Greetings Ladies,
So this is the situation... I've been doing this substitute teaching job since February ( at the request of my mother) and i absolutely do not like it. It's not only extremely challenging but it is also saddening to see how many of our children are coming out.
I'm typically a homebody, introvert type of person and working with the youth as a substitute teacher is just, well, the most challenging and humbling thing i've done. I am appreciative of the job, for it has taught me a lot about myself, including why I need to be the type of mother i am. It has also made me more sensitive to the needs of our community children AND the wisdom of our elders in how they raised children.
As an afterschool teacher, i have no problems. I can even teach the same youth that i have as a substitute very well, outside of the school setting. But as a sub, in-and-out, it just taxing.
So i tell myself, i only have to do this until June. Maybe over the summer.... But i gotta find another source of income so i don't have to be doing this next school year.
Thats where i am now. I have many talents and skills (praise God), soooo many things i can do to make money on my own schedule...but how do i find the time?!
Looking on this site and others, i'm so motivated and inspired by all that you sisters do. But, how do ya'll find the time?
As mothers, wives, 9-to-5ers, stay-at-homers, artists, writers, etc. I'm just completely amazed at what my sisters are accomplishing and i'm hoping any one of you can share some tips.
I love this site...
really great words
Yes, that's what i've been working on. Me time and just using the sub job as a motivation to get my thing together. I do love that, as a sub, i can accept jobs as i wish, which gives me more time to dedicate to my art, etc. when i need it. I also love being in contact with the next generation. I have my finger on the pulse of what our community needs are. But it is very depressing, when i experience, what seems like a disregard for education and respect for learning amongst many of the youth. Its also sad to see how in some other cultures, sometimes, this is just not the issue.
and yes, i'm counting the days until the last day of school... however i know that people are needed to educate the youth, i just have to get myself organized so i can teach the youth on my own terms, on my own turf, doing what i love to do best.
Thanks you all for your advice...It's really what i needed to hear.
Peace and Blessings,
Aishah
http://www.muhsanacenter.blogspot.com
http://www.aishahart.blogspot.com
I've been there too...
I was a fulltime art teacher and then a part-time substitute teacher in the middle school grades for 3 1/2 years. Needless to say.. I taught a lot of GREAT kids but It was also draining and depressing much of the time. I continued to do my art as much as i could but half the time I spent just trying to unwind and recharge my spirit.
My advice like the sisters:
Put you first every chance you get, indulge yourself and nurture yourself, in whatever ways you like.
Use this as motivation to make your finances such that you have more options and never have to do this again.
Also, maybe it's the grade or the school. My last year of subbing I taught at a wonderful little elementary school in Brooklyn and it was the best work experience I'd ever had.
Currently I am the director of a before/after school program and it's really cool too!
A part-time day job is a good thing for a creative person pursuing self-employment. Just stay focused on the future because paying dues like this will help get you there.
Hey,the school year is almost over, YAAAY!!!! :)
Respect,
Yes Lioness!
Yes Lioness...For The Lioness You Know, For The Empress You Love, For The Goddess You Are!
Could not have responded ...
...better than sis chayil and mawiyah. warm well wishes are sent to you toward meeting your goals!
Journaling is key
Mawiyah Kai EL-Jamah Bomani
I agree, write it down. Listen you can't do everything in one day but you can make a solemn vow to keep to a schedule. Choose key days to do specific things and stick to it. I am a mother of 4, a wife, a graduate student, a writer, a fruit and veggie community vendor, a home school mommy, a tutor, getting my ducks in a row to launch my virtual school, and co/producing two plays. I have to write it down or else locks would be everywhere except on my head. I have to keep committments with all aspects of my life and fit them into specific time slots. It's like college where every class does not meet everyday so you bring only the books needed for that particular day. When you give each aspect of your life a neat place to reside (time frame) you'll see success. Don't overload yourself though get at least three prominent ideas you can manage physically and emotionally off the ground first. After that you can interchange ideas as other desires reach their peak. Sit and ask yourself what can be done while i'm teaching and what can be done in place of this for next year. As you take on the ideas that can be handled now you are pre-planning for the ideas of the future. You are outlining what is to come not taking on too much and not feeling like you are wasting time.
Ase
ask and you shall receive...
thank you for your response. I've already learned something so useful, especially about doing computer work at times when the children are at school. So simple advice, yet so profound. Thank you!
Peace and Blessings,
Aishah
http://www.muhsanacenter.blogspot.com
http://www.aishahart.blogspot.com
List your goals
I make a list of all that should be accomplished and by wich time it should all be done. I have a disability income/raise my 2 sons/run a website on budgetting/counsel 2 families to raising their babies, better budget and housekeeping/study rainforest herbs and plants/taking courses for clothes designing/ overseas-secretary for my fathers businesses/in the proces of setting up a business with my eldest brother.
My home is run through a control journal wich gives me the freedom to plan ahead caus I know what has to be done for the kids and home well in advance. I scedule my pc time I don't want to raise my sons with my back to them and face turned to the pc so I try to do this when they go to school.
No matter how long or short the weeklist the first thing you will find on top of every list is ME-TIME without ME-TIME I would not be able to fullfill my tasks as long as my jeje (soul) feels taken care of all is possible.
Blessings,
Chayil
http://chayil-sacred-woman.blogspot.com/