August 1, 2009

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway Winner

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The gorgeous Jackie O dress goes to (drumroll)......
The Pitts, who said, "Love it!! Perfect for teachers!"

Congratulations! Email me pronto to claim your prize.

Speaking of teachers...sadly, I turned down the community college teaching position yesterday. Why? The college's vending machines are stocked exclusively with Pepsi products, and I'm a loyal Coke fan. Also, try as I might, I couldn't get past the fact that gas, childcare, and my semester parking pass would cost me three quarters of my salary.

37 comments

Anonymous said...

Are there any online courses you could teach?

Anonymous said...

Did you know that condoms are advertising on your site? I guess we know you're not Catholic.

Don't quite get this teaching thing. You obviously wanted the job yesterday. Do you have to work? Can you post about the whole motivation for going back to work?

Elizabeth said...

Perhaps if you'd had to prove yourself more - you might want to be part of a more select group. Income is a good reason to work, but not the only reason. Think of the spark in the eye of the 20 yr old guy, so desperate to learn that he wants to meet you in your office for a tutoring session! You might have an office!

The Pepsi vs. Coke thing is a very strong point, of course. Still, you could bring your own, which would be cheaper in any case.

Elizabeth (again) said...

-- more --
OK, the Trojan "Ecstasy" ad is pretty darn ironic, with the tag line "Feels like nothing's there!" it is perhaps not targeted toward WOMEN.....

Lissa said...

Yeah, Scientology is advertising on your site too.... just sayin'...

Anonymous said...

I understand about having to make the best decision for you and your family on the whole working thing. I want to work, but I have to make sure I can pay for all the things you listed above....and unfortunately that takes up most of a woman's salary.

Are there any other teaching positions available in your area? It sounded like yesterday you were happy, but not thrilled at the idea that they were just glad you had a pulse and a degree.

Jessica Brown said...

Do it anyway.... and enjoy the 25%.

Foursons said...

Yikes. That childcare cost has been a big part of why I've stayed home for the last 8 years.

Tiffany said...

I agree with you, not enough incentives to keep me going. Plus, the staff just seemed too weird to work with. I think you will be much happier at home where you know that you will be surprised by your very cute children.

Tiffany said...

P.S. Congrats to the winner.

Alicia said...

Heh, Elizabeth (again).

Community colleges pay NOTHING, esp for adjuncts. It's criminal.

Congrats, Shabby Appler!

Marissa said...

I am sorry about the job. I know how much you would love to teach. I can totally relate to all of the places the money goes before you get it home and sometimes it just isn't worth it.

A Musing Mother said...

Pepsi vs. Coke is an interesting paradigm. Did you know that if you put your Coke can in the freezer to cool it and forget about it, it will bulge when you remember it?

Did you know that in the same time period using a Pepsi can in the freezer it explodes?

Not that I'd know. I just heard about it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Deanna said...

good for you...for turning down the job...you're too sophisticated and free for those stuffy teacher! LOL!

P.S. - your children will thank you later for staying home and being their mother. There's nothing like a mother...she always has just the right touch...even for discipline! :)

Unknown said...

Pepsi??? Pepsi!! Deals off!

Now, if they had a nice Starbucks to grab a shaken black ice tea, no water, 2 pumps, there might be some negotiating. Living in the Seattle area, I might as well be mainlining Starbucks' finest.

Good luck job hunting, my friend.

~Scout

Christa said...

I agree that using 3/4 of your salary just so you can go to work makes it totally not worth it.
Oh and I find it hilarious that people think you choose the ads...if only that where an option.

Jana said...

Ladies,

Super sorry about the adult-themed ads. They are NOT supposed to be there. Despite very tight filters on personal product ads, clearly some are getting through.

I apologize for those of whom I've offended, but stay with me. I signed with a new ad network and will switch over on 8/7. Hopefully that will eliminate the problem.

Twinlinebackers said...

Elizabeth - the job was at a community college. No one there actually WANTS to learn.

Janna - I can't believe you'd have to pay for a parking pass. That is the dumbest thing ever.

Anonymous said...

respoighJana - I had just pointed out the condom ad, wondering if you knew about it. I don't know how these blog/advertiser relationships go, as I do not have a blog. I have nothing against condom ads.

Well, that's sad that you don't make a living at your blog :( Still would love to read about your thought process as to whether or not to go back to work.

Have you thought about running a business from home?

Chris said...

Here's the thing, you really should just write a book....Erma Bombeck,Kelly Corrigan (The Middle Place)....look at these authors - you make me laugh the same way, I think you could start with a small collection of your best essays - I would definitely look at Kelly Corrigan on You Tube if I were you, and think about doing some readings at independent bookstores....I would drag my girlfriends out to see you for sure!!! I know the job dilemma well...oh, and no words sadden me more in a restaurant than after I place my drink order and the young waiter replies, "Will Pepsi do?" without even looking up from their pad, as if they didn't just crush my heart....

JAMIE said...

Congrats to the Pitts!

And FWIW, I would have declined on the basis of the pepsi issue as well. Forget the salary issue. We have to take a stand on the important stuff, or we will fall for everything. :)

Malea said...

Problem? What Problem? I could think of nothing better and more ironic than a mother of three children born in one calendar year posting her daily thoughts next to a condom ad. The Scientology one is a head scratcher, however. They don't believe in Prozac.

Unknown said...

I just started a blog about "happy little things" and DIET COKE is on the list as a future post! If a restaurant doesn't serve it ... "then just water please."

vanilla said...

--and good for you. Who would want to work for an employer who charges employees for parking?

Elizabeth said...

@Jana - Ad did not offend, it amused. I had to show it to my husband - he clicked thru for a free sample, that's .007 cents for you!
You got that PhD for a reason, I'm just sayin'....that 25% you bring home might be good for baseball game seats with backs!

@Twinlinebackers - I was thinking that Jana would likely be the hottest prof on the campus, might generate a LUST for learning...

Anonymous said...

I understand. I work solely for the health benefits. My salary only pays for daycare, gas, and parking too. Oh, and I bring my own cans of COKE for drinking - we only have Pepsi products (is it a conspiracy?)

Mesia said...

i'm sorry the teaching thing didn't work out...i know how much you want to do it.

Sarah Bonn said...

That's too bad, cuz it seemed like you really rocked that interview HAHA!
But it is sadly the decision faced by many moms - work like crazy only to end up with a couple dollars extra or sacrifice a little more to be at home.

Unknown said...

drats! missed it because I was a state worker versus a teacher!!! drats! LOL congrats to Pitts!

Bekki said...

the Coke issue was reason enough. Good for you for standing your ground.

Twinlinebackers said...

There is an article you might be interested in reading in the August Ensign if you haven't already. Maybe it will make you feel better about the job not working out.
Here is a link if this works:
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=627e15e67b5b2210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Aimee said...

I know what you mean! I was working at a university in administration and left last fall because of the same issues. You'll find something that is right for you...maybe a book deal?! Love your blog!

Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

Sometimes the decisions we need to make aren't the decisions we want to make. Whatever the reasons for turning down the job, I hope you feel peace. You do such a great job filling the role as the meanest mom on the planet, I don't know how you'd find the time to teach anyway.

Sonia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katie Kendrick said...

I have a PhD and I work full-time. Only 20% of my salary goes towards daycare and gas, I feel a sense of satisfaction that I am working towards my career and something that I passionate about. I love my son and my favorite part of the day includes the evening when I pick him up from daycare and spend time with him until he goes to sleep. But I would not give up my career because I love both my career and my role as a parent and am lucky to be able to balance both. For me the salary is never an issue, since my husband already has a six figure salary. For me it is to pursue my passion and still be a good parent to my kids.

Sonia said...

Oh C'mon Jana...
I think we all know by now that jobs are over rated... (wink) Do what works for you... and if teaching isnt working out for you right now... then something else will :)

-Sone

Unknown said...

No Kidding! It doesn't pay to work in a lot of cases. Your house suffers, definitely dinner is worse when made in 20 minutes rather than 3 hours, it just stinks!