The Year that Was: Jobs

Well, I wrote all about this in my Christmas letter, but since most of my bloggy friends aren't on my list, I thought I would go over some of the main events of 2007 as I prepare to enter into a new year with new hopes and dreams. So, here goes.

2007 began with the usual fanfare at the usual time. I wanted more than anything to continue moving forward in my relationship with Susan and to continue to improve in my job/career.


To start things off with a bang I got fired decided to make a career change in February.







I should mention here that I wasn't really fired, I was just informed that I would not be offered a contract for 2007/2008. There's a big difference. For one thing, I still had a salary. Nice thing, that. And I had some time to plan. Also nice.



I was the chair of the developmental writing program at a local university. I was teaching many (7) sections, supervising other people, and attending meetings around the clock regularly. It was really a drag. I was especially not fond of supervising other teachers. While I had good relationships with most of them, I had one particular instructor who made life difficult for me.

One good thing about getting fired deciding to make a change is that I spent a good deal of time thinking about what I'd like to do in the near future. I looked at becoming a technical writer or working in business as a writer, editor, public relations person.

I thought, I wrote, I talked, I brainstormed, I read inspirational books-- I even put in applications at some big companies. But I kept coming back to the fact that I love teaching.

So, I wrote to some old friends and I ended up getting a full time position offered me at UTSA. Go Roadrunners!

I had worked at UTSA in the past, and I also got my Master's degree there, so it was a homecomming in many ways. One great advantage is that I get to work for my old friend Judy. She rocks.

Judy's been ill lately, so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to spend some time with her. Of course, Judy is so tough that she comes to work after her chemotherapy and radiation treatments, so she'll undoubtedly outlive me. But it's good to have the time together, nevertheless.



I am also working in the evening and online for the University of the Incarnate Word (go Cardinals),

so I have plenty of work to keep me off the streets and out of the pool halls. It turns out that I am still teaching seven sections, but now I don't have administrative duties. Wh00t!

Don't ask why I'm attracted to schools with bird mascots--really, I have no idea.