[ficbot]

I go through this dilemma every year at about this time as the public school's hiring period commences. Once again, I am on the 'eligible' list with a qualification that is in demand right now, and this year it looks like there are actual jobs. BUT...I love the job I have right now. In fact, if I had to make a list of what would my ideal job be, it would be the job I have right now, but with more money. And that is not possible. Here is the situation:

- The job I have right now has me working with students who are my favourite age to teach. I love working with the little kids. I think this is my real strength area. However, if I went with the public school job I would have to teach much older children. I would never see a kindergarten child again and that would break my heart a little.

- My current boss is a very hands-off boss. She has pretty much openly told me that unless she has parents in her office complaining about me, she really doesn't care what I do. I can pretty much run my own program, do as I please and everybody is happy. This will almost certainly not be the case in the much more bureaucratic and red-tapey public system.

- Although my current pay is well below market standard (this is the big issue) the school community does have some resources, and the parents committee love me. I can pretty much get approved any expenditure I want---whatever equipment, books, supplies, new materials etc. Again, this will not at all be true in the public system.

- I am a great fit at my current workplace, get along well with all my co-workers and really love the kids. I have a comfortable routine going with the job, know the ropes as they are, and am very confident and happy at what I do. That too is worth considering in the equation.

The only downside is that she is paying me about 10 k below market level, this will not increase much (I might get a 3% raise this year, she has promised a little more than the standard 2% cost of living for me because I am one of her better staff, but I ave not seen next year's contract yet) but that is it. Plus, there is no pension plan. The public school jobs pay MUCH better, have amazing benefits and, once you are in, have union protections that are enviable.

BUT I would have to teach older kids, teach other subjects besides the one I prefer and probably have to deal with increased bureaucracy and more stressful working conditions...

If the job I have right now was not SO COMPLETELY perfect (except for the money issue) I would walk away in a second. But I am so torn because (again except for the money issue) it really is the best job I have ever had and is so perfectly suited for my skills and strengths. My heart is telling me to stay until a comparable job at a bigger school in the private system opens up one hypothetical day, but going strictly on 'best interests 10 years from now' sort of thing, getting into the public system is definitely a better financial bet. From a life happiness standpoint, it remains to be seen. But strictly on the money/benefits, there would be no question.

What to do, what to do?