Possible Job Loss/Restructure- Very Stressed

[TechnoEthicist]

Hey guys,

You know that we don't like to keep things from you, especially when we can use prayer about it. Gretel found out yesterday that her school might have to cut 10 teachers in the next 2 weeks due to being underenrolled by 200 students, she works at a charter school and has an at-will contract with no union. She's been stressed obviously, as it becomes a cover your butt to protect your job environment and not the warm, loving, nurturing school that she was mislead into believing for teaching her first year. Already we are having sleepless nights about what to do and nothing has even happened yet. I am already debating telling my professor I might have a problem and need to reduce myself to part-time and then start scouring the positions in this area like there's no tomorrow. We know God has placed us in DC, he gave us this job and my funding, and He is faithful, it is just very stressful right now without many options. If she loses her job, we have to leave our apartment as there is no way to afford it...and it's almost november...Would appreciate everyone lifting us up from time to time.

Thanks, love you all!

[BubbleBoy]

I will pray that God reveals His plans for you.

In the meantime, just don't worry about it. You will find happiness in completing God's will, so just have faith.

[xCaLeBx]

praying for you and gretel

[Sean]

Where exactly are you living?  In the event that she loses the job I may be able to refer her to an after school program that she could work for while she looks for a more permanent job.  I'm not sure if they are in need of people right now butI could certainly ask and would be more than happy to give a positive reference.

[Korunks]

Definitely praying for you guys.  I am sure the Lord will have something for you both, and I pray very soon.

[uthminister [BR]]

God will carry you through this like he has through many other things...praying...

[TechnoEthicist]

Thanks Sean, we are in Adelphi (PG County). She teaches at a Friendship Charter School in DC.

[Sean]

The after school program is located at Immanuel's Church in northern Silver Spring(closer to Olney).  Its about 10 miles from Adelphi and is right on 650 between Ednor Rd and Spencerville Rd.  Let me know if that would work for Gretel and then if she'd want to apply.

[TechnoEthicist]

That would likely work great man. I'll pass the info on to her, just in case.

[YourMathTeacher]

We are praying, but let me fill you in on what happened to me:

When I made the decision to leave CT and come to FL, I did not have a job yet. I felt God was leading me to central FL so I stepped out in faith. I went to the Great Florida Teach-In expecting to find plenty of math positions, since so many went unfilled the previoous year (according to the various county websites). When I arrived, the recession had just begun. There were thousands of teachers scampering for interviews. The largest employer, Orange County (Orlando), backed out of the event completely. I was quite frantic trying to get any interview I could. After five hours, all interviews for all counties were full and they were taking no more applications. I managed to get just two interviews scheduled, but one of them was in Kissimmee where I was eventually hired. I must admit that I was extremely stressed for two weeks waiting to sign the contract because I knew I could be bumped by the hundreds of experienced teachers who were being laid off in Orange County. I was especially concerned because my old school in CT had already found a replacement for me. In the end, God worked it out and my prayerful wife reminded me that God's Will is accomplished regardless of the budget.

After my first year in Kissimmee, the recession continued and word spread of more layoffs, this time in our county. New-to-the-district teachers (like me) were put on warning that we would be the first to go. Again, weeks of stress and second-guessing (should I have left CT?). Once again, I was given a contract and God took care of my needs. Once again my prayerful wife reminded me that God's Will is accomplished regardless of the budget.

My point is simply to leave the stress at the Cross. God's Will is the best thing for you, even if it means moving. However, if God wants you in DC, then no budget (or student count) will change that.

BTW, I used to teach at Montrose Christian School in Rockville, MD. I still have connections (with the Headmaster no less), so if you need a contact person then let me know. My son was actually born at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Springs. 

[TechnoEthicist]

Thanks all for the reminder of how awesome God is, even when it may not seem that way. I have informed my advisor of the possible predicament, and it just so happens that a full-time position opened up in institutional research, of which I meet the minimum requirements, but it is entry level. So, I'm going to ask my old advisors and bosses to write letters of req for the position. If it is to be, God will make it happen, but it is also reassuring that options are out there when everything appears hopeless.