I got my substitute certificate and was approved by my local school board.

Stacey Dunleavy

October 18,2023 at 3:29PM UTC

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I got my substitute certificate and was approved by my local school board.

Now I have to give notice - the thing I've been wanting to do for a few years now. For the good of my son, this is what I *have* to do ... But, I'm scared... My company is in the middle of prepping for a big sales show at the end of November, and I am the entire Graphics Department.

Even though I have good reasons to leave (this place is completely disorganized, the Sales Manager is toxic, and I haven't had a raise in the entire time I've been here) I'd like to leave on a good note, with the option of doing some freelance work for them. That would also entail a higher hourly rate, remote work, and the requirement of advance notice if I'm needed in-house. In the meantime, I can see my notice as blowing up around the office...

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Jennifer YeeOctober 18,2023 at 3:46PM UTC
Just leave in a professional manner. You don't have to tell them why you are leaving, or you can say something vague like you are contracting in order to be more flexible for your family. And then mention you are open for freelance work. I wouldn't tell them you are subbing because people have all kinds of weird reactions to it (I say this as someone who is subbing high school right now). Good luck!
Stacey DunleavyOctober 18,2023 at 4:13PM UTC
Thanks! Can I ask you how subbing is working out for you? Are you going for the full Teachers' Certificate as well?
Jennifer YeeOctober 18,2023 at 6:18PM UTC
Hi! I explored getting the full Teacher's MA at our local university, who was super encouraging and supportive. One of my problems is that I've been out of school for so long that I had no particular subject I could specialize in. I would love to teach high school students life skills (job hunting, personal finance etc.) but it seems like most schools don't offer these classes and the teaching programs don't offer that "home ec" specialization. I also did not want to teach elementary or middle school because they are crazy (but you could get a multi-subject credential).
Personally subbing is a good filler gig when I don't have another job that day. But it doesn't pay enough for it to be a FT thing. And it's a great way to get exposure to the school environment and see if you like it enough to get a teaching credential. Also subbing is all about classroom management. You don't really teach. So you are only do a fraction of the work that a regular teacher is doing. Good luck with your new career direction. :)
Stacey DunleavyOctober 18,2023 at 6:35PM UTC
I guess you're not from New Jersey... What made me try this pivot is the fact that the every district in the state is starving for subs, and they pay a decent per diem rate. Every teacher (and the new principal) has told me that I won't be lacking work...
Jennifer YeeOctober 19,2023 at 6:08PM UTC
Hi! I'm in California in the Bay Area. I get $210/day. Some districts in CA pay a bit more but that's generally the rate in my area. It's true that all districts desperately need subs and I could work every day if I wanted. I suggest subscribing to the substitute teaching groups on Facebook - you will get a ton of practical advice and a few horror stories (recently stories of subs are getting "cancelled" with no explanation - which is terrible).
AnonymousOctober 18,2023 at 5:50PM UTC
Yes, take control of the narrative, timing and parameters around how you may work.
Sign a contract with very clear terms including timing of invoices (usually monthly) and payment. I suggest a 15 day payment term because this tends to slide if you're not careful and you'll work for free.
Barb HansenOctober 18,2023 at 8:17PM UTC
If you think you want to continue to work for this company, then come up with a proposal for your manager or whomever you think would be receptive to your proposal.
You don't have to have all of the answers for what the contract would look like, you can float the idea that you are willing to work as an external contractor and see if they are interested.
I would say something like this:
-- My last day is <insert date>
-- I'm willing to continue to work for you as an external contractor to complete the work required for the Nov sales event and I can work up to XX hours per week. I will need access to <insert any corporate software, if there are any>
-- if they ask what my hourly rate would be, I would say, "I don't have an exact number for you right now but my rate will be competitive. If you are interested in this option, I'll get back to you in a few days with my rate and any additional outstanding items that need to be answered"
-- I have enjoyed my time with Company X, and I would be interested in continue to provide design services of up to 10 hours per week after the sales event if that is something the company might be interested in.
If they aren't interested then I would tell them that I'll create a project transfer plan so my replacement will be able to pick up where I left off and I can be available for up to two hours of calls or email documentation for two weeks after my end date to answer any questions.
Congrats on your upcoming teaching career!
side note: It's okay to leave your job and not offer to help them if you don't want to. :)
Sarah StadtherrOctober 23,2023 at 3:46PM UTC
WHAT A GREAT SCRIPT! Such a great concrete suggestion.
William WestOctober 23,2023 at 5:27PM UTC
I don’t know you, but I managed commercial lenders / sales people at a bank. If you don’t have a good manager, get out. Find a good head hunter. Talk to friends and associates. Don’t let yourself get trapped in a bad situation.