There will be no Moment of Zen tomorrow. I am not sure I will be posting for several days. As I was leaving school today, I was called in to the principal's office and told that I no longer had a job. I have no idea what I will do, except look for a new job. There was no warning, no reprimands on my record, no hint of me not returning for next year. I was simply told there had been complaints made, though no one can tell me what they were. It is a mystery to me, and a mystery to all those who I've spoken with about the issue.
I can't stop crying, and I'm just in shock.
Outrageous!
ReplyDeleteMichael, the amazing thing is that is the response I've gotten from everyone I have talked to.
DeleteI am so sorry I will say a prayer that everything works out. LOVE AND HUGS Jeff
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff
DeleteI fully understand why you may not post a Moment of Zen tomorrow. But I suspect you need a good moment of zen right now! I am sending you via cyberspace un abrazo muy fuerte!
ReplyDeleteAlthough it in no way diminishes the injustice and insensitivity of what happened, I know you have not been happy with your job. Perhaps SomeOne closed that door so that you would discover another one.
Travis, that's what I'm holding on to. I truly believe that God has a plan for each of us and that when he closes one door, it is so he can open another. I just hope I can find the door he's opening for me.
DeleteI'm very sorry you've been fired and for the vagueness of the college's reason. At the very least the administration should have made you aware of complaints as they were made. That is, if complaints were made at all.
ReplyDeleteThat's true and if it were a college, I'm pretty sure that they would have to give a reason to the AAUP, but this is a private high school and I always knew I worked at the whim of the "powers that be" but it would have been nice to have some warning and they should still tell me about the complaints.
DeleteJoe this is HORRIBLE and I think, is verging on illegal. Are they giving you severance! How can they not tell you the specifics? I advise you to get a lawyer. You have the right to face your accusers, if not in person, certainly through a lawyer!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I totally believe when God closes one door, he opens another. And yes, you weren't happy with your situation, but this is outrageous! You must try to find out what the complaints are. Also, if you do apply for another position as a teacher somewhere else, will these accusations follow you? will the school give you a positive reference?
No severance, but they'll pay out my contact which means pay during the summer. I have people trying to figure out what happened. Apparently, it was even news to some of the "powers that be." I was promised that I would always get good recommendations and I know a few of the teachers who will always give me glowing recommendations, but my principal said he'd do anything to help me find another position, it just wouldn't be there.
DeleteSo sorry to hear this. I agree it is outrageous. And I agree with Susan contacting a lawyer may not be a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteI to am a believer that when one door close that another one opens. And He will guide you to that door.
You will be in my prayers.
I read your blog and find it uplifting. You are a pure and good person. This event will lead you to a better place - no matter how painful or vengeful it may be today. Take solace and comfort in the ones close to you. You are not alone.
ReplyDeleteOh Joe I'm so sorry! There's nothing I can say that will make you feel better. But I will say prayers and give you hugs. And I agree with the others that this may be His way of giving you some great opportunity ! Try to stay positive and know you are truly loved. ((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteWhat the bloody hell?!?!?!?!!!
ReplyDeleteIf there is anything I can do, let me know.
Peace <3
Jay
OMFG!
ReplyDeleteWhat a TERRIBLE news...
I just can be with you with all my heart.
I'm so in phase with you because I did had that such horifying news at the beginning of 2001 for the new school year..
That was just exactly as the 9/11 moment..
I too was so discourage and saw my Professional teacher life thorn down..
The principal of my private high school had to tell me that there were some plaints because some GIRLS had found almost nude pics of me on internet..
Parents making complaints and that was it...
I was immediatly fired without no possibility to explain and really know what all it was about..
BUT, as the future told me about all of it, is that it was a «bad moment» for me to go through but that it got somehow better after all...
I did find a new job in sept. 2002 and was able to work full time till my retirement in 2011...
I'd like that my story gives you HOPE and that your future will be BETTER...
Find a school, a better school where you'll be fully accepted as you are....
All my best thoughts and love.
When one door is closed, another one opens and it will open to a better life.
ReplyDeleteBro, you'll find another job but as you say it's the shock of it all and feeling the ground fell out from under you with warning and no parachute. It's easy to say you'll get over it and move on but right now you need some big hugs. All I can say is you have a a big virtual community of people who care about you.
ReplyDelete"As we weave the tapestries of our lives, we gradually begin to see our designs from a wider angle of years. We may or may not be pleased with what we see. Yet, no design--not in the living world--is carved in stone. We have the gift of free will to change our designs as we wish. We are each a thread in the tapestry of our human family. Our outcome is woven of endless possibilities, because we can choose from a universe of endless possibilities. Every person can make a difference. Each thread is a possibility, chosen by the design of divine imagination. Our life-time designs arise from our divine gifts, unique talents, desires, thoughts, choices, and actions. At times, old choices--old threads--wear out. We see the past while we live in the present, and we can replace the old...with new ideas, new choices, and new actions. We can view the future through today's eyes, and time blends all experiences, dark and light, into an awareness of authentic joy. May you live joyfully and abundantly today and throughout every season of life!"
ReplyDelete~ Steve Brunkhorst
I'll second, third, fourth, etc, the 'outrageous' comments.
ReplyDeleteTo be fired is bad enough, but to be told there were complaints, and then not told what they were or who made them, just seems unethical and illegal to me.
HEARTBROKEN for YOU. Many, MANY prayers arsing on your behalf. God is good all the time~all the time God is good. Cling to the promises ,,, He will never leave you nor forsake you. MUCH LOVE TO YOU.....ALWAYS, but especially now.
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeleteAm very sorry to hear the bad news.
Just a couple of thoughts. Do you think it has anything to do with being gay? Also, you have had some health problems (severe headaches) that may have affected your performance. It would seem outrageous to lose a job over a health problem.
But all that aside, the world is full of pricks and assholes and who would want to work for people like them one way or another?
Something I have learned over the years is that work situations can vary so much. Certain places I was loved and appreciated and others, I could not do anything right. Here I am, the exact same person. Sometimes personalities meld, other times they conflict.
I know it is horrible and stressful to lose a job in that manner, but I know you will rebound from this. It will turn out better and you will be happier in the long run. As they say, you can't keep a good man down.
Andy
RIDICULOUS. So sorry to hear that. Keeping my fingers crossed that another opportunity is around the corner for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a shock. I'm glad to read that the principal and others will help you get another job. Cast a wide net.
ReplyDeleteWow. Praying for a great resolution for you. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteTime to name the school. Let the principal deal with the flack all summer, and hope the private school loses enrollment of those families with an open mind.
ReplyDeleteHope you can get a job so that you and your boyfriend can build a meaningful partnership and life together.
Montgomery is full of private schools, I am guessing your's was not one of the big well known, so you could make it real uncomfortable for them. Especially once you secure new employment.
I am so very sorry to hear this! I agree that there will be a new place for you that will be brighter and happier for you! Good luck!! Take it easy in the meantime and give yourself time to mourn this loss. It's the only way to move forward. Thinking of you...
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear this and I don't think it's fair. You should consult a lawyer. I think you have a right to know what the "complaints" were. Even the threat of legal action might motivate them to tell you what was going on.
ReplyDeleteFrom experience I can tell you that sometimes what seem to be the worst things that happen in your life can turn out to be the best things. You weren't happy at this school anyway, so this may be the beginning of a new and better chapter in your life.
Praying for you to land on your feet with something better -- and soon.
So sorry to hear this. Please keep us updated on how things are going. Do not wait for God to lead you...lead yourself
ReplyDeleteJoe, You seem to have a great attitude through this trial. But do consider something in addition to turning the other cheek. Sure, this is an opportunity for finding something better, but there may be a way of getting something more out of the school which will help you, the students and other teachers/employees who find themselves in your circumstance.
ReplyDeleteSo long as the school will give you a good reference, I would vote in favor of NOT getting a lawyer, much less suing the school. Even if the administration didn't handle this right, it's better for your spirit to close this chapter, move on and find something better. If it comes to the attention of a prospective new employer that you are taking legal action against the old employer, that will not help your chances of landing the new gig.
ReplyDeleteTom, I am putting it behind me and searching for better opportunities. If there are repercussions, it will come from angry parents and members of the board of directors who are unhappy with my dismissal.
Delete