Question:
I feel like I've been asking for advice a lot lately...sorry.

Here's the thing. I joined a company about 2 months ago teaching preschool. I have a contract that I signed that begins in sept and goes through the next june. Well, when I began working thereI was under the assumption that I would actually be teaching preschool, when in reality its just a diaper changing service. Some days are really good, and fun, but most of the time, it's just ridiculous, and totally not what I thought it was. I come home every day increadibly stressed out, and overwhelmed, and just want to sleep, and then I drag every morning to get up. I took the job because at the time, when I was looking for a job, this was the best one available. I would naturally just bit the bullet, but here is the choice I am now faced with.

I just got a call yesterday from a place I interviewed at when I was first looking for the job. At the time they were only offering morning preschool 2 days per week, and I needed more hours than that. So I declined the position. Now, she is calling me and telling me that they need a music teacher, and a 1 and 2 grade teacher at their school. It is a combined class with 8 children. This position would be absolutely amazing! I mean, less hours, more money, WAY less stress, and just plainly, what I would rather do.

Here's the problem. They are desperately looking for teachers right now at the school that I am at. They need seriously, like 5 people by the end of august. I don't know how I could tell her that I was leaving (if I so choose) or if it's even the right thing. I don't feel like I should stay just because I feel bad, I mean, stay a year at a job I hate when I have an awesome one lined up, just to eliminate hurt feelings?

I don't know, I'm really confused. If anyone has any thoughts on this, I'd sure appreciate! Thank
Answer:
IMO, it's not about them. If they really want to keep you they'll be willing to work with you more. If you want to go to the other place, give your current employer a notice and take the job. IMO, a job is one which should make you happy.
The only snag is the contract. If the contract is going to create problems with you quitting, then well, you should re-think it. But I think that hurt feelings will be mended because you can't live your life at your job to please your boss...
Answer:
You don't owe the school anything. You work for them, they pay you.
If something better comes along, go for it. That's the way of things these days.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Ryan Akers IMO, it's not about them. If they really want to keep you they'll be willing to work with you more. You're right, and the fact of the matter is, they really can't work with me. They just can't offer the position that this other place offers.

Originally Posted by Ryan If you want to go to the other place, give your current employer a notice and take the job. IMO, a job is one which should make you happy. I agree, and happy is not what I am at my current job.

Originally Posted by Ryan The only snag is the contract. If the contract is going to create problems with you quitting, then well, you should re-think it. But I think that hurt feelings will be mended because you can't live your life at your job to please your boss... You're right again. Concerning the contract...it doesn't officially even begin until september, and it's only july. So, technically I'm not even under contract right now, right?
Answer:
Originally Posted by Scott You don't owe the school anything. You work for them, they pay you.

If something better comes along, go for it. That's the way of things these days.
This is how I have been feeling also...I just feel bad for them, I guess.
Answer:
Originally Posted by sparklystuff Concerning the contract...it doesn't officially even begin until september, and it's only july. So, technically I'm not even under contract right now, right?
Unfortunately, the work under contract does not begin until September. The contract is a commitment to perform the duties detailed, durning the term specified. The fact that you've committed to doing the work binds you. You've given your word on a legally binding contract.

If I were in your shoes, I'd talk to the personnel manager at the school with which you the signed contract. Tell the manager about the situation. If there were multiple applicants for your position, maybe the runner-up would be available to step up.

When you go in, don't give any indication that you're looking to bail on your commitment. Go in with an attitude of wanting to help find a solution that works for both the school and you. If it begins to look like this is going to cause a problem, be prepared either to stick it out, or deal with the ramifications of breaking the contract (if you're in a small community, they can be much more than legal issues).
Answer:
I would doubt there would be any legal problems...it's a tiny private school that can't even afford to send me to a conference and expects me to pay for it. I doubt they could hire a lawyer. That's part of the reason I kind of doubt the legitimacy of the contract anyhow.
Answer:
according to article 20 of my contract, I can terminate the contract at any time given a 1 months written notice to the board. W00t!

Now I still have to figure out if it's the best choice...
Answer:
Originally Posted by sparklystuff according to article 20 of my contract, I can terminate the contract at any time given a 1 months written notice to the board. W00t!

Now I still have to figure out if it's the best choice...
Glad to hear they wrote in an "escape clause." Good luck in your decision.
Answer:
Originally Posted by sparklystuff according to article 20 of my contract, I can terminate the contract at any time given a 1 months written notice to the board. W00t!

Now I still have to figure out if it's the best choice... Well, that really depends, did you go to school for all those years to change diapers? If the first place is so desperately in need of teachers why the heck are they giving you diaper duty? Honestly, hand in your notice and do what you worked so hard to do.