Worrying

I wish I knew my job was safe next year, but again, everything is up in the air. Rumors have been flying around school that each grade will be going down to 2 sections, regardless if there are enough kids for 3 sections or not. That means 3 third grade teachers will no longer be needed, and 1 teacher will inevitably be cut (not necessarily at third grade teacher though). We all have to essentially re-interview for our jobs after spring break. Discussions will focus on differentitaion, test scores, and of course, "Why are you the best person for your position?". Being that I am still the last teacher hired, it is possible that I may be let go, although it is not required like it was last year. Our at-will contracts allow them to get rid of anyone they don't see fit for their position. The thing that pisses me off the most is that I am the senior third grade teacher! The other 2 teachers are new to third grade this year. One of them came up from second grade, the other from sixth grade. So, I can see administration asking me to switch grade levels because the other 2 teachers already had to. I think that is absolutely ridiculous and not fair to me. Especially since I will be getting a student teacher next year (my current Bethel student...she is awesome!), and I'll have a newborn baby at the start of the school year. Having to switch grade levels would be incredibly stressful, but, it would be a job, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much.

If Andy had a job, I think I'd be a little less stressed. With his unemployment and the occasional DT hours, we are making enough money to get by and save. Our credit cards are entirely paid off, and we are finally able to put money in savings. But still. Unemployment doesn't last forever, and if I get laid off , we would really struggle to make ends meet.

I will start applying for new jobs as they arise, but really, going on job interviews 8 months pregnant, what are the chances I'll actually get the job? In the back of their minds, they'll be wondering how often I'll miss work...blah blah blah. It wouldn't be hard to find someone who is not pregnant to hire.

Please send good thoughts our way! Our backup (emergency) plan would be to move back to Elmhurst for a while (Lord knows how we'll get rid of our house though??). In Elmhurst Andy could have a job, and I could sub. We'd have to live with my parents and obviously things would be pretty stressful, but it would be a way to save money. I just really hope it doesn't come to that.