Just when you think you've got it all figured out, life throws you another curveball...
After my last post in April, it soon became apparent that things weren't working out so well at my school. Basically, I got burned out and it was time for me to make a change. I started looking for another job (while in the midst of continuing to teach, write reports and finish up the school year, a very busy time to say the least!) Plus, I knew that I was going to need to move, as I was living in staff housing. Even had I stayed at my school, I knew that I wanted to move because living 25 minutes walk away meant that I relied on taxis to get to work every day which was a real hassle. Fortunately, a fellow teaching colleague and friend who lived in the same complex was able to have me store my stuff at her apartment.
I was sad to leave my students, my wonderful Chinese co-teacher Juliet and many wonderful teaching colleagues. However, I knew that I wanted to stay in Shanghai, so that helped narrow my search. I knew in my heart that Shanghai is where I'm meant to be right now. I have some good friends here and I really want to get a good grasp on Mandarin. There are also a ton of international schools here in Shanghai. Although late in the game to look for another job in April (most schools start the hiring process in January), I knew that it wasn't too late. The last day of school was June 29th. That afternoon I had a job interview at another international school nearby. The next two days (June 30th and July 1st) I moved my stuff into storage. July 2nd I got a job offer to teach First grade at the new school. The next day I flew back to Seattle for the summer. I got home in time to celebrate the Fourth of July with my family.
I spent five weeks back in the states with my family, which included two weeks vacationing on the Oregon Coast and a week visiting my sister, brother in law and three-year-old nephew in Indiana.
I returned to Shanghai on August 11th and have now started my new job and have moved to a nearby neighborhood. I love the fact that I have found an apartment that is 10 minutes walking distance from the school. I'm also sharing the apartment with another teacher from the states. First grade is a big adjustment from Fourth grade, but I do enjoy that the planning is a lot easier. I have another Chinese co-teacher and 22 students from around the world.
It's another chapter in the Journey Called Life!
