We live in interesting times, but not the ones I expected.
At some point last week, I’m pretty sure I crossed over into an alternate universe, a la E.C. Myers Fair Coin. In some other universe, Catherine became a dean because her hard work was rewarded by a higher salary. In yet another universe, she became a director because she never did conquer her workaholic tendencies, and/or didn’t realize her self worth. In both of those universes, her writing takes a back seat to her other career. She squeaks out some time to write, but it’s a struggle.
In the universe I find myself in, Catherine realizes that English Language Acquisition needs a full time administrator, but she’s not going to do it, because the money to extra time ratio is not for her. She thinks, however, that she needs to find a way to make that happen for someone else.
So, she talks to her dean this morning about moving out of her coordinator position and going back to the currently open full time English (not ELA) teaching position that wasn’t filled this year. And then, her current position would be used to hire a full time administrator. She suggests this for fall, 2013. The dean and she set up a strategy meeting for June 5th. Who knows what upper admin will say? But it seems to be the most elegant solution for all concerned.
And this feels good to her. She knows that teaching 5 classes is a load, but she also remembers fondly how much free time she had when she did that, compared to now. How flexible her schedule was. How much writing she could do. And she also feels like a good leader, like someone who can take themselves out of the equation of what is needed, and do the right thing. She’s still a woman of vision.
Then she realizes she has found herself in an alternate reality she didn’t think could exist any more. A door she thought sealed has opened again. She is actually downsizing her salary in exchange for time that will help her work on her other career and less time on the job. Still working at a good place, with the same good people, with the same good benefits. But with more time. And she feels so VERY liberated. Because while there are rewarding things about managing others, there are also things that are very challenging to an introvert.
***
On the other hand, in this reality, Catherine’s computer died the death. It requires either a new processor, or a new “card that does all the other things in a MacAir” card. She gets an estimate today from Brent at Brent’s Computer Repair. Well, she’s gonna need it, because after next year she’s gonna have all that extra writing time.
If she stays in this reality. Because Catherine could suddenly find herself transported to another reality unexpectedly. But it just goes to show you that you can’t plan on nuthin’. Oh–and apparently I’m supposed to write books and teach. At least on Earth 2.
***
All right. I should do some work. But you know, Earth 2 feels so much more laid back. So, I’m not sure where to start.
Upcoming: Black Widow post. Some book reviews. Another author process interview. A progress report on my writing (which I get back to tonight after a week with an ear infection and a computer blow up. I’m a tad off schedule right now.)
Until then, may all your dimensional travels be happy ones.
Cath
And grading English papers will reinforce just how good a writer she is comparitively . . .
I’m glad that they’re willing to let you step back. ;o)
Sorry about the computer. I can commiserate (obviously.)