Coping with Job Changes
The current budget crisis facing the state and school districts means that many teachers may have to face major job changes. How do you make sense of such a life change? How do you cope with such a difficult, painful and even confusing time in your career?
Unfortunately, there aren’t 10 easy steps to managing such a challenge. But if, as a new teacher, you’re facing a job layoff, consider these truths about change:
- Change is inevitable. We have to learn how to manage it.
- We resist change when the cost of change is too high, or when the present situation seems satisfactory or when the reason for the change isn’t clear.
- Before you can accept change, you’ll experience denial, anger, the need to bargain alternatives, depression and finally acceptance.
So, now what? Philosophy is fine, but right now what can help you face a layoff or nonrenewal? Consider these tips:
1. Contact your local president and mentor. Let him/her know that your job is in jeopardy. He/she is your first line of defense and information.
2. Make sure you understand what your contract says about layoffs, transfers and terminations. Know your rights.
3. Don’t get frustrated if you think your president and association aren’t doing enough for your or are keeping information from you. In these times of uncertainty about funding, many times neither the association nor the district can predict what’s going to happen.
4. Realize that it’s never the right time to face a job change—whether it’s voluntary or involuntary. Don’t dwell on what could have been or what should be; take this as an opportunity to explore new opportunities.
5. Start planning now for any financial difficulties that could come out of this situation. Examine your spending habits.
6. Accept the fact that such a detour in your career is frightening. Turn to friends and family to help keep you focused on what really matters.
7. Don’t let the stress of change affect your work performance. Continue to be the professional that you are.
8. Playing the victim works for only so long. While it may not be any consolation, there are others in your district and across the state facing the same uncertainty. Take charge of your future and begin looking for ways to make the best of the situation.
9. Pick the right battles. Let the association and your mentor help you decide which battles are the winnable ones. Don’t take any action against the district without first consulting your president or association representative.
10. Remember this advice from William Bridges, the author of Transitions:
“Whether switching jobs or moving to a different house/town, leaving school or retiring, change brings both opportunities and turmoil.”
If you’re facing a job change, here are some Web sites and resources to help you in the search for a new position:
By going to http://www.mea.org/employment/joblinks.html you can see a listing of job search engines to help you find a job in education.
Here are some other resources that can help you in your job search:
- At http/mtn.merit.edu/joblistings.html, you can find more Web sites that list job openings in Michigan and across the country.
- Teachers can submit their resumes and view job lists at www.teachersatwork.com. This nationwide database also provides an opportunity for school districts to review resumes and post jobs.
- Don’t forget to check the Web sites of the professional organizations you belong to for job opportunities.