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Am I crazy for moving this late?

Posted by Mover on 6/19/2025, 8:32 pm

I've been looking for a new job for a couple of years. Had a few interviews but nothing has panned out. I had resigned myself to staying another year in my current district. But then...

A position opened up in a district I'd LOVE to teach in. I have an interview Friday.

Am I crazy for even considering a move at this point? My current school would be in a tough spot. I just hired a new assistant, a new grad with no experience. Marching show is bought and paid for, drill in process, student leaders selected and ready to go. At the new school I don't know what I would be walking into (but definitely will ask in the interview). I hope some things are in place, I'm not interested in starting from scratch at this point in the year.

Am I nuts for even considering? How do I ask the admin what's in place for marching season without sounding unwilling?

Re: Am I crazy for moving this late?

Posted by STx on 6/21/2025, 12:28 pm, in reply to "Am I crazy for moving this late?"

If you leave, the opening will be posted before you get a chance to clean out your office. It seems you would be leaving them in a decent place already.
In the end, you have to do what's best for YOU.
Wishing you all the best.

Re: Am I crazy for moving this late?

Posted by Obit on 6/21/2025, 9:48 am, in reply to "Am I crazy for moving this late?"

If you died today, your job would be posted before your obituary. You have to do what is best for you and your family.

Re: Am I crazy for moving this late?

Posted by Mithrandir on 6/20/2025, 6:28 pm, in reply to "Am I crazy for moving this late?"

Are you crazy for wanting (getting) a new job late June/early July, nah.
Will it be a perfect situation (if you move) for your current school, nah. But life will go on.
I don't think that asking during the interview what things are currently in place is out of line (if admin even knows). Like you said if they is NOTHING in place then maybe you don't take the job. But better to have all the information you possibly can so you can make the best decision.
People get hired "late" all the time. In my current job my first day was August 5 with school starting August 22. Luckily a show and drill was in place.

Re: Am I crazy for moving this late?

Posted by Me on 6/20/2025, 2:30 pm, in reply to "Am I crazy for moving this late?"

No, you’re not nuts. Trust me, schools don’t care about you. They care about what you do for them. Why do you worry about them. You must do what is best for you and your family. If that means leaving late to accept a much better life (let’s face it, band directing is a large percentage of our life) then take the new job and don’t even feel 1% upset with yourself for doing what’s best for you. There’s almost always someone out there hoping you will leave your job, thinking it would be great for them. And, if they have trouble hiring someone, your district isn’t doing enough to make your position desirable which is why you are actually probably looking. We are a capitalistic society and have a public that believes they should be able to get the best deal possible out of their student’s education. This capitalistic concept is reciprocal. For instance, if I want my child to be part of a 6A state champion band program then I will need to move my life to either Leaner ISD or Lewisville ISD. Those are my current two options. And, people move all of the time to these great towns because they know that they have great band programs and their family is a huge fan of music education. If you earn yourself a spot into a district that is a “destination” for great music education, congratulations and get the heck out of the old place. Best of luck and go kick some butt.

Re: Am I crazy for moving this late?

Posted by Me on 6/20/2025, 11:25 am, in reply to "Am I crazy for moving this late?"

You are more than your job. Do what's in the best interest of you. Period.

Re: Am I crazy for moving this late?

Posted by Buck on 6/20/2025, 10:21 am, in reply to "Am I crazy for moving this late?"

You are not crazy. In my opinion, if you determine that this is a good opportunity and you are offered the job, take it.
I understand that you don’t want to leave your current program in a difficult position, but it sounds to me like you have left things in good shape for your successor. This is part of the business of being a band director. Your administration should respect your decision and do their best to find a good replacement. It’s their part of their job. Good luck!

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