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In a bind

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In a bind
theOriginal
11/29/05 at 07:31:36
[slm]

I'm teaching.  Classes are great.  Kids are awesome.  School sucks.  Administration has issues.  It's far too stressful to be healthy. Just got a really good job offer back in my field, Alhamdulillah.  

Ethical bind: if I quit, I'm playing with the futures of these kids (they'll be giving IGCSE and A levels exams in June).  If I don't, I'm playing with my own.

What should I do?

Wasalaam.
Re: In a bind
timbuktu
11/29/05 at 07:53:18
[slm]

playing with the kids' future?

no, don't think so. Did you give a commitment that you will stay until June?

This is what I have learnt: We aren't that important. There may be a better teacher in store for those kids.

I doubt if the really good offer in your field will be kept open for you until June. Take the job, say two nawafil for the kids, and forget them.
Re: In a bind
Kathy
11/29/05 at 08:36:24
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Ouch! Timbuktu... but you are absolutely right.... ;)
[quote] We aren't that important. There may be a better teacher in store for those kids  [/quote]

Most everyone is replaceable, even if we think we aren't! There is a job i used to do that I am shocked is still being run well after I left!  :P

You are a teacher, you taught what the kids had to know up to this point. Make dua for them and a new teacher and follow your dream.

However, if you know you can't be replaced and the kids have to be transfered to a public school and have committed to these kids, or haven't fulfilled your duty to them to this point, then I believe you should stay and finish your job.
Re: In a bind
bhaloo
11/29/05 at 09:38:22
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Everyone is replaceable as the others have said.  You should make like a tree and leaf, err I mean leave.  And you should probably write them a letter of resignation.  *cough* *cough*.  There's some good letters in the thread when I needed to quit.  ;)

Congratulations on the new job offer.  :)
Re: In a bind
Marcie
11/29/05 at 12:28:30
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I am going to have to disagree on this one.  Yes, we are replaceable, but you would be amazed how attached these kids have become to you.  They have also become used to your routines and your teaching style.  To switch teachers in the middle of the year is really awkward and some kids will not do well with the switch.  

If you do decide to leave, please pray isthiharah first and make sure that the new teacher works together with you for a week, so that hopefully she will continue with some of the things that you have been doing.  This will also give the kids a chance to get used to her and the change won't be so abrupt.

[wlm]
Marcie
Re: In a bind
theOriginal
11/29/05 at 20:56:32
[slm]

Hmm...I'm thinking back to high school...

Okay Marcie, you're right.  I really don't want to be unfair or unethical in any way.  And when I signed on, I didn't have any intention of quitting mid-year.

But it's a really stressful job because the environment is horrible (too much gossip and red tape can drive anyone insane).  And I certainly think that affects my ability to teach.  I also highly doubt the boys are attached in any way to my teaching style.  I do think that they're riding a fine line because it's such a crucial year (for at least 2 grades), and so it's really hard.

And I did do istikhara, which didn't leave me with any sort of clear indication.  At least not yet.

Timbuktu, Kathy and bhaloo .. thank you, really.  I appreciate your advice, I felt like a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders after I read your posts.  

We have a few days off at school...so by Monday morning I need to decide, inshaAllah.

Please pray for me to make the right decision.

Wasalaam.  
Re: In a bind
UmmWafi
11/30/05 at 00:17:32
[slm] Sis JustOne

I dont think the issue here is whether u are replaceable or not.  I think it is more of which job will allow you to contribute to the community the most.  Sometimes, when we think of numbers, yeah, teaching is a good opportunity to give back to the community but some things, along the way, prevents you from doing that (as u are experiencing now with the gossiping etc etc).  When we want to think abt contribution, u have to ask yourself which position will make you the happiest because when u are happy with what u do, u will find working a joy. When that happens u will give your very best, thus allowing you to carry out your work amanah to the fullest.  In addition, happiness with your job will also ensure longetivity at the work place which in turn leads you to earning a stable income which in turn will motivate you to give more sadaqah to the community..and you see how it goes.

Sigh..I know all these sound convoluted but what I am trying to say is...choose the job that will make you function as a good Muslimah in every sense of the word.

Hugs..I know u will make the right choice.

Wassalam
11/30/05 at 00:18:30
UmmWafi


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