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bad year, how to write resume
Unread 06-16-2017, 06:33 AM
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Hi all, and thanks in advance for any suggestions...
Last year I was teaching in Virginia, wasn't loving the job, but it paid the bills, and I was able to get a second job in the area which DID help pay the bills!
However, I started a relationship with an old friend and he asked me to move in with him in Florida. I took the plunge and went, only to find out that Florida is a HORRIBLE place to be a teacher. I've been teaching for 13 years, have two masters and make LESS than I did my first year teaching. The year has been horrible, I've had a few missteps and my job record for this past school year, while I did work all year, was pretty bad. I encountered charter schools for the first time and had no idea how bad they could be.
I did one stint teaching in a non-traditional setting, and it was wonderful, but it was for a set period of time, so that contract ended. I finished out the last two months of the school year in an interim position at a public school which wasn't bad, either, but the pay is so awful all I can do is pay my bills. There is literally nothing left over. I'm terrified being on the edge of disaster like this.
I'm seriously considering going back to Virginia. Life on the home front isn't great because I seriously don't like where I live, the BF is having a hard time making the home feel like I live there (I still feel like I'm permanently visiting...he has a hard time getting rid of all his 'collections' and there's literally no room for my stuff...after a year, this is getting old).
So, finally, here is the question: how would I explain this 'terrible, horrible, no good very bad year' on my resume and in an interview? I thought I would say that I felt like I was in a rut and wanted to explore other opportunities (the wonderful job was teaching on a TV show set, so that's kind of cool, and it was a different grade level and subject, so I grew a bit as a professional). The area I want to return to does have a shortage of teachers in my area (ESOL), so I could probably find work if I try really hard. But I want to come off as professional, not as a flake who moved for love!
I don't need to be told I should have, could have. I know I didn't think this out well. I need advice as to how to handle this 'gap' in my resume. Thanks!
So, finally, here is the question: how would I explain this 'terrible, horrible, no good very bad year' on my resume and in an interview? I thought I would say that I felt like I was in a rut and wanted to explore other opportunities (the wonderful job was teaching on a TV show set, so that's kind of cool, and it was a different grade level and subject, so I grew a bit as a professional). The area I want to return to does have a shortage of teachers in my area (ESOL), so I could probably find work if I try really hard. But I want to come off as professional, not as a flake who moved for love!
You could:
- Lie. Say you went to FL to care for a relative who has now passed on (that's what a lot of people do)
- Put a positive spin on it by focusing on your accomplishments but explain in the interview that you need a higher salary, so you're seeking another position.
- Explain that you thought the position would be more of x but it was more of y, and your strengths are in x, so you want more of x (ESOL?)
That's the best I can come up with.
OP, I think you're making a larger deal out of this problem than it is. People move all the time, whether it's due to a spouse, taking care of a parent, or just hating the weather. You're right: do not say you moved for love: it makes you look like a flake.
As a principal I would worry more about total gaps, rather than "change of pace" gaps. Something along the lines of: "I had some personal and professional opportunities which I thought would make a move to Florida an interesting experience. Florida only made me appreciate the educational/school environment here in Virginia more."
Few interviewers are going to delve into "personal" situations, and such an answer seems positive about Virginia, so that's a plus.
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