Is it time for my union negotiated break yet?

My life is in over drive right now… I don’t really have much to say except life is happening, school work is still getting me down and life decisions are being processed and made. I keep telling myself that if I can just get to April 11, things will be better. Sadly I had been telling myself once I got my required residency hours life would be easier…. I lied.

So here’s what I do need to say, I shouldn’t have started the interview process so early. Because now the stress is building and people are wanting answers. I have job offers and they aren’t exactly what I wanted (ie seating)…. but they are decent, and am sure I'll be happy. My biggest concern at this point is what if I agree to something and then a week later something better or more fitting becomes available. Will I still be happy with my decision? I came to a sad realization as I was meeting with a regional, at a facility I would like to work for, they want me but aren't willing to meet my salary expectations. Depressing…. Not only am I not going to get to do the thing I REALLY wanted with my degree (for now) I’m also not going to make the money that I need (for now). Bummer.

So where does that leave me…. Negotiating with a company that is willing to negotiate with me but not exactly the facility I was looking for…… Or waiting it out to see if something better comes along. I’m leaning more toward going with them. It would be pretty awesome to be done with everything asap so I could just focus on my boards and amazing vacaitions. My portfolio is done (FINALLY) and I now have to drive it up to Murfreesboro for my expert mentors to “grade” tomorrow and then on Monday I have to take it to Belmont for my faculty mentor to grade. Let me tell you how unexcited I am to have to drive a notebook an hour+ to get it graded……. On top of the portfolio I’m going to be teaching the seating and positioning seminar for Nashville State Community College next Friday. This will be great except I have to get everything ready by Monday so I can go over it with my faculty mentor beforehand. Am I ready………… NO, not even close. I’m guessing Sunday will be full of me working on that. The rest of the week will be me rehearsing for that class and figuring out what my portfolio presentation will be like on April 11. Next weekend will be the NBCOT exam preparation class. I’m not exactly looking forward to this either since I haven’t cracked a book.. but I’m hopeful that it will alleviate some of my concerns about the exam.

So, yeah once I get to April 11 around 4pm I will officially done with all my school requirements, with the exception of online discussions. Thinking of , I have two of those that need to be done.

I wish I had more time and energy to reflect on everything here. Most of my energy is being focused on staying sane, getting my work done, calculating salarary possibilitles, student loan payments and weighing my options. I guess the other reason I Ihaven't been posting much is because in some aspects I feel like all of this is somewhat of a private issue and I’m so conflicted that I struggled just to put this post together. I know things will come together and I truly am blessed, it’s just a stressful time in my life and I’m ready for a break!