...and.later.that.day

well thanks to everyone who emailed or messaged me today, it was quite thoughtful of you all and very helpful. after writing the original post about tfa, i got back on the website to read more and hopefully discover the answers i was looking for. soon enough i did in fact find the answers to a lot of the crucial questions that i really needed answered - most importantly the ones about finances and geography. so in light of all the new information ive gathered, it seems i will be unable to do tfa. well, for the time being. 

as it turns out they do pay full standard salary + benefits, which is not only comparable to what i earn now, they also note that in many cases those members that have higher levels of education [i.e. masters degrees, or phd *ahem, ahem*] can earn more than their standard salary range depending on the school district and region they work in - so i could actually make significantly more? nice. additionally, it turns out that theres a specific regional map of locations you can apply to work for [however you arent guaranteed to get the one you request it seems?] and im afraid ohio and kentucky are not included in their program. so.. that was a definite deal breaker [for the time being...]. and lastly, i learned that they do pay for a certain amount of student loans, and from what i can tell you can apply it to whatever loans you like. however the payment is in the form of an americorps grant and the greatest amount you can earn in your two years is just under 9500 bucks. thats not um... quite going to cover all my student loan debt - although its certainly a nice chunk!

so given that information, ive come to the conclusion that for the near future, tfa just isnt going to work for me. however, i havent completely dismissed it. i still think it could be a great opportunity depending on how life plays out for the next few years. karen still has to finish grad school, but after she does and we feel satisfied with the house, we're both very open to moving just about anywhere in the world, which would certainly be a great opportunity for teach for america... so its not completely off the table yet, just set aside until further notice. 

so yeah, thats the story there i guess. it was helpful to just vent my thoughts though, thanks for listening. also, dont think im just giving up. im also considering a range of other options including part time work [the depot or lowes perhaps?] and im also very interested in the possibility of getting an adjunct position at one of the local colleges. ive gone through the list of openings and pools that i can apply to, so i fully intend to spend some time in the coming days [and weeks if necessary] putting together all my various required information, including but not limited to: transcripts, resume, portfolio work, recommendations, etc. its going to be a lot of work, but with a little luck, it might just pay off. im a little worried that i wont be considered given that i have no prior teaching experience, but hey, you never know till you try right?

well thats all for now. hope you all have a pleasant evening - our dinner is ready! =]