In 2012 I was laid off from a job that I wasn’t happy with. I took that opportunity to figure out what I wanted to do, etc. I had severance pay and 60 days of pay, plus unemployment for 2 years. I started teaching part time, and slowly added more classes. Didn’t make much money doing that, but eventually obtained a non-tenured position in my town 3 miles from home. I was an 11 credit hour employee, so pay was comped somewhat. I was good for 5 years, so 7 and half years teaching. In this time I got my masters (paid for myself mostly, but my pay went up following year so it is paid for).
My hours were cut and were not offered a schedule this fall. So I took a full time job 32 miles away. I decided to stay on part time because I had a feeling the other teacher would retire as it is too much work for one person. 2 weeks after accepting part time, she did retire and will in May of 2020.
So now I am working full time which is causing a major health issue with my back. I have had a back issue for years and it’s not an easy fix, my doctor told me moving around and not being restricted helps with the numbness which is my main problem. Not to mention I miss teaching immensely. I never thought of it as work, it was fun and I enjoyed helping others.
I am part time again in the spring. I have applied for the position. I just don’t think I can last much longer in my current cubicle job. I am of course hoping to get the tenured position, but I know I can’t count on it since the let me go (technically twice, I fought it with the union once). I am wondering if I should stick it out or not. I cannot find a position with benefits in my home time that pays decent. The area is depressed still economically and I think I am being passed over for jobs since I taught so long and my age ( 48).