Nine years ago, and I can’t believe it’s been that long, after a long day at work and picking up the kids from the sitter, Matt and I sat down and he looked at me and said “Things have got to change.” It was one of those moments where you feel like you’re going to throw up because you know you’re at a crossroads. It was a moment where you could see two futures ahead of you: one where you continue status quo and things go badly, one where you make a major change and hope for the best. We decided to make a major change.
I quit my job with the excellent school district where I worked, a job that I loved, to try and stay home with the kids. Olivia was sick all the time, Gabe was so little, I missed them terribly and our home life was in shambles. It was just something that we had to do. But it was scary.
For two years, I tutored and babysat while Matt worked weekends and nights and finished his degree. We had Matthew. We were barely making ends meet and had used up all of our savings. We had another “come to Jesus” talk and agreed that this, too, was not working. We had traded one stress for another.
It just so happened that one of the parents that I was babysitting for, and was also a dear friend, knew of my plight and had heard about this new online school that might be hiring. I had a telephone conversation with the friend of a friend and, before I knew it, I had a new job teaching online. It was perfect because I could work from home with my 5, 4 and 1 year olds. I would still get time with them, but be able to earn some money.
That was seven years ago. Through those years, my online teaching job changed dramatically. Two years ago, I was ready to go back to the “regular” classroom when Matthew entered Kindergarten. I missed real, live students. I missed being with other teachers in person. I missed a decent paycheck. I missed everything about teaching. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I can remember. Besides a Mom and a Wife, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. Teaching online was great while it worked, but then it didn’t. But there were no jobs to be had.
To have that sense of one’s intrinsic worth…is potentially to have everything.
— Joan Didion
I lost my sense of worth. My job felt pointless and impossible and I truly started hating it. I really needed to get out and get back to teaching in a “regular” school. There was finally an opening at the school district where I did my student teaching. An excellent district much like the one where my kids attend. I applied. I had three interviews, one where I actually had to go in and teach a class.
And then I GOT THE JOB!
I can’t tell you what a difference it has made in my life. To feel worthy, to feel excellent, to feel as though I have found a place where I really belong makes all the difference. I am putting myself first by taking this job and I’m O.K. with that. It will mean many new changes for all of us. We will all just have to adjust. While reading Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly, I thought to myself, I have to dare greatly right now. Just like we did on those two occasions where we decided things weren’t working. We made a choice and dared greatly and now we are doing it again.
It’s been a wonderful feeling to feel wanted, to have people be excited about having me as a teacher in their district, to hear people say they’re lucky to have me. It feels good. I’m so excited to start this new adventure for my family and, maybe most importantly, for me.
Elastamom's Excerpts 
Yay! Congratulations!! It takes such courage to dare greatly, and you, my friend, have it in spades.
Awwww, shucks, Stacia! Thanks!
I didn’t know you had a blog. It has such a wonderful voice! And of course, as I said earlier, this is indeed wonderful news. I hope we can remain connected – you are a very special educator! Much peace and joy!
Thanks, MA! Have a great day!!Tiffanywww.elastamom.com
Congrats! That such a great feeling – validation, confidence. Being a wife and mom is great, but working again is sometimes a much needed reminder that you’re talented and smart in so many non-mom and non-wife ways. I just went back part-time, and those few hours a week I get to talk business with other grown-ups provides just the balance I need. Congrats on doing something for YOU!
Thanks, Melissa! I can tell you totally get it!
Congrats Tiffany, such greta news!
Thanks, Natasha!!
Tiffany – Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you 🙂
Thanks, Amy!! Have a great day!!Tiffanywww.elastamom.com
Congrats! So proud of you and all the choices you have made along the way. It makes you the amazing person I have known you were the since the first time I met you back in that spinning class! Love you!
Love you too, Cyd! Thank you!
Super happy for you!! You definitely deserve it!!
Thank you so much! Have a great day!!Tiffanywww.elastamom.com
What a fortunate school to receive such a talented spirit!!!!
I am overjoyed for the students who get to have their lives touched by you!!!!
Hurray!!!!!
I can’t wait to hear all about your new experiences in blogs to come. Warmest congratulations!!!
Thanks, Heather! I’m excited too! Have a great day!!Tiffanywww.elastamom.com
I’m so excited for you! I am tutoring dyslexic kids via skype right now, and you’re right, it’s just not quite the same as in person. Congratulations and best wishes in your new job!
Thanks so much! Have a great day!!Tiffanywww.elastamom.com
Congratulations on the start of a new adventure for you and your family. I can’t wait to read all about it!
Thanks, Mama! 😉
So excited to read your teaching stories 😉 And thrilled that you get to be back in the class room–totally where you belong!
Thanks, Jamie! I’m sure mine won’t be nearly as entertaining as yours! 😉
Congratulations, Tiffany! You go, girl!
Congratulations! I’m very happy for you!
Congratulations! It’s awesome that you and Matt can communicate and work with each other so well. It’s amazing that you adjust so well. You make a wonderful teacher, and those kids are lucky to have you.
I am so happy for you, Tiffany. You care so much for your students and you are such a good teacher. You will be amazing and the new school is very lucky to have you. (:
Thanks, Gina!!! Have a great day!!Tiffanywww.elastamom.com