“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt
I love this quote. I love quotes in general. Whenever I am feeling a little lost I’ve always looked for inspiration in the words of others. I imagined that they must know more that I do if everyone was quoting them and I’m usually able to find just what I need.
I have to admit, the idea of giving my resignation to the school where I teach special education is a a little daunting. I decided about 5 years ago after a divorce to complete a Master’s program in Special Education and change careers to become a teacher. It wasn’t easy to juggle work and school and four children, with very little help. Both of my parents died during all of this and there were many other problems, many financial. In other words; I nearly killed myself getting here and after 2 years in the exact job I thought I wanted that actually wants me back I’m planning to resign. Wow, when I write it down it sounds nuts.
For all that is good about this, there is bad. It’s not the new and richer experience I had hoped for. In fact, I spend most of my day doing tedious paperwork and handing my lessons to my tutor so she can enjoy teaching them. I love the kids in my class and I think they may even love me as much as a middle school student can. I do know that they know how much I respect them and I absolutely get that back. But, my job is about 10 % teaching and 90% administration. Let’s not forget I’m actually considered living on the poverty level for the town where I work. I make 50% of the median income in my town. Not even the deciding factor, but significant enough to mention.
So, the new and richer experience had to include a way to make the world a better place. I know myself and if that is not part of the plan I won’t be happy doing whatever I am doing. I’ve always volunteered and worked in nonprofit and have started two nonprofits of my own. The trouble was that I could never make enough money to support my family at these jobs so I would find myself doing something that made our lives more comfortable but gave no personal satisfaction aside from that.
I have been in search of the opportunity where I can live a comfortable life, be challenged, independant, and also give back. I think I’ve found it. The business I’m starting with give a percentage of the cost from the client and a percentage of my profit on each transaction to a nonprofit I am creating. My thought is that if I do it at the start that neither the client or myself will miss that small amount.
Imagine if every business did that? Imagine the good we can do? I want to be a part of that and I know that if I work hard I can create something wonderful that will employ people, give other woman a new start and allow me to support my family. I’m chronicling it on here so that I can show other women after I successfully create this business called Magnolia that just because you’re scared doesn’t mean you should stop.
Take a second to send some encouragement if you happen to read this. I’m going forward but the good thoughts help.
Thank you for reading and good luck to you too!
Magnolia Beginnings 
Maybe instead of resigning right away (because I know it was a lot of work to get where you are) you should look into opportunities to teach more of the time at another school or for a corporation. If you don’t like administrative work be careful going into business for yourself, it is a lot of administrative work.
Thank you for commenting. You raise a good point. Funny enough, I decided to teach to move away from the administrative role in a previous business and to be able to work in a more fulfilling job. I think that is the major factor…whatever I do needs to be fulfilling. In my current position as a special education teacher I love the kids and teaching but the amount of red tape and administrative work takes up about 90% of my day. The new business will allow me to create a nonprofit that will offer microloans for single mothers trying to start their own businesses. I’ve built the donations in to the cost and profit. I’ve always dreamed of being able to do this and the business will fund the nonprofit. So, I may not get away from the paper work but I’ll be creating something that will hopefully benefit many people. Also, I plan on going back to volunteering locally, teaching English to new immigrants. I’m alternately excited and nervous about all the ‘newness’. I love the idea of creating the work you’ll love. I think in this economy it is something to consider.
One thing I think I’ve learned after a lifetime of jobs I didn’t love, is that you should pursue what you love doing. Because the things you love doing the most are the things you are most likely to excel at. I wish someone had told me that when I was a teen, wondering what to spend my life doing. I didn’t make very good choices then, but it is never too late to change – and that’s not just a cheap platitude – it’s the truth.
Believe it or not I’ve read this comment more than once. Thank you for this reminder of the truth.
extremely useful stuff, on the whole I picture this is worthy of a bookmark, thanks
Thank you for your kind words.
Thanks for the comment and thank you for reading!
keep it up and you’ll be getting quoted
You’re a sweetheart. One can only hope.