Job Opinion

I'm looking for opinions on a potential change with my job.
My husband and I moved out of NY eight years ago to Tampa. I couldn't get a teaching job in NY and landed one the next school year (we moved in February, so I started in August). My husband moved down with his company, but has since changed careers and went back to school for his teaching degree. He teaches 2nd grade, I teach 3rd. We spend our summers in NY and PA with our families and now have a 2 year old son.

Fast forward...we just bought a new house and moved about 20 minutes south of where we used to live, which has added about 20 minutes to my commute-total of 35-40 minutes. Since we moved in November, there was not an option for me to change schools, or my sons daycare-which is around the corner from my job. We love our new neighborhood and our bigger house.

My old assistant principal now works as the principal in our neighborhood school, where my husband works. I am debating transferring schools next year (either to my neighborhood school or staying put at my current school). I love my old assistant principal and she loves me and would take me back in a heart beat. If I changed schools, I'd have a 2 mile commute in my backyard and teach the same grade and subjects.

Here's my dilemma...what would you do?

A. Stay at my current job

Pros: AMAZING school, over the top supportive parents-both academics and to the school-donate a lot of time/$ to fund programs/technology, parents go above and beyond to recognize and appreciate you (holidays, birthdays, etc) parents are very well educated-doctors, lawyers, finance, own their own businesses, very well behaved students, I've made a "name" for myself at the school (have had repeated families/siblings), wonderful coworkers who have become some of my best friends, comfortable with what I am teaching and starting to branch out looking for ways I can be better, and a very laid back and relaxed principal who basically lets you do what you want and is supportive. Annual bonus about $1000 for being a high achieving school. I always pictured myself as the old teacher who one day retires there and who has spent her entire career there.

Cons: 40 minute drive, rush hour both ways-highways aren't bad, it's getting on and off the roads that are so jammed because population is growing so fast and they can't keep up with it construction wise, , tolls on the road I take, gas $, and wear and tear on the car. Longer days-I tutor 3 days a week and don't get home til 5:15/5:30, my son drives with me to and from work and is at school from 7:15-4:30 3 days a week, the other two 7:15-3:00ish.


B. Transfer to neighborhood school-

Pros: structured and organized principal who wants me and loves me, my husband works at the school and I know some of his teammates, for now my very close friend who I met at my current school works there, 2 minute commute, no gas/tolls, son would start a new daycare 5 mins away, more time at home afterschool, no tutoring after school to make extra $-bills would cancel out, daycare is close so we can send my son to school on days off if we need to get stuff done or want a date day, and same position. My son will start kindergarten in 2 years and this is our neighborhood school-I want him to go here so that his friends are in the neighborhood, not 40 mins away at my current school.

Cons: new school, large school, families come and go (a lot of military), parents not as involved, but does have and active PTA, financially, parents are not as supportive, would be joining a larger, dysfunctional team, moving to an adjoined room, and moving my son to a new daycare-we love the one he is at now. BUT...next year we would move him regardless of where I was because Florida pays for 540 hours for all students in pre-k, so our daycare bill will be cut almost in 1/2 and we want him to be with kids in the area.

Sorry this is long...Just trying to get opinions. This is such a tough decision for me and my family, both options sound good and have pros/cons. Financially, it's the same (give or take). What would you do?

Job Opinion

I'd thank my new boss for my new job in my new school.

Re: Job Opinion

B

The positives greatly outweigh the "negatives" in this situation.

Re: Job Opinion

What does your husband think about the school? Are his gripes those you can live with? If so, go to school B -- nothing beats being close to home. :)

Job Opinion

I would pick the school that is close to home. Nothing beats getting right home to your family quickly.

Re: Job Opinion

Job Opinion

I would move. It sounds like it would be the best option for your son.

Job Opinion

I would pick the new school

Job Opinion

B! When your son starts Kindergarten you will want to be close and have the extra time at home....

Re: Job Opinion

B. Because having a short commute and great leadership are two of the three pillars of a happy job. The other is pay. Since you don't say if there is a pay cut or not I can't evaluate it. But if the pay is the same, b no question. The quality of your life will vastly improve with a short commute. You are getting an automatic 80 minutes of your life back a day. That is before tutoring, so you are getting really three to four additional hours every day. That is fifteen to twenty hours per week. That is a lot of time you would not have with the longer commute. You will reduce gas costs, could carpool, you would reduce maintenance and wear on your car. How much are your hours worth to you?

Message edited 3/6/2017 10:39:51 AM.

Re: Job Opinion

B...hands down...no question. When your DS is older and doing activities through the school = after school you will be glad that you live close by.

Good luck!

Re: Job Opinion

Job Opinion

Thanks everyone! Our neighborhood school is a wonderful school, we live in a very family friendly neighborhood.. My husband likes it and wants me to transfer. It's 1000 kids and a ton of teachers so it's not like we would directly work together. We talk "school" at home every night each day, so working together wouldn't be any different. I was able to hook my husband up with my former principal, that's how he got where he is. I love the feeling of being wanted, being able to sleep in till 6:30, be home at 3:30, and have more time to spend with my family and relaxing, instead of always being on the go. Thank you to everyone who gave their thoughts. Change is always hard, but it is exciting. I want to fully embrace my new neighborhood and being involved, and working there is a start

Job Opinion

You had me at "2 minute commute". Go with the new school.

Job Opinion

100% B!

Re: Job Opinion

2 min commute sold me

Message edited 3/6/2017 4:49:50 PM.

Job Opinion

A 2 min commute is what my dreams are made of. B!

Re: Job Opinion

B

Job Opinion

Yup...2 minute commute. Don't even have to leave the development. I could bike there or walk if I wanted to.