Need job/honeymoon advice, especially from teachers

monkeysip

Good evening, everyone!

I have a little dilemma.

I'm student teaching right now, and will be looking for teaching jobs for the spring, if possible, and if not, for the next fall.

It's not very likely that I'll get a mid-year job, BUT our advisers tell us it's definitely possible, especially since we'll be having several job fairs soon.

It would be amazing if I got a mid-year job.  I sure could use the money.  The only problem is that our wedding is June 1st, and we had originally planned to go on our honeymoon on June 3rd (through the 19th--we're going to Italy).

School ends june 7th for most of the schools around here.  Do you think me being gone for the last 5 days of school would be a deal-breaker for a future employer?  Should we put our honeymoon off for a week JUST IN CASE I get a job?  (Again, not very likely, but possible).  Or should we just book the honeymoon as originally planned and hope for the best?

We don't really want to push the honeymoon back.  Even just a week makes a small difference in price, temperature, and crowds in a trip to Italy.  But if it will help job-wise, we might just do it.

What would you do?

loca4pook

I do work in a school and have been on interviewing committees...

I can tell you that missing the last 5 days of a school year would be highly problematic for most administrators as grades are due, finals, wrapping up with kids etc....

With the way our economy is, there are literally hundreds of applicants for 1 position in some fields (at least where I live) and that could really be a deal breaker for someone interviewing if they mention it up front, realistically speaking. Is it possible to get an understanding administrator who understands the situation? of course, but Iit's a risk revealing that in an interview if you don't know the person. f you aren't honest up front, they can outright deny you the time off when the time comes around, or be so mad they don't ask you back so lying isn't a great option, either.

With that being said, Chances of getting a full-time job mid-year are rare that time of year so you are probably safe. It is more likely you would get "sub" work or a maternity leave or something so my guess is you are probably safe anyhow.

lacey3eb

We are not allowed to take days off the first and last weekof school in our district, so yeah, that could be problematic. Not to mention its a very stressful time of year---lots of paperwork and housekeeping stuff to be done before leaving for the summer. I would suggest subbing for the spring and going for jobs if or the fall.

HockeyFan4

Teacher here.  I had to get special permission from the superintendent just to take two personal days off back to back before our wedding in October.  We figured we would just do our honeymoon during the summer (though we decided to save for a house instead).

Anyway as the pp said, I too have been on interview committees and it wouldn't go over well.  I would suggest to postpone the week.  It is difficult finding teaching positions...you don't want to hurt your chances.

ETA: ya we are not allowed to take any days before/after holidays or the last week without special permission either. 

monkeysip

Yeah, I'm thinking you guys are right.  The odds of me getting a mid year job just aren't really enough to justify changing my plans.

We're probably not booking until October, so I suppose I still have time to decide. 

But I'll probably just keep our June 3rd plans.  And I do plan to apply for substitute positions anyways.  Being gone the last week of school isn't an issue for a sub, right?

monkeysip

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-jobhoneymoon-advice-especially-from-teachers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:18710cf5-2d47-4a18-b024-19f623e63a7cPost:1c29f2a0-0980-4c02-b675-4e5b20fcfc13">Re: Need job/honeymoon advice, especially from teachers</a>:
[QUOTE]Teacher here.  I had to get special permission from the superintendent just to take two personal days off back to back before our wedding in October.  We figured we would just do our honeymoon during the summer (though we decided to save for a house instead). Anyway as the pp said, I too have been on interview committees and it wouldn't go over well.  I would suggest to postpone the week.  It is difficult finding teaching positions...you don't want to hurt your chances. ETA: ya we are not allowed to take any days before/after holidays or the last week without special permission either. 
Posted by HockeyFan4[/QUOTE]

Hmmm.... Hockey... now you're making me think maybe I should hope for a teaching position and just push it off.  AHHH... DECISIONS.

But you guys are at least right about one thing... it wouldn't go over well if I had to miss the last week.  I understand that.

Maybone

I think you should push the HM back, although I've been in the market for a teaching job for 3 years now, but you never know.

monkeysip

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-jobhoneymoon-advice-especially-from-teachers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:18710cf5-2d47-4a18-b024-19f623e63a7cPost:59d9e938-43cf-44bf-aba1-e176ebdf58ba">Re: Need job/honeymoon advice, especially from teachers</a>:
[QUOTE]I think you should push the HM back, although I've been in the market for a teaching job for 3 years now, but you never know.
Posted by Maybone[/QUOTE]

I hear ya.  I know it's rough out there.  But I also know people get lucky sometimes, and the right job just comes across their path.

Of course, I know it's going to be the opposite of whatever I choose.  If I push the honeymoon back, I won't get a job.  If I don't push it back, I'll get a job (and lose it because of my missing the last week).  <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-undecided.gif" border="0" alt="Undecided" title="Undecided" />

Ok, sorry, last question for the teachers.  The district calendars I've been looking at say "June 7th--last teacher work day."  That's a friday.  Does that mean I'd be safe to book the honeymoon for that sunday?  I mean, you think that's the ABSOLUTE last day, and I'm free to go after that?

Loopyseven

Given the current market in the teaching field, I'd book the trip when you want to take it since the odds of getting a mid-year teaching job is slim anyway, and buy travel insurance so you can cancel/reschedule with minimal fees if you do happen to luck into a position.  Airfare prices "shouldn't" change significantly between October and December - it's usually only once you get 6-8 weeks out that prices start to skyrocket, so another option would be delay booking the HM until December when you might have a better idea of your spring availability.

monkeysip

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-jobhoneymoon-advice-especially-from-teachers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:18710cf5-2d47-4a18-b024-19f623e63a7cPost:269ad72c-cac6-4ee0-b05a-1e1b2fa3ec27">Re: Need job/honeymoon advice, especially from teachers</a>:
[QUOTE]Given the current market in the teaching field, I'd book the trip when you want to take it since the odds of getting a mid-year teaching job is slim anyway, and<strong> buy travel insurance so you can cancel/reschedule</strong> with minimal fees if you do happen to luck into a position.  Airfare prices "shouldn't" change significantly between October and December - it's usually only once you get 6-8 weeks out that prices start to skyrocket, so another option would be delay booking the HM until December when you might have a better idea of your spring availability.
Posted by Loopyseven[/QUOTE]

Excellent point.  We were going to book travel insurance anyways. 

Thanks, everyone!

azdancer8

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-jobhoneymoon-advice-especially-from-teachers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:18710cf5-2d47-4a18-b024-19f623e63a7cPost:89c5f772-235c-4dec-985c-211b7c10a611">Re: Need job/honeymoon advice, especially from teachers</a>:
[QUOTE]Yeah, I'm thinking you guys are right.  The odds of me getting a mid year job just aren't really enough to justify changing my plans. We're probably not booking until October, so I suppose I still have time to decide.  But I'll probably just keep our June 3rd plans.  And I do plan to apply for substitute positions anyways.  <strong>Being gone the last week of school isn't an issue for a sub, right?</strong>
Posted by monkeysip[/QUOTE]

You only sub when you choose to sub. Unless you have a long-term position that goes to the end of the school year, it won't be a problem. And if you are asked to sub the last week, just tell them you aren't available.

HockeyFan4

You might want to check with teachers in your area about the end date.  Up here in the North East we never make plans until July, because of snow days and whatnot.

stantokm

I'm a former teacher.  I would do like the others and get the traveler's insurance and not move the honeymoon unless you have to; at least if you get a full-time position mid-year (unlikely, but definitely possible) you'd be making more money and would be better able to afford switching dates.

monkeysip

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-jobhoneymoon-advice-especially-from-teachers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:18710cf5-2d47-4a18-b024-19f623e63a7cPost:a8b19868-be20-47f8-bc2f-ce0f9dcb61dc">Re: Need job/honeymoon advice, especially from teachers</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm a former teacher.  I would do like the others and get the traveler's insurance and not move the honeymoon unless you have to; at least if you get a full-time position mid-year (unlikely, but definitely possible) you'd be making more money and would be better able to afford switching dates.
Posted by stantokm[/QUOTE]

I think we'll just do this.

We're going to get insurance anyways.  If somehow I get a position, we'll move it back, and at least then I could ask the school what my TRUE last day of work would be so I could reschedule it better.

I don't think we were going to book hotels probably until december or january anyways, so moving just a flight isn't the worst thing in the world.

Summer2011Bride

I think either postponing the trip or buying travel insurance are your best bets. In my district, we aren't even able to take 5 personal days at all. So it would definitely be a deal breaker where I work. Beyond that, even if we had that many personal days, we cannot take them the first or last week of school. The last week is a huge deal for us here with finals, turning in grades for graduation, etc., and I doubt they'd hire me if I said I wouldn't be here for it.

I do understand not wanting to postpone if you don't have a job yet, so that's why travel insurance might be the best bet. However, if you definitely wanted to go in June, postponing may be best. I have never had to cancel and re-book a trip before, so I'm not sure--could you re-book it for the following week or so or would you probably have to put it off for awhile more?

monkeysip

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-jobhoneymoon-advice-especially-from-teachers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:18710cf5-2d47-4a18-b024-19f623e63a7cPost:ce5db89b-124a-4088-b12b-c86a5a7766fb">Re: Need job/honeymoon advice, especially from teachers</a>:
[QUOTE]I think either postponing the trip or buying travel insurance are your best bets. In my district, we aren't even able to take 5 personal days at all. So it would definitely be a deal breaker where I work. Beyond that, even if we had that many personal days, we cannot take them the first or last week of school. The last week is a huge deal for us here with finals, turning in grades for graduation, etc., and I doubt they'd hire me if I said I wouldn't be here for it. I do understand not wanting to postpone if you don't have a job yet, so that's why travel insurance might be the best bet. However, if you definitely wanted to go in June, postponing may be best. I have never had to cancel and re-book a trip before, so I'm not sure--could you re-book it for the following week or so or would you probably have to put it off for awhile more?
Posted by Summer2011Bride[/QUOTE]

Good point, but I think it shouldn't be a problem if I get hired and have to reschedule by like January.  I don't think there should be a problem then with flights being sold out or anything.  And if I don't have a job by January, I know that I'm set to go, and don't need to change my plans.

WinstonsGirl

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-jobhoneymoon-advice-especially-from-teachers?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:18710cf5-2d47-4a18-b024-19f623e63a7cPost:5a4cc30c-5b77-4b29-b2a9-31323df9a37d">Re: Need job/honeymoon advice, especially from teachers</a>:
[QUOTE]I  Ok, sorry, last question for the teachers.  The district calendars I've been looking at say "June 7th--last teacher work day."  That's a friday.  Does that mean I'd be safe to book the honeymoon for that sunday?  I mean, you think that's the ABSOLUTE last day, and I'm free to go after that?
Posted by monkeysip[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>You've already heard the last week sucks for taking it off.  Don't count on it.  Subs can choose which days they work, unless you get hired on a temporary contract till the end of the year.  There tend to be very few jobs at that point for sub anyway.  </div><div>
</div><div>If your calendar says last teacher work day, you should be good to go the day after.  CHeck with the kids schedule too, as that will give you an idea.  We have instructional days (with kids) and non-instructional (no kids).  The kids finish school the day before us and then we have one last non-instructional day to finish clean-up, last minute details, etc.  If it's marked last teacher day, I take that to mean it's the last non-instructional day and your free after that.  Have a great trip, whatever you decide!!

</div>

DramaGeek

In my area (I'm sure it varies state to state and maybe even district to district) anything you got mid year would make you a long term sub or would be a temporary contract.  Long term subs and teachers on temporary contracts do not get sub days, so any day you take off would be unpaid.  So, IF you got a mid year job and IF they were ok with you taking that week off, it would be unpaid.

My experience is that finding a job is hard, and finding a job mid year is even harder.  Long term sub jobs can be hard to come by, too, because teachers generally line up someone they already know.  It would be unlikely for a brand new teacher to get one, unless you already had a connection with the teacher.

I would do exactly what you've decided - book it, buy the insurance, and plan to change the HM if a job comes along.  Assuming that you are subbing, take every job, do a good job, and many more sub jobs will come your way.

HannahandJeremy

I am an elementary school teacher and my district will not let teachers take off the last week of school (understandable).  I would say, look for long term sub jobs.  They can be easier for a beginning teacher to get (at least in my area, there can be 50+ applicants for one regular teaching job).  Plus, you could do a January-February, then a March-April, or something like that.  Teachers are always taking maternity leave and need good subs, plus it can be a great way to get your foot in the door.

HannahandJeremy

Also, if it says last day for teachers, that is what it will be unless you have to do make up days for any reason (snow storm, hurricane, etc).

cnf2013

The district I taught in last year would not allow you to take the last week of school off or the day before or after a break. Not sure how the teaching market by you is, but one super intendent I spoke with said they average 1500 applicants per posted position. If you needed that kind of time off they would turn you without even blinking. Just plan your honeymoon. The odds of finding a full time position mid year is unlikely. 

FutureMrsMDJahnke

I don't know what the job market is in Houston, but as someone from Portland who has been searching from a job in teaching since I graduated in May 2011, with absolutely no luck, I would say that the chances are slim enough to not push back the honeymoon.

That being said, when I was student teaching one of the teachers went on maturnity leave and her long-term sub went on her honeymoon near the end of the year. So it isn't unheard of.

FutureMrsMDJahnke

Yeah, the fact that the teacher was on her maternity leave wasn't really relevant, just that her long term sub took a honeymoon while she was subbing. So there was a sub for a sub.

Kath1083

As a teacher, I would say it has changed my wedding plans to some degree.  Depending on what you teach and where you plan to teach depends on the propbability of this happening.  However, we have hired a lot of people who had done long term subbing in our district.  I would have a back up plan in case you even get a maturnity leave because leaving the last couple of days would probably hurt your chances of getting a job there in the future.  I would make sure there is an employment clause in your travel insurance just in case of this.  Teaching jobs are few and far between so I would not want to burn any bridges because it may cost you a job later. 

whitsy

It sounds like you already have figured it out, but just wanted to offer you some encouragement. I graduated in December 2009 and was immediately hired for two back to back long term sub positions. We had luckily already planned our HM around spring break, intentionally. Like you, I was concerned I wouldn't get a job but I had that "just in case" fever and was too nervous to book anything close to the school year. It turned out to be the right decision.

And some further encouragement, I was hired after the first quarter into my current teaching position, so don't lose hope on a mid-term position!

monkeysip

In case anyone comes back, thanks again for all the advice, and the encouragement.

I know finding teaching jobs is so rough, and we had so many lay-offs in Houston last year when our Texas education budget was cut drastically.  Fortunately, however, some of the wealthier districts didn't have to lay off a single person, and now they're hiring hundreds more. 

Just got to hope for the best, and prepare for the worst!