I have had a lot of thought changes as to "the next step" and "my time in Spain" lately and wanted to give everyone the most complete update of what's been going on.
I have struggled with the situation at my school. I can't precisely pin it to one person or event, but this spring has brought the English department demanding more of me, talking about me behind my back in department meetings (on Fridays, when I don't work), and basically just seeming to not like the way I view the position or the work I put in. The problem is, there is no definition of the job and we never had a conversation about what the expectations were from the beginning. They also have never used things I prepared before and when I ask if I can improve things they tell me I am doing great and just to "prepare a bit more" without telling me WHAT to prepare and if I am doing a good job or not... It's been frustrating to say the least.
I love Spain. A lot. I want nothing more than to continue to integrate myself into the lifestyle, improve my Spanish, and keep making new Spanish friends. I have just recently been invited to two BBQs with the economics teacher from my school and her friends and have made some new pals there, but I want more of that and don't want to lose those friendships already.
I also know that if I want to do what I am 95% positive I want to do with my life, I have to go back to the states. Unfortunately work visas are difficult for any country and since it doesn't look like my chances of marrying someone over here are very good, I will have to go home to pursue it. I am excited about that next phase, but I also know that once I take that step, this one is over.
I will keep you updated. As of right now I just know that I have an auxiliar job until the end of the school year in June and then I want to do some traveling this summer in case I decide not to be here in the fall. I have accepted my job for 2012-2013, but they will replace me as necessary should it come to that. I will travel a bit, make sure I am plopped in front of a TV from July 27-August 12 (Olympics), and be home to celebrate the love of Amanda and Eric at the beginning of September. After that, who knows! We may vacation in Europe (Maggie is studying in Spain next year) and I may be back in the job, riding out a bit more time before I commit to Real Life, or maybe not. It won't be an easy decision, but I'll hopefully have more answers soon.
I have struggled with the situation at my school. I can't precisely pin it to one person or event, but this spring has brought the English department demanding more of me, talking about me behind my back in department meetings (on Fridays, when I don't work), and basically just seeming to not like the way I view the position or the work I put in. The problem is, there is no definition of the job and we never had a conversation about what the expectations were from the beginning. They also have never used things I prepared before and when I ask if I can improve things they tell me I am doing great and just to "prepare a bit more" without telling me WHAT to prepare and if I am doing a good job or not... It's been frustrating to say the least.
I love Spain. A lot. I want nothing more than to continue to integrate myself into the lifestyle, improve my Spanish, and keep making new Spanish friends. I have just recently been invited to two BBQs with the economics teacher from my school and her friends and have made some new pals there, but I want more of that and don't want to lose those friendships already.
I also know that if I want to do what I am 95% positive I want to do with my life, I have to go back to the states. Unfortunately work visas are difficult for any country and since it doesn't look like my chances of marrying someone over here are very good, I will have to go home to pursue it. I am excited about that next phase, but I also know that once I take that step, this one is over.
I will keep you updated. As of right now I just know that I have an auxiliar job until the end of the school year in June and then I want to do some traveling this summer in case I decide not to be here in the fall. I have accepted my job for 2012-2013, but they will replace me as necessary should it come to that. I will travel a bit, make sure I am plopped in front of a TV from July 27-August 12 (Olympics), and be home to celebrate the love of Amanda and Eric at the beginning of September. After that, who knows! We may vacation in Europe (Maggie is studying in Spain next year) and I may be back in the job, riding out a bit more time before I commit to Real Life, or maybe not. It won't be an easy decision, but I'll hopefully have more answers soon.
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