stress.

So...today I searched for job openings.  [GASP!]  I know.  I have a great job where I make very decent money, but sometimes I wonder if the stress factor is worth it.

In January 2009, I started my current schooling to get special education teaching certification with a masters degree in teaching for one purpose:  in order to be able to do the next step - an administrative degree.  I thought, at the time, that being a principal or administrator was the path for me.  I'm not so sure anymore.

Salary wise, I'm currently at the top of my pay scale.  I've maxed out the educational salary increases to the point where I can only get a significant raise if I complete a doctoral degree.  The only other option for a raise is to move into an administrative position.  But do I really want to deal with that stress and job expectations?  I'm not sure.

I was on the Archdiocesan website today looking at educational positions that were open.  I found myself wanting to apply for a full time kindergarten teacher position or elementary grade...  I think moving to a position like that would make me really happy.  How cool would it be to continue to teach children, but also being able to pray with them?

Well, I know I can't take anything like that right now because, for one, I don't have my teaching certificate yet.  And two, I signed my contract for my current job already for the 2010-2011 school year.  Also, I'm pretty sure I would be taking a significant pay cut, and I'm unsure if I could make it work on just that one salary.

And, I realize I might just be burnt out at the moment.  Yet, I know my job isn't going to get any easier with increased caseload and job responsibilities.  Doing between 25-30 school building site visits for therapy sessions, assessments, and meetings each week just really takes a toll on my body, mind, and spirit.  Many times, I come home absolutely exhausted while remembering I have paperwork to complete in the evening.  Don't get me wrong, I'm ready to be exhausted if I teach in a classroom full time, but it will be different.  I really feel the traveling takes a lot out of me.

I'm surprised how happy the thought of teaching at a Christian/Catholic school makes me.  Could this be my dream job?  Could God have routed me in this direction by getting me into this teaching certification program?  I don't know, but I'm curious to see what the future holds!