I had a first interview at the end of April at a therapeutic day school – School A (one very similar to my internship site, yet different). That interview went well, and at the end of our meeting, the director confirmed that there were 2 positions, and also one other position that had a strong administrative slant to it, but that they would probably hire internally for that position. Since she indicated to me that they would likely hire internally for that position, I didn’t give much thought to my chances for getting it, although it was a position that I think I would have loved, and could start almost right away. But, since they didn’t seem like they wanted to look outside for someone, I didn’t let her know of my interest. Yep, that was a mistake.
I had a follow-up interview with one of the founders of the school about a week later at his private practice location. That interview went well, and during the course of our conversation, the subject came up of whether I would be interested in interviewing for a position at their other school that was right next door to School A. This school was focused on kids with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s. I told him, yes, I would love to interview and to be considered. The following week, I went to the school for an interview. They asked me a couple tough questions, and I felt I handled myself well, except for one question. I was not happy with how I answered one question about different theories and therapies. Oh well. I felt pretty good overall, and was optimistic, despite the fact that there was only one position available.
I was very excited to hear from the director the following day that she was offering me the position at the second school. Yay! Although not the focus I was looking for, I think this could really turn out well. Diagnosis of autism/Asperger’s is increasing, and to have a specialization in this niche area could really serve me well in the future. Another possibility is that this school is looking to expand, and, if they are able to, they might be looking for more staff, which could possibly mean that I could stay on as regular staff if things go well. That would be wonderful, although I’m not sure I’m ready to work full-time indefinitely. I was really hoping to get something part-time for this year, but this could work out much better in the long run. I’ll get my hours done this year, its a fellowship so there is no question that it meets licensing requirements, and the schedule is pretty sweet. We get lots of days off, a winter break, a spring break, and in the summer we have an abbreviated schedule and only work 3/5 days. And, I still get 2 weeks vacation on top of that! Nice.
I also just found out that my friend who was also interviewing for the job at the other school got offered the post-doc/admin position that I would have loved. I’m a bit envious of her, but its my fault for not speaking up, I guess. Things just moved so quickly, that by the time I got offered my position, I was so ecstatic to be offered a spot at all that I didn’t want to let it slip away. She will be right next door at the other school, but I doubt we’ll really get to see each other very often. I don’t think the schools mix at all, and it wouldn’t really make sense if they did. The two schools are very different.
Well, needless to say it is a HUGE weight off my shoulders to know that I am all set for next year. I feel such relief. The only thing I need to check out is the whole insurance deal. Because M does not get coverage, I am the one that carries us for health insurance. That’s a big part of why I’ve gone back to work from home for the past several months. COBRA or private insurance would have killed us (not even covered us at all due to my pregnancy, as I found out during my private coverage research last summer), especially with all the issues I had during my pregnancy and then the NICU bills (!!!). The NICU bills alone would have bankrupted us, no joke. I’m just worried that I’ll only be offered some HMO, which is what happened at my internship site. I will be most unhappy if that happens, since we will most likely need to switch doctors, and I’m finally at a point where I like all my docs and the babies’ doc. Responsibilities, boooooo.
