Change of Career

Tues, no wait, Thursday I had an interview for a Paraprofessional position. This is a fancy title for teacher’s aide. I would be working with children who have special needs i.e. behavioral issues, down syndrome, physical limitations etc. Now I know what you’re thinking.

“Isn’t your major TV or something like that?”

Well I graduated from college so I no longer have a major. Yes I was working in production; specifically audio production. But that position is on a hiatus and as many young people of my day; I possess many hats. I mentioned before that I considered going back to school for teaching younger children. I liked it. Kids can be tiring but I felt that I was needed and I was living out a great portion of my potential. I liked that I had an important purpose and that I made an impact.

This is how I want my life to be.

But should my life be solely that of a teacher?

I was thinking working as teacher during the day would give me time to go to open mics at night. Also, I would still be available to take gigs; granted that they are in the evening and I can get home early enough to plop my head in the bed for school the next morning.

Not likely.

I will most likely be too tired to do a gig after school.

The day before – Wednesday – we received an eviction notice. Three days not including the weekend to get out with all of our stuff. My mother had me chauffer her to the pro – bono lawyers to receive an extension. After being directed the court house we received just that. Now this will buy us some time to get other matters in order.

I’ve already asked my cousin to take my mom in. My mom who said she would stay in her car …with her heart condition smh. I will find somewhere to stay. I’m not really worried. Maybe it’s time to gain some street smarts. I also tried to convince my cousin, a newly trained medical assistant, to work as an aide to make some money to pay for her certification. But she already has found a position. Even though its only twice a week, the experience she receives is invaluable and hard to come by. She’s not willing to give it up.

“If I leave this job i might as well not have gone for my certification in the first place.”

I see her point and I wondered how much of it held true to my predicament. My cousin however has a steady position in her field. I do not. So am I to go forward as a Paraprofessional or continue to grind until the gears come off?