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Rawkkiddoh
Rawkkiddoh
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Because your opinion matters

Posted over 2 years ago
So I have come to the crossroads in my life. Anyone who has seen me here on mog knows for the past 6 months I have been looking for work. I left teaching after 10 years to try and find a different job that would pay more. I know money is not the answer to happiness, but when you have a child things change a little. After a good six months of looking for work, and countless jobs I was told I was overqualified for I decided to go back into teaching. I sent the district a letter telling them I was coming back, and I have been getting my license back in order to start next fall. Two weeks ago I got called in for an interview with Life Time Fitness. I thought what the hell, it cant hurt to put on my Sunday clothes and give the interview process one more chance. After three interviews they told me they would be in touch, and like sand through an hour glass, they never called me back. This brings us to today, as I was getting ready for my morning I get a phone call and a job offer. With the job I would be making the same amount as I was as a teacher, with hopes for promotion down the road. Now comes the question, what to do? I value a lot of your opinions on MOG, and this has been going through my mind all day. Making a decision like this is big, I know if I leave teaching now I lose my tenure. There is a big part of me that misses the classroom and all the craziness that goes on in a day. On the flip side, Life Time Fitness is growing like crazy and I know they treat their employees with respect. Any advice would be good, and well received.
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Comments (29)

  1. Cobalamin Clothing
    Cobalamin Clothing says i don't feel able to advice you...you've been teaching for a while, so you already know what you'll miss and what now...getting a new job is an oportunity to learn new things for life...but what is Life Time Fitness is anyway? and by the way...how could they call you overqualified...how could that be a problem?...we do live in a world of dumbs don't we?
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  2. Cobalamin Clothing
    Cobalamin Clothing says i'm pretty sure the world's on heroin if i had my way i'd prefer if everyone was on speed i'm so sick of the no can do and the failures you concede at any rate from the looks of things everyone's nodding out but me the world's on heroin too many lazy morons in my face the world's on heroin everybody acts like a zombie i'm not saying that i'm better than them i don't have the kind of time to spend with slacker types trying to be my friend http://www.last.fm/music/All/_/World's+on+Heroin
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  3. CrashPryor
    CrashPryor says ...my burning enigma for you is: will you be happy there?...Knowing you as I do, I think teaching would be more in your wheelhouse (not just because of the decade of experience; it seems to fit your nature)...the "promise of promotion" while starting on the ground floor at a company is a Faustian prospect if you ask me and I *KNOW* you're not the type who wants to sport a monkey suit and pointy-toed cockroach killers every day...go back to school, son...and don't forget to call me when you have no class...=)
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  4. gympumpkin
    gympumpkin says I can't tell you which one to choose, since I'm not in your shoes and what may be best for me might not be what is best for you. But here are some things to think about, I guess. Would you enjoy the Life Time Fitness job? You didn't say what the job actually was, and it doesn't matter, but do you think you would enjoy that work more/less/the same as teaching? Would your chance at promotion put you in a better position financially than keeping your tenure would? Is the Life Time Fitness job one that, if you didn't get a promotion, would look as good if not better on a resume than teaching would? I don't expect you to answer all of these questions here, obviously, but I thought maybe they could help. Oh, also, do you know how much you could potentially make after being at teacher for 20 years or more? I know of some teachers who make pretty good money because they stuck it out a long time. I'm sure this was no help. :/
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  5. River Lethe
    River Lethe says I went through this not that long ago. I tried to enter into the mortgage business because I bought the hype about making 6 figures in your first year. I thought, "Hey, I should at least try it, right?" I hated it. It takes a certain kind of person to enjoy and be successful at certain kinds of jobs. And I really believe that's the key; if you don't enjoy what you do, you won't be successful. I know that doesn't help you in the $ dept., but having tenure could be a big pro as well. A job you can't lose? For me, the money always works itself out somehow. It might take some re-prioritizing occasionally, but you'll just have to judge for yourself (to be fair, I don't have kids either). If you don't enjoy teaching, well that's another story then. I'm a big believer in doing something you like, because life is too short.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  6. etcvisitor
    etcvisitor says another question is: would you be able to get tenure again if you returned at a later point? i agree with gympumpkin and crash that it all boils down to what is going to make you happy. if you take the life time fitness job are you going to be miserable and quit it? either way, i wish you the best.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  7. Anna
    Anna says I understand that when you have a family money matters more, you have to provide for them. Like gympumpkin, I wonder if you can make more money down the road as a teacher. That aside, if a job doesn't makes you happy, your unhappiness can affect your family and everything else in your life. Also, is Life Time Fitness a company or a business of some sort? If yes, teaching is a more stable job, that you will be able to keep for as long as you like.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  8. mutterimieli
    mutterimieli says It's going to sound really stupid but the positive/negative list really does work in this instance. Going with your heart isn't a bad thing either. Will Life Time Fitness be around in the years to come? What will losing your tenure do if you decide to go back? What's more meaningful to you to strengthen, the body or the mind? I've had great teachers in my life, they're something that you never forget and for some people, inspire you to do more. I've always pictured you as one of those memorable teachers Rawk, you're personable, funny, and you make people think and ask themselves questions, you still do it on MOG with your What? and How? posts. You're great at what you do but ultimately you should do what's going to makes you happy. You've got a over 5 months before the fall session, you could always accept the offer and see how you like it and if it doesn't pan out, you could go back for the fall semester.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  9. Dale
    Dale says Be honest with yourself. The company isn't offering more money; they're offering the same money, which defeats the purpose of leaving teaching in the first place. Sure, they've offered the carrot of promotions, but there's no guarantee there. Will you enjoy your work as much teaching? Are the benefit packages similar? Sorry Kev, I'm full of questions, but short on answers.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  10. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says Kev, does Life Time Fitness offer a position where you could be a teacher as well? That seems to me what it will really boil down to since your talents lie in teaching. The other mogsters here have covered the burning questions I'd ask. You know I'll be of support regardless of what you decide bud. Oh, I just thought of another question I want to ask you: Since you got burned out teaching kids is there any possibilites of teaching adults for you, like at a community college or something? I can understand why you'd get burned out cause working w/kids all day really saps one's energy, whereas working w/ adults wouldn't be nearly as taxing since they are paying to be there & learn. I have faith that you will choose what is best for you & your family. But it's a tough decision anyway you look at it.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  11. angeldawn
    angeldawn says Wow, how many times have I been in your shoes. Trying to decide between the sensible paycheck or the something different that will recharge my batteries. I've gone down both roads and can't say i have too many deep regrets. The choices that didn't go well were the ones that I made out of desperation. I know you said the money is the same, but what about your schedule? Will you have to work weekends or evenings? Often that flexibility sounds good but when you realize everyone else in your life is on the monday thru friday, 8 to 5, then you miss out on so much. Does Life Time Fitness offer management training; could you eventually be a francise owner? Or do you see this as a place to settle for awhile? As long as you see if for what you want it to be, I think you'll make the right decision and it will be what you need.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  12. Rawkkiddoh
    Rawkkiddoh says Thanks for the responsed people, and I will try and address everything as best that I can. Life Time Fitness is, well, here http://www.lifetimefitness.com/. They are getting big and opening clubs at the rate of 1 and a half per month. The good question is would I be happy doing this new job. A big part of me screams no. August pointed out that I seemed to get burnt out on teaching, I really feel a change of schools would do me a lot of good. While mutter pointed out that fall trimester does not begin for 5 months, I have to start interviewing for positions in 3. I would not start this job for another few weeks which would mean working for 2 months just to see if its something I would like doing. Like crash said, I am not the monkey suit kind of guy, nd teaching gives me a certain freedom that you could not find in an office position.I have been thinking about this all day, and I know my heart belongs with the kids. (Not to sound to ODB on that one) Tomorrow I am going to call up and turn down the job, I am going to feel good doing it as well. With teaching, I plan on going back and getting my masters this next year, and that alone will give me a boost in pay. Once again thank you all of you who gave me your thoughts, it helped process things the way I needed too.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  13. dj ivi
    dj ivi says teachers are one of the most important people in anyone's life. if your a good teacher, and make a positive influence on the people that you teach, BE A Teacher!! you can always make your millions blogging about it after school.... :)
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  14. Rawkkiddoh
    Rawkkiddoh says Thanks dj, and I am finding out rather quickly blogging doesnt pay the bills quite like I thought
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  15. Augusts1
    Augusts1 says Wu is for the kids, heh! Yvw Kev, glad I could be of help as well as everyone else and thanks for sharing your career dilemna with us. I know it's going to work out well for you since you are gonna be getting your Masters degree down the road which will open your options considerably.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  16. mktackabery
    mktackabery says well i'm late to the table today, been a bad day for me at work, but here's my $0.02 if it helps at all Kevin: Every time I have taken a job basically for the prospect of more money, I have been miserably unhappy and I didn't do a good enough job, so the money never came anyway. I think your decision to go back to get your masters and stay in teaching is the best thing, and it's what I would have told you earlier if I had made it in here quicker! Here's my experience of grad school: besides the academic challenge, which re-charges your brain and gets you interested in new things, the people you meet and the opportunities you learn about from connecting with the graduate academic community are priceless. I have made more contacts and been offered more jobs since I got into grad school, and networked with more people in my field, since I got back into grad school. I am confident that when you get back to school that you will find new opportunities, meet new people, and find other things that you never would have found had you gone into the fitness industry. You know where you heart belongs Kevin, and that is a priceless gift that many, many, many people do not have. Hang on to that, and it will lead you to better things. I truly believe that following your heart and your passions will provide for you financially. It might not make you a millionaire, but you will be alright. Your story reminded me of this story. The vid has this annoying winAVI thing in it, but anyway: David Wilcox, "Miracle"
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  17. CrashPryor
    CrashPryor says "(Not to sound to ODB on that one)" HAHAHA...'Mr. Cooper, I don't like this game anymore."...dude, I'm gonna still stick with my first impulse, there's a certain type that thrives in the corporate setting and I don't think you'd be at all happy with turning in daily TPS Reports...
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  18. mktackabery
    mktackabery says well, I haven't really worked in large corporate settings, so it's hard to say, but even in smaller companies I've had my share of "Kathy" quoters I'm afraid.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  19. Rawkkiddoh
    Rawkkiddoh says August, I am feeling better about it already. Michelle, thank you for that, and being a 6th grade teacher, I will always be smarter than a 5th grader.I agree with you, and the amount of times I have thought about teaching in the past few months is staggering. By the way, miss middle school, that made me laugh out loud. Crash, I have always wondered just how many times office space gets quoted in a corporate setting. Even better, how many women are like the one above, and quote lines from Kathy comics to "cheer" you up.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  20. chucky
    chucky says Well...I am super late and you've already made a decision. Good for you. Happiness, the way I see it, can come professionally in one of two ways. Either you (a) have a job that invigorates you and makes you happy or you (b) have a job you hate, but that provides you with the cash flow to enjoy the rest of your life. I suppose some very lucky people have a job they love that provides a good cash flow too. So, the way I see it, either option would have been good for you. And knowing that you had an option, should be a morale boost for you. Now, you've *chosen* to go back to teaching instead of going back because you had to.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  21. Rawkkiddoh
    Rawkkiddoh says Ash, so true, making the choice made me feel good about a lot of things.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  22. Dale
    Dale says Another $.02 I can throw in: I've been at a large corporation for over 10 years now, although not in position that forced me to wear a shirt and tie, even when I went into an office. Office Space gets quoted daily, at least. Thankfully, no one has quoted Kathy to me, because if so, I would have to go Jules on their tail and start quoting Ezekiel.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  23. Me and the Horse I Rode In On
    Me and the Horse I Rode In On says I also think that you seem like a good teacher. You want to share the wisdom....and you balance the friendliness with the mean look..........the kids and only love and fear you at the same time. Can't you combine teaching with other jobs? Does it has to be full-time teaching? I've said it before......I don't understand why people don't offer you a job. You would be perfect for it.......am I the only one noticing this? My last point. The music at these fitness places is horrible. Chances are that you'll one day bring a gun. Then hell will break lose and you will definitely lose all chances of going back to teaching......unless you don't mind teaching in prison. Okay....I ended up trying to be funny. Damn. Sorry for that. I guess I'm still bitter that Saturday Night Live never took me in.....so I have to try the funny-business every chance I get.
    Permalink posted 03/28/2007
  24. thill
    thill says as a mother of 6th grade boy and 2 future 6th grade boys i am happy that you are choosing teaching. I am always happy when i see guy teachers. there are still a lot of older women in elementary teaching (up to about 6th grade) in my experience and for many of them i wonder why they got into teaching in the first place. my father-in-law taught 6th grade for 32 years and retired two years ago. he had many complaints about it but he still runs into kids he had years ago that tell him they still remember this or that. my husband will run into people at work that had his dad and they will say how much he liked him, etc. etc. I think there is nothing that can compare to that.
    Permalink posted 03/29/2007
  25. RaG3aH0liC
    RaG3aH0liC says That is a tought choice. Did you enjoy teaching? That seems like it would be rewarding on some level. And besides, if you work at the gym, you could end up like White Goodman, taking the bull by the horns
    Permalink posted 03/29/2007
  26. thill
    thill says here is an article in the NY Times about teaching middle school: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/17/education/17middle.html?ex=1175313600&en=ed8a76bc87a5fa97&ei=5070
    Permalink posted 03/29/2007
  27. Rawkkiddoh
    Rawkkiddoh says Dale I kind of figured that Office Space got quoted more than it should. Henry, I think I need to start looking for a job on MOG. I do not know if I clam up at interviews, or what the deal is. As for the music at fitness clubs, dont get me started. If it were not for my ipod, I would have done what you said years ago. Thill, it amazes me what kids remember from a year in my classroom. I have difficulty remembering what I did last week, and kids will come up to me and say remember that thing we did two years ago. It amazes me everytime. As for the lack of males in elementary school, I have seen it first hand. I know my role is valuable, and I am happy with the decision I have made. Thanks for the link as well. RaG3, thanks for the clip could have used it when I had my doughnut this morning
    Permalink posted 03/29/2007
  28. milkshake
    milkshake says This is quite hard to answer, and as I don't have a family to support and haven't worked in either professions I wouldn't pay too much attention to my post (as I've no idea what I think myself lol) Well, I always think one of the most important things about a job is to enjoy it - it's better to spend your life doing something you like, rather than something you hate. I also think if you've spent a lot of time qualifying to be a teacher then you should go for that job (not if you'd prefer the other job of course) ^There's my little comment, Hope it helps.
    Permalink posted 03/29/2007
  29. Rawkkiddoh
    Rawkkiddoh says Thanks milkshake, and it does help
    Permalink posted 03/29/2007

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