I hate my job!
I deliberately left a huge space between this paragraph and that first sentence because I wanted to, and wanted you to sit with that for a moment. I would guess that the immediate response to that sentence might be something like AMEN! Or maybe something like… “Wow, too bad for that person. That’s gotta be rough!”
The real truth is that I actually love what I do. I love being an elementary teacher. I love working at my Independent school (especially with a less than 10-minute daily commute)! And I really love being a diversity practitioner, particularly within my older institution where that particular skill-set is daily called upon, either personally or institutionally. The work is fulfilling.
What’s difficult for me, what gives me pause, are the politics of the profession. You see, in this city and even this country, education is a highly political subject.
First of all, the descriptor true of education is the idea that education is a middle-class value; something in which the middle class finds significant worth and spends a significant portion of its resources including time and money. (There is a broad range for what defines middle class!) Its place is prominent in middle-class lives. (This can be and is often true of people of other classes as well. Just sayin’.) However, the upper classes are often characterized as willing and able to skirt (or grudgingly acquiesce to) the paying of property taxes to fund public schools while attending private institutions and under-valuing public education. And unfortunately, homeownership is considered to be a condition of middle-class status.
For education to be a primary pursuit, there has to be sufficient time, energy and resources output to that end: books, transportation, application and admission fees, tutoring, Internet access, a digital device, printing or cloud space, hours of reading, writing and collaborating with other learners, to tick off just some of the things required in making education a life priority.
Additionally, the ability to seek an advanced education simply for the sake of being better educated—not to escape non-academic environments or as a stepping stone to a better life—is a privilege. Don’t get me wrong, anyone who is determined and chooses to become better educated can do so. I was born into what could be called poverty and managed to work and pay my way through college. But clearly, the sum total of available, applied resources places education squarely in the middle class.
Another political indicator, education is one of the few professions where the decision and policymakers do not necessarily have to be (and sometimes aren’t) educators! Enough said on that!
A final point in this part of the discussion is that education or schools, particularly in a city like Philadelphia (maybe other states too, but I’ll stay in my lane) are statistically segregated, pretty much down racial and socio-economic (which is also racial) lines: public schools are brown and private schools are not. We all know what comes along with (and within) each of these packages. That complicates being a teacher (especially since the majority of public-school teachers do not look like the student body). That complicates things for teachers, just a little bit!
For me, the compilation of these conditions (rather than my career choice or my specific institution) is where the disdain for my “job” begins to enter into overall job satisfaction, but also, interestingly enough, why I love what I do. The reality is that as an educator, I teach. That is a significant thing! I also learn. That is an important thing! (I’m employed…and right now, that’s a blessing!) These are the points of joy that spark my enthusiasm, empower my drive, and bring me fulfillment. The other stuff, the politics, I try to understand, and then I put it in my tool-box for lively conversations and use as fuel for forging a way ahead.
I share all this for two reasons. One, I think many people who might be reading this may feel similarly about hating their job! But with a little encouragement and closer inspection, it may not be the job but rather, some condition of the work that is dissatisfying. This is where I choose to concentrate most of my energy and challenge others to do the same: What is it that I can do to address what it is that I don’t like?
For me, the answer to that question is summed up with the phrase “Each one teach one.” If in my diversity work as an educator, I can positively influence, or introduce, or enlighten any of my clients and colleagues to new perspectives of their work, reasons why they do it, and understanding who it affects (and how), then I have done something amazing. I believe I do that. (And it is in that belief that I find the strength to strive toward my goals!) Whatever that thing is that keeps you at the job you may not be feeling very fondly about, is the foundation on which you can build. By becoming more introspective about your connections to others — your sphere of influence — you will begin to rise to your occasion! Believe in yourself and your mission.
The second reason I share this is because of the innate wisdom of speaking your truth to yourself and facing your realities. If indeed you find that there is no salvaging the direction and passion of your work, then channel your energies into discovering what it is you’d rather do, right where you are. Don’t be unhappy. Hurt people hurt people — and then wonder why there is so much anger all around. You know, in the small hours just before or just after you open or close your eyes, and your true heart is open, and your inhibitions haven’t yet kicked in, what you have to do. It may seem impossible to do that thing. But it’s actually possible, a task best taken in small increments. Even teeny-tiny increments will eventually get you where you want to be and help you to become who you want to be. (Not taking any steps means being stuck where you are!)
So, what the heck does this have to do with diversity?
Diversity awareness: The world around you is windows and mirrors: what you see, how you are seen, what you see in others, what is reflected back at you, and how you respond. As you reach a better understanding of yourself, it heightens your senses and makes it easier to exist better with others.
Diversity practices: Focus your mindset. Engage your mind. Set your mind. “I hate my job” is a feeling, not a thought. “This is what I like/can change about my job,” is a mindset!
Diversity training: I’ve said a lot here. Don’t just take my word (or anyone’s word) for it. Perform a search using phrases such as “the politics of education,” “private school-vs. public schools,” “education in Philadelphia’” and “middle-class values” and then read up on whatever you find. Then, have some conversations with folks around you (or not around you!) about the more interesting bits or anything you find controversial. Make sense of what you find, leaving the knowledge open-ended, like an unfinished Lego building.
Then come back here and see what’s next!
In the meantime: Adapt!