said I was the best assistant he had ever had and he admired me because I hung in there and didn't give up. Sigh. Everybody has their crazy bosses - though hopefully, not that crazy. you'll get through this. In addition to Catherine's assistance, let me know and I'll call Uncle Guido in the Bronx for you if you need it.
Love,
Patricia
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com
Farmgirls do it organically! |
| celebrate2727 |
Posted - Apr 08 2006 : 07:31:55 AM
Patti, i used to work in a school. i was a special ed teacher. i had a student that was autistic. i was the only one he responded to. i was the kind of teacher that jumped in 100%. if it was time for adapted phy ed, and we were going swimming, then we all went swimming, except the teachers there wouldn't get in the pool. so anyway, i guess i rubbed some people the wrong way with all that hands on teaching. maybe i was snotty, maybe i was good at my job and that made people mad, maybe my hair was the wrong color. jealousy is a nasty little beast and can turn people ugly. And at a school it is worse. i have seen it. why people are like that is beyond me.
My 15 year old son has had it bad as well. He is an outstanding football player, recruited by the top high school in the state etc, but when he played from 4th grade to 8th grade, he never got a complment from his head coach. he did however find fault as much as he could. "did you stop for some cotton candy on the way to make the tackle?" "who taught you to tackle like that, your mom?" and so on. And they wonder why we pulled their star player and send him 35 miles away to a BETTER school. ok so now I ramble. but my basic point is, people can just be mean and you can't do anything about it but get away from them.
Its not a reflection of who you are its a reflection of who THEY are.
And all of us farmgirls know how wonderful you are, never doubt that. jealousy can't live here.
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
|
| TheSoapMaven |
Posted - Apr 08 2006 : 06:50:00 AM
This may make you feel a little better...you have a big ol' package headed your way...pamper yourself! You know now you have some really good friends here. And Catherine...you live close enough I may call on you. I have offered someone a tail kicking before, hoping and praying they took me seriously enough not to challenge me, knowing full well I could have to run like crazy!!! I always figured they looked at my whole 5 feet and said "well, she either knows karate, or she is crazy...let's leave her be." Maybe now I have back up!!! Never wanted to fight about me...but if there is one thing I cannot abide it is injustice. Well two things...injustice and bullies.
You all have a wonderful day!
Susan
Proprietress of Dahlem's Soapworks http://www.thesoapmaven.com
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| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 08 2006 : 05:59:04 AM
My dd is outside manning the garage sale; in fact, she insisted I come in and relax. She's a huge fan of all those home decorating shows and stuff like that, and she used her knowledge from watching "Clean Sweep" (whatever that is) to price probably 1/2 of the items were selling. There are times having an independent-type dd in the family is really nice!
People began arriving an hour before the start time, and we were busily pulling the tables out of the garage and stuff like that as they were shopping and asking questions. Wow, what a fast-paced morning for this non-morning person.
Ladies, I hardly slept last night, which doesn't surprise me -- lots of stuff running around my head. But I'm going to get past this. I'm going to try to work through as much as I can, mentally, and this week I'll start applying for jobs, checking out options, etc. I don't know how it's all going to work out, but I know it will.
Thank you for all your prayers and warm wishes, and Patricia, thank you for the "rainbow". Please, ladies, keep me in your prayers and thoughts, if you're so inclined. Thank you.
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Apr 08 2006 : 05:37:59 AM
Pattie
Please try and look forward now to a new beginning, and leave the past in the past.I know its hard not to think about all that happened, but maybe a little less each day until thinking about it is not so upsetting. you are in my thoughts. I checked the site first thing this morning to see how you are doing.
NANCY JO |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Apr 07 2006 : 11:29:58 PM
Ever notice how we may not all agree from time to time, but let one of us get wronged and all of a sudden there's a wolf pack!
Hugs all around!
Di
http://www.daisyfarm.blogspot.com |
| rockinhorse |
Posted - Apr 07 2006 : 10:58:56 PM
Patti,
I agree with the others you are a wonderful person and there is definately something better down the road. I to went through something simular five weeks ago and definatly wasnt brave as you are. All I know is that I put up with that kind of drama for three years and I was sick all the time. It was as if the company I worked for was a kind of weird breed. I really felt like a square peg in a round hole. That boss of yours sounds very simular to mine. Try reading a book called "mean girls grown up" by Cheryl Dellasega PhD A wonderful book... Also, I have a teacher friend (bestfriend) and she had students that tried to poisen her by spraying perfumes and all manor of flower products in the carpet of her room.. the plot was to try and kill her as the invesigation revealed. She is sevearly asmatic the priciple and the district did nothing! And iformed her of not pressing charges against the students, finally she took a drop in pay and transfered heart broken, and now she is happier than ever loves her fourth graders and wondered why she didnt act sooner. Same with me I found a better job and now I work with people I like and like me. you too will find your job just put your faith where it blongs and do the foot work and God will deliver the perfect position for you.
Robin
Happiness must be grown in one's own garden! |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 07 2006 : 8:35:52 PM
Catherine, I love your disclaimer! My first real laugh since 2:45 this afternoon. Thank you 
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
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