Two years ago, I fell in love with a private, college prep school about twenty minutes from my home in Port Orchard, Washington. The old, restored building exuded its own academic charm, the staff welcomed me, and the students’ engagement in class confirmed this school was where I’d enjoy teaching. I imagined the literary quotes and vivid posters of the “greats” (Shakespeare, Dickens, Austen, the Brontes) that would complement plain white walls and the students partaking in a hands-on activity I’d designed.

Having opted to be a freelance writer and a guest teacher when my kids were young, I’d put off thoughts of having my own classroom until later on. But once my kids reached an age of greater independence, I submitted an application and prayed that an English position would come available. Fast forward to the present: the current English teachers still showed no indication of leaving their posts. As two of them are around my age, it’s unlikely they’ll vacate their positions for years. As this summer progressed, I was mildly disappointed, yet resigned to the fact that there still wasn’t a place for me. But then I received a call from the school secretary, saying there was a position to consider, after all. It just wasn’t the one I’d intended.

Instead of automatically declining an offer to teach Pacific Northwest History, Current Events/Civics, and Yearbook this fall, I gave the opportunity some thought over the next few days. Once my family weighed in, I came to the realization that not only was I interested in these subjects, it could prove a blessing to gain experience outside my concentrated area.

Expanding Your Capabilities

By the time we’re in our thirties (and perhaps before), we know if we have a knack for drawing or solving equations and have gravitated toward those places where we naturally shine. Yet simply because we’ve identified our niche doesn’t mean we don’t have potential in other areas. Psychologist Sherrie Campbell says, “The unfamiliar gifts you with diverse experiences which vastly increase your knowledge. The brain responds to new things by creating new neural pathways. Each new pathway becomes stronger with repetition… giving us new skills and strengths. For this reason, you should always strive to be just a bit outside of your comfort zone.” (Entrepreneur) Saying “yes” to opportunities that challenge and interest us allows for our continual growth and motivation. We realize we’re not as one-dimensional as we may have previously thought and we start stretching beyond the titles we’ve given ourselves.

Seeking Support

Hardly anyone you meet will admit to liking the off kilter feeling that comes from training for a new job. Once you’ve practiced your trade for a number of years, you gain confidence and mastery. Yet, when you step into a new opportunity–as I am with this unexpected teaching role–you learn the importance of asking for guidance quickly. That willingness to ask removes a lot of the unease that starting something new can produce. If I’d acted like I could instantly generate all new lessons and PowerPoints, I would feel even more stress and pressure than I already do. I wouldn’t know which shortcuts to take (borrowing other teacher’s PowerPoints on occasion instead of creating entirely new material that keeps me up all hours of the night.) I wouldn’t have a sounding board (gaining insight from a Department Chair who knows the ins and outs of the school.) I wouldn’t have a master copy of Pacific Northwest History curriculum sitting on my desk right now. While it’s important to gain our own autonomy as we become accustomed to our roles, self-improvement requires that we humble ourselves enough to admit we don’t have all the answers.

Respecting the Season

Whether you have a new baby, a different job, or a move before you, you’re facing a change that impacts not only you, but those around you. The season that you’re in might demand that you temporarily give something up or make it fit differently into your life. For instance, I have a habit of meeting certain friends for coffee throughout the week and attending a writer’s group. Now that my schedule is more fixed, I’m not able to meet with friends so sporadically or attend the writing group as regularly. Since nights are given over to curriculum prep, kids’ extracurriculars, and meals for the most part, it’s not feasible to take time away on weeknights. I’m grateful that the few friends I meet with understand, as they have their own, often-changing obligations. Jessica Honeggar, owner of the Noonday Collection and author of Imperfect Courage says, “There are seasons, and I think the wisdom in knowing that is being able to really appreciate the present moment.” She expands that quote by referencing the need to let go of perfectionism and comparison in order to thrive. Letting go of events that you’ve enjoyed isn’t necessarily fun, but it can be the most gracious act for you and your loved ones as you transition.

Realizing that you were “made for more” is an exciting discovery, even if you’re up to your eyes in lesson planning like me. Perhaps you’re also learning that asking for the support of trusted mentors and placing (even temporary) guardrails over our time increases our chances of flourishing in the places we’re called.

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2019 issue of CHOICES Magazine