The Conflict of Knowing What To Do

Imagine; you know what you want to do. You know there will opportunities in multiple places for you do what you want to do. Further, it's not just what you want to do; it is what you believe is your calling to do.

Your are currently in a situation that you do not dislike; it is simply not what you want to spend another year doing. It is possible that something may come available in the place where you work, but maybe not. So you begin sending out feelers for other opportunities. You seek the counsel of people whose opinions you value and trust. Here's what you hear:

• I think you would be a great addition.
• Why would you want to leave where you are? It is a better situation.
• Don't come here! You will not be happy. No one here is happy with what is going on.
• Things have changed over the past couple years. It's not the same.
• 3 years ago - leadership was great; 2 years ago - one leader was great the other pretty bad; this year - both are making everyone's life miserable.
• Don't do it. I'm trying to get out of here to go back to where you are.
• I would be remiss if I didn't tell you one of the admins is difficult to deal with.
• Every place has it's issues. If you do your job, you won't have any problems.
• It seems the only thing the admins are looking for is something you do wrong...so they will find something, as if to justify their position.
  

Yikes! What a mess. So what does one do? Which is correct?

• Be the change you want to see.
• The grass is always greener :-)
• The grass is always greener ;-(
• Be patient. Good things come to those who wait.
• You have to go after the things you want in life.
• As a teacher, you should never trust an administrator; they are working toward a different set of standards and goals.

Why is trying to teach and help young people so stinkin' hard? Why do adults make it so difficult? If it is this way for adults in schools, think of how rotten it must seem to the students.

And finally - Are all schools/systems the same?