Unemployed
About 8 years ago, I picked up my first piano students. I was employed full time, but one night a week I snuck out a few minutes early and took my bag of tricks to a beautiful home where two sweet little girls were waiting for me. It was my first taste of teaching, and even though I had no idea what I was doing, I kind of liked it.
It was also my first introduction to East South Florida kids in the 21st century. Well mannered, respectful, privileged...but over-committed, highly ambitious and stressed out.
Before long I had two more students, and then two more...until my studio grew to 20. Now only officially employed part time, I had time to devote to planning - games, competitions, recitals. We were active, and the kids, over-committed though they were, were energetic and making progress.
When Chloe was born, I let most of my kids go. I worked my way down to one afternoon a week, with four of my original students. I've written before about this arrangement and about how much I love these girls, all of whom are beautiful middle school girls growing into very special young ladies.
But beautiful middle school girls have other things on their minds than piano, and this week, the other things finally won. All four of them decided to "take a break" for a few months. And while I'm sure right now they really are planning to come back some time, I know the reality is more likely this: I have given them all I can give them, and it's time for us all to move on.
So while they move on to soccer greatness and school play stardom, I move on to the unemployment line. This is the first time in almost 9 years that I haven't provided at least some income to my family, and I can't say that the timing isn't just really interesting. It's that kind of thing God does- Right when we hit a point where we're feel like we're actually relying on that small income to supplement some things...He takes it away. But the cool thing is that when He does pull tricks like this, it's usually because He's planning to do something amazing. So, here's to preparing for rain.
It was also my first introduction to East South Florida kids in the 21st century. Well mannered, respectful, privileged...but over-committed, highly ambitious and stressed out.
Before long I had two more students, and then two more...until my studio grew to 20. Now only officially employed part time, I had time to devote to planning - games, competitions, recitals. We were active, and the kids, over-committed though they were, were energetic and making progress.
When Chloe was born, I let most of my kids go. I worked my way down to one afternoon a week, with four of my original students. I've written before about this arrangement and about how much I love these girls, all of whom are beautiful middle school girls growing into very special young ladies.
But beautiful middle school girls have other things on their minds than piano, and this week, the other things finally won. All four of them decided to "take a break" for a few months. And while I'm sure right now they really are planning to come back some time, I know the reality is more likely this: I have given them all I can give them, and it's time for us all to move on.
So while they move on to soccer greatness and school play stardom, I move on to the unemployment line. This is the first time in almost 9 years that I haven't provided at least some income to my family, and I can't say that the timing isn't just really interesting. It's that kind of thing God does- Right when we hit a point where we're feel like we're actually relying on that small income to supplement some things...He takes it away. But the cool thing is that when He does pull tricks like this, it's usually because He's planning to do something amazing. So, here's to preparing for rain.
Comments
It's a tough chapter to close, but having seen your posts on this subject over the past 6 months or so, it appears that your work with these particular students was getting very frustrating.
I'm sure the Lord DOES have something wonderful in store for you; have you thought about starting over with some true beginners?
Even if you leave the piano teacher part of yourself on the shelf for a while, you can always bring her back later. :-)
Condolences & Congratulations to you... please take whichever one suits your mood, for there is certainly room for both.
Amanda Latona
-Mocha
Would you happen to be in Albany GA? Because that's where I am! Please email me at amandalatona99@yahoo.com I always like to connect with new people around town.
Sorry, Amy, for being quite off-topic! :-)
Amanda, meet Jennifer. Jennifer...Amanda! I was going to make that connection for you, but Amanda beat me to it!
Hey, if you lived in Albany, GA, you'd probably be looking for new friends too. It's a nice place, but many people here are originally from here, and their "social circle" is already pretty complete, with family, extended family, childhood friends... not much time for new relationships. The few good friends I've made here are "transplants" like myself. It's so weird that way! I understand it's kind of a small-town phenomenon.
Anyway, thank you for the introduction, and I hope you'll count it as one good by-product of unemployment, or at least of your thoughts on the subject. ;-)