Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Throw me a Bone....

You may or may not know that I'm not a fan of my job this year.

You may know, because I used to talk about it more. You may not know, because I decided to stop talking about it at least 5 months ago. I stopped talking about it because I'm a psychologist and I should know better- I should know that thinking negatively makes you feel negative and thinking positively (and/or ignoring the negative) can work wonders for the soul.

So, as a result, I stopped talking about it (more or less).

Despite that fact that I stopped talking about my extreme job dislike, things did not get much easier for me.

DISCLAIMER/SIDENOTE: When I talk about job dislike, I don't mean that I dislike my job- my actual job is fabulous. I dislike my "placement" but it's easier to explain when I call it my job.

All year my principals have been very hard on me. Sometimes you luck out with placement, sometimes you don't. This year I was blessed with a principal that expected me to teach kids how to write a sentence (not my job) and to "fix" every kid that causes a problem behaviorally. I'm not a miracle worker. I would love to help you, but I can't fix anyone in a day, let alone a year. The other principal wasn't really a peach either. She let me know from day one that she wanted someone else as her psychologist this year, and expected me have ESP and to know what she wanted whenever she wanted it-- without any guidance (among many other things that I don't feel like rehashing).

Anyways, I digress. I had my review today with my actual boss. I was NOT looking forward to it because of the rough year that I've had. Thankfully, my boss was able to put me at ease immediately. She's seriously the most incredible and supportive boss ever. All year I've felt like a failure thanks to my two principals. My boss gave me the inspiration to keep trying and to brush off their complaints.

Although she only sees us on a monthly basis, she's got it all together and she knows whats up. She knows that both of my schools were out to get me from the beginning and she was able to reassure me and make me feel better about myself. It wasn't all my fault, and I'm so happy to know that SOMEONE, even if it's only one person, feels that way.

So my rating wasn't as outstanding as last year, but it wasn't as dreadful as I thought it would be. The problems that they reported about me were completely ridiculous and my boss understood that. For example, the complaints included: Ashley was 4 minutes late for work, 3 times this year and my personal favorite-- does not dress professionally for work. This one is absolutely laughable and REALLY pisses me off. I go to work each day in a dress, skirt, khakis, or dress pants. Although I do not own 2343432 pastel pant suits (like some people I know), I dress very professionally. In fact, my boss actually said listen Ashley, I've visited your school and during your observation half the people in the meeting were dressed unprofessionally and she assured me that I always look great when she sees me.

It just really pisses me off that my principal actually said that I dress unprofessionally. If you went to my school, you would see people in jeans, tennis shoes, t shirts, unwashed/unkempt hair and with eye brow rings. Apparently my principal complained about my dress back in October and my boss encouraged her to talk to me about it. She never did.

Okay, rant over. I've got to get back to thinking about rainbows and unicorns, and being pleased with the fact that although my year sucked and I can't dress, I am tenured.

I cannot wait for this school year to end.


Anonymous said...

What a pain! What is it with Principal's? My mom works for the city school system. She had a bad Principal one year that mentioned her clothing. My mom always dresses professionally.

Jackie said...

Yikes. People like that make a bad name for principals. I can't stand when people go on power trips! Will you get different schools next year?

ACH said...

Even though it sounds like your principals are crazy, I'm glad you have a great "real boss." For years I've wanted to work in the school system (and part of my still does!), but I get scared away by "horror stories" like yours (but not just yours, don't worry--it seems like there are LOTS of horror stories out there!)!

TGIS--thank goodness its (almost) summer!

Darth Mama said...

:::spits drink out of nose:::

YOU. don't dress right?????


That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!!!! Hahahaha!

You are ALWAYS dressed well. Even when you AREN'T at work.

Those ladies need to go find hobbies or something.

Anonymous said...

I know how you feel honey. I am right there with you. This year has been tough and the people in it only make it worse.