Since I changed jobs (from full-time research work to full-time teaching), I’ve hardly had time to breathe! I know that’s an exaggeration, but the pace of a teacher’s life is so busy that I couldn’t find time to relax and blog. I told my sister the other day that I’m no longer Ms. Lazy when it comes to work and I’ve gone back to being a workaholic like her (and my mom).
We just submitted prelim grades last Friday and the past few days before that I’ve had an average of 4 or 5 hours of sleep only. I was overwhelmed with paperwork (checking papers, actually), and I pressured myself to pass on the deadline. Being on my first year of probationary (full-time teachers are on probationary status for three years, btw), I have to meet all deadlines and do my best in everything. Not that I wouldn’t do my best when I’m already permanent, but I know I just have to meet the expectations of the administrators and especially the students because they give 30% weight to the TBI (evaluation of the students) the first three years – and then I relax a little.
Pressure! I guess I just have to get used to this again. I can no longer take 2-hour coffee breaks (hehe!) or go home for lunch and a siesta (and get back to work at 3pm). But despite my hectic schedule, I am thoroughly enjoying myself and loving what I do – and that’s what’s more important, right? 🙂
tin2joy 
5 comments
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August 9, 2006 at 9:38 pm
bugsybee
Tin, I don’t want to scare you but I just want to give you a (friendly) warning: when you are in fulltime teaching, there is no such thing as “relax a little bit”. 🙂 I was able to do that only when I finally hang my spurs. But the whole journey was very, very rewarding so I hope that doesn’t discourage you.
August 10, 2006 at 10:27 pm
Dinna
Take things a day at a time. It’s so easy to get lost in everything and before you know it, you get overwhelmed. But I’m with you in this 100% considering it’s actually something you seem to be having immense joy doing. Just remember to pace yourself. Good luck!
August 12, 2006 at 5:40 pm
tin2joy
hi bugsy. i know, i know. i used to teach full-time, sa high school pa, so i know there’s no such thing as relaxing when it comes to teaching. but, like i said, i am (still) enjoying what i’m doing, so let’s see how far it’ll take me. hehe 🙂
hey dinna! thanks for the advice. i know i get overwhelmed by the workload sometimes. tama ka, dapat may pacing. 🙂 sige, maka pag pacing na… i still have papers to check, lessons to prepare, and quizzes to make for next week!
August 16, 2006 at 7:20 pm
karol
take it easy. =D luv ya!
February 1, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Wilson Clarin
Yes, teaching is a calling. And often times, it’s a calling you don’t want to hear. Lol. I’ve been a teacher for 3 years here in Korea with WorknPlay http://www.worknplay.co.kr. And although there are many trials along the way. The whole idea that I am making such an impact at the lives on the lives of the children that I teach make up for all the day-to-day lapses of the work.