A big hit to the ego...
About a year after I decided to leave the classroom, I received a call from a good friend who taught at a prestigious private school. There was a rare opening and she encouraged me to apply. We can finally teach together. You're the perfect fit.
During this time, Breathe & Learn was very much a thing, but it was a struggle. I craved a steady paycheck, a support system and community. So, a return to the classroom seemed like it could be the right move. In fact, I figured I'd even be able to bring B&L to the school in some way.
I decided to go for it and I went all in. I fixed my resume, prepped for the interviews and carefully planned and practiced my demo lesson. Everything moved very fast. After an email, phone call, a demo lesson and a full day touring campus and interviewing with teachers and administration, I felt fairly confident about my chances. The thought of teaching at a school with more resources than I ever had access to in the past was exciting; I even felt a slight sense of relief.
Naturally, I checked in with my friend to see if she had heard any news. All things were still pointing in a positive direction. In my head, I had accepted and began planning the new year and fresh start.
Then, I got the call. Talk about a hit to the ego and a total feeling of failure. No matter how it happens or what they say, they didn't pick you. And that hurts.
As I sit here two years later, I'm grateful for that door which closed SO HARD in my face. I learned to persevere, push through those sh*tty feelings, find support, create community and take one day at a time as I worked on building what I was always truly passionate about, Breathe & Learn. And, with much more perspective now, I'm easily able to see that it wasn't the right fit.
So, when a door closes...
"Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck." -Dalai Lama
xo
Joanie Plake Founder of B&L | M.A. Childhood & Special Education | E-RYT 200 www.breatheandlearn.com