Tuesday, May 3, 2016

You Can't Go Home Again...Or Can You?

Reasons to Leave Small Town:

1. When I first moved here, my employers hired me on a one-year contract, but they said that the position was renewable for up to three years. Now they're telling me that due to a new policy set by Human Resources, they may only be able to renew my contract for one more year.

2. Too many students told me, "I have to leave class twenty (or forty) minutes early today. Can you just tell me what I'm going to miss?"

3. I found out that there's a job opening for a more secure position at a school in the Chicago area.

4. Too many students gave excuses for not having their papers ready, like "I forgot," or "My WiFi wasn't working...again," or "My computer ate my homework."

5. This year, I taught literature and freshman composition classes. But next year, my employers said that they need me to just to teach writing, due to enrollment and staffing issues. At the Chicago school, I'd get to teach more literature classes.

6. I've heard more than one person say to me, "Don't tell me you're a liberal," as if I'd just admitted to being a bank robber, a serial killer, or a One Direction fan.

7. I've taught at that Chicago school before, and I remember that the students were very disciplined. None of them ever came in late or missed too many classes, and most of them turned in their work on time.

8. I'd really like to walk into a store or a cafe without hearing banjo music.

9. When (not if) Small Town Guy gets a new girlfriend, I'd rather not stick around and listen to them say things like, "We're moving in together!" or "We went shopping for rings today." Then I might say, "I'm thinking of adopting some cats."

10. I miss Chicago. I went there for a few days to visit, and some lady threw a cup of what may or may not have been urine at me and screamed, "Get a job (insert expletive here)!" A guy on the El hit on me on the train. When I ignored him, he got mad, picked his nose, and wiped it on my coat. But I was so happy to be back in the city that I loved that all I thought was, "Ah, Chicago. It's good to be home."

Reasons to Stay in Small Town:

1. I can't really afford to move again. The move to Small Town cost thousands of dollars, and I am still paying off some of the debts. I'd have to borrow money from my parents, and I'd rather listen to banjo music and excuses from my students than another lecture from my parents about money.

2. In Chicago most of my friends had already moved on to other cities or states. The ones that were still there lived in the suburbs and were busy with spouses and children. So I was alone a lot, which made me become even more of a workaholic. In Small Town, I've made several nice friends who I socialize with regularly. Being with them made me realize that there should be more to life than work.

3. The faculty at this school have been very kind, supportive, and welcoming to me.

4. I like living in a larger apartment that costs hundreds of dollars less than my tiny studio in Chicago, and I like having my own washer and dryer, which is something I've never had before.


I really thought I'd never live in Chicago again. But when this job opportunity came up, I decided to apply for it and see what happens. Chances are, I won't get the job, and I'll be in Small Town for another year. But if I do get that job, it will be hard to leave my new friends behind. I can't stay just for them, though.

What about you? Have you ever been torn between two places when it came to deciding where to live or work?

18 comments:

  1. I've always lived in the same area, and I can't imagine moving. As a semi-hermit, I'm happy with that. The banjo music made me laugh.

    I think it's good you've applied. It puts off any decision making, but still gives you the options. From your previous posts, I know how hard it would be to ask your parents for help. It's a shame the cost of moving is so high.

    FYI 'I forgot' is a great excuse ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Annalisa,
      The banjo music didn't bother me at first, but now I want to rip out the loudspeakers every time I hear it.
      The last moving company I hired totally scammed me, so I'm wary about moving again. My parents would probably help me, but they'd also never let me forget it.
      I don't understand why some students think it's okay to "forget" their assignments. It's not.

      Delete
  2. It's great that you've applied to the job! That way you can figure things out if you do get it, rather than wondering what could have happened if you didn't.

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    1. Hi Sarah,
      That's a good point. I don't think they'll hire me, but I figured it was worth a shot.

      Delete
  3. I've always lived at home,(except for 3 months when I lived in New Zealand). But I do look forward to a day when I will live on my own. I agree with Annalisa. It's good that you've applied. You have nothing to lose. Crossing my fingers for you.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Murees,
      I hope someday soon you'll get to live on your own someplace great. Part of me does hope I get this job, but part of me has gotten used to living here and doesn't want to go. But I always knew that I would have to leave Small Town eventually; I just didn't think it'd be this soon.

      Delete
  4. Reason #5 to stay in Small Town - Illinois politics is mired in a pit of corruption that nobody seems able to dig out of. The only solution the politicians ever come up with is - hey, let's put another squeeze on the hardworking taxpayers that are too stupid to leave!

    It's good you put in for the job - now the decision's out of your hands. Interview hard and if you get it, you come back. If you don't, you stay. Either way, not too shabby.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi Nicki,
      Oh, I know what you mean! The political situation in Illinois is one major reason I left. A lot of the schools are struggling, which makes it even tougher for the overworked and underpaid teachers.
      At least I know I have a job here in Small Town if the Chicago school doesn't want to hire me. I almost didn't apply, but I think I would have regretted it if I hadn't.

      Delete
  5. Wow. What a tough decision. I'm drawn to tourist areas (and warm ones), so neither of those would hit it right for me. I'm glad that you've made some good friends! I guess we'll see if they Chicago job is a real option, eh? Then you'll have to make a decision. We've had to weigh some pretty crazy moves, but I have to say, I've been very happy with where we ended up. Good luck!

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    1. Hi Crystal,
      I'm not sure if the Chicago job will be an option after all; they haven't responded to my application yet, so maybe I won't have to make a decision. At least I know I have a job at the other school. I am thankful to have made some nice friends here; they're why I haven't run screaming out of Small Town yet.

      Delete
  6. Sounds like you are in a difficult place. I hope it all works out for you.

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    1. Hi Lynda,
      Thanks! It's quite possible I won't get that other job. But eventually I will have to leave Small Town; I have no idea where I'll go next though.

      Delete
  7. Replies
    1. Hi Alex,
      I'm so sorry it took me so long to respond; I've been so forgetful and absentminded lately. As far as banjo music goes, it seems like a lot of people in Small Town (a lot of entrepreneurs anyway) love banjo music. I only pretend to tolerate it.

      Delete
  8. Yeah I've experienced this. No harm in applying for the new job. If it's meant to be, it'll all work out.

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    1. Hi Misha,
      I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner; my computer's broken and it's going to take a while for it to get fixed. I don't think I'll get that new job; it's been weeks and I haven't heard from them. But I figured it was worth a shot.

      Delete
  9. Ooh, Chicago!!! I don't know, I think I'd want to go back... Small towns are lovely but...Chicago!

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    1. Hi Deniz,
      I know, right? I love Chicago. I still miss it, even though I've lived in Small Town for almost a year now.

      Delete