What would SAHP do? Job Loss

[penguin129]

We found out yesterday that DH was not asked back to his school next school year. He wasn't given a reason why. We are still completely shocked by this because he was told he should be getting a raise next year, the parents of his students loved him, the kids loved him, the staff and administration loved him. He always got compliments on how much of an improvement he made with his class (he started there in November). He is applying to all the positions he can right now. The thing is most schools don't release positions to the public until after people already employed with the district have been interviewed and given a chance.

I am thinking about applying to schools as well. I got my teaching certificate renewed, but didn't think I would be using it until at least 4 years from now. DH and I feel much better with me being the one that stays at home and him being the one working. I just don't think we are in a position to be choosy right now. I would be applying to jobs K-2 and he is applying to jobs 3rd- and up (certain applications only lets you apply to a certain number of positions at a time). Add into the mix us wanting to TFAS come fall and things get even more complicated. Like I want to be home with the new baby when it comes, but what if I would teach this coming school year and DH wouldn't find a job next school year once the baby comes. 

In the meantime one of us at least will be applying to a part time job to make some extra money on top of the summer pay we are getting in a lump sum from his school.

So what would SAHP do? Has anyone been in a similar position before? Any advice is welcome. Thank you if you read this long rant.

TLDR: DH lost his teaching job and is applying to schools. Should I apply too?

[honeylemon]

I have no idea what to do. I think I would probably apply too just to be in the safe side.

I'm so sorry he lost his job and you're both in this position. I can't imagine how stressful that must be!

[Deleted]

I am so sorry! If it were me, I would probably apply to some jobs next year. I'm of the mindset that just because you apply, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to accept. Hopefully your husband will be able to find something for next year, but a backup plan (even though it is far from ideal) isn't a bad thing to have. Fingers crossed that he can find something.

[cam]

What is the job market like where you are, particularly in both your particular grades/subjects? Are you guys able to move if needed? If so, how wide is that net? Those would impact my answer. As far as finding a PT job for extra money in the meantime, be sure to consider if it would affect your H's eligibility for unemployment. Unfortunately, it could potentially COST you guys money if he works PT (or even if you come out barely ahead, it could eat up a lot of his time he could use for applying and interviewing, so weigh it all carefully), depending on specifics. It may make more sense for you to work PT briefly until he finds a FT position if that income is needed. Your present financial situation also makes a big difference as to what makes the most sense to do. MH was laid off with me staying at home, but we are both able to do side work if needed, plus we had our rainy day funds. This allowed time for just him to job hunt. If he hadn't found something after a certain amount of time, we would have discussed me going to work FT. The problem with that type of a plan for you two is that the biggest chunk of position openings are within the window of starting with the school year, not that positions don't come around at other times too obviously. There are so many factors that make this decision very specific to your unique situation at this exact moment in time, so there is no way to give you a good answer. Good luck with the hunting, for your H and/or you!

[redfraggle]

First of all, I'm so sorry for your H's job loss. As a former teacher, I know how schools can blindside teachers sometimes with enrollment fluctuations and seniority complications. At least he can likely rely on excellent recommendations.

Second of all, I think it is prudent for you both to seek employment this summer. Even if you get an offer, you don't have to accept if he gets an offer. If he doesn't, then you have a plan B, which is still pretty good if not ideal. And please realize that very few people are living their ideal situation, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a SAHD or both parents working (I worked for a semester after DS was born).

As for the TFAS, you have no guarantees with that, so I wouldn't let that make or break my decision. Cross that bridge when you get to it. You have to take care of factors you KNOW will be in play, like rent/mortgage, utilities, debts, groceries, etc. If you conceive in September, you would deliver in June/July and be able to take most or all of the rest of the school year off under typical circumstances. (Not sure what your calendar looks like for the school year, so maybe you'd have to go back for a few weeks.)

In any case, sending some T&Ps your family's way. I'd be a hot mess in your position. Hugs!

ETA: Math is hard. I fixed dates.

[penguin129]

cam You pose some very good questions.

1) In our town there are currently 20 or so elementary school positions open and more than a few middle school 6th grade positions. We are both certified to teach K-6. We aren't sure about the other 2 districts near us as they aren't releasing positions to the external applicants yet.
2) We are not willing to move. We really don't think and are hoping it doesn't come to that.
3) You make a really good point apart how a part time job could actually hinder our changes for unemployment and also interfere with interviews. I was thinking I would be the one working a part time job if needed.
4) We have some money in savings. It is not much but would cover at least one month of living expenses. Maybe 1 1/2 months. We were just starting to get to a really good spot money wise for us so the timing is very unfortunate.

Thank you for your input.

[penguin129]

redfraggle You are very right in saying we need to plan for the here and now versus the "what if's" of TFAS and everything that comes with that. I know you can't always get what you want and we may have to get used to the thought of DH being a SAHD and me being a working mom or both of us working like you said. I really appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.

[ashiscute]

I don't have much advice but wanted to tell you I'm sorry that you are dealing with this. I can't imagine how disappointed and confused your H must be.

Has he applied for unemployment? I think he needs to do that and see what the requirements are to begin with. I would very much want to be home and I know that is my H's preference for our family as well. But I'd apply for jobs because life gets in the way and sometimes your ideal doesn't get to work out. I also would not postpone TFAS as its already such a crapshoot. You can cross that bridge when you come to it. I really hope he is able to find a new position quickly and you are able to continue staying home with your DD. hugs!

[Deleted]

penguin129, I'm sorry! That just really sucks I know you were really looking forward to the wrap up of the school year, and the extra time with DH, and I am sure this really puts a damper on things.

Like redfraggle said, I'm glad your DH knows he at least has excellent recommendations and references, which should really help in the job search.

Like most everyone else, I think you and DH should both apply for jobs. If he has to take a year off to stay home with LO while you work that year, and he continues to job search, that might work out just fine and might be good for the two of them, and might be good for you too!

As far as TFAS, I think you should just continue with your plans for that. Like others said, you may not conceive immediately, and if you conceive in September, you wouldn't be delivering till the end of the school year anyway, at which point you'd be off.

[3timemom]

I have no idea either. I think it's a good idea for both of you to apply though, better odds that way. Hopefully something opens up for him.

[younglove316]

I think a lot of great things have been said and I agree with them. I just want to say I am so sorry that you are in this situation and I hope he is able to find something quickly!

[penguin129]

Thanks everyone! I am working on an application for the School District we live in. I forgot my password and had to start from scratch. I plan on contacting former principals, mentor teachers, and college professors for my references, etc.

[hlm184]

I think if we were in that position then I would try to get a part-time job ASAP while H collected unemployment and took care of kiddos. We'd both be applying for FT jobs to better the odds.

Good luck to you!

[gwapes]

Oh bummer! I hope you guys find something soon. I would have both apply and see what happens, what you're offered, etc and then decide. I don't know much about teachers but is this something that will come up every school year or only when you're new? That's some poopy job security right there. :/

[penguin129]

Jun 10, 2015 22:46:55 GMT -5 gwapes said:

Oh bummer! I hope you guys find something soon. I would have both apply and see what happens, what you're offered, etc and then decide. I don't know much about teachers but is this something that will come up every school year or only when you're new? That's some poopy job security right there. :/

He worked in a charter school. He is trying to get hired in the district. I think things are different in the districts because they have a teacher union. His school didn't and was run more like a business.