A Job To Start

Jetlagged and numb with exhaustion, I throw my luggage into the room and myself onto the big Spanish bed. I turn my Spanish phone on. Nearly immediately I receive a message from Catja at American Language, telling me that she needs me to urgently call the Academy. I imagine horrible scenes of them needing one single sheet of paper that I can only get in America from one person, and that I'll have to go back tomorrow. I phone them. Surprisingly, they offer me a job starting immediately. Without thinking, although there really wasn't much to think over, I accept. Miguel, the owner of the Academy, tells me to come by as soon as possible. My priorities are clear, however -- I tell him I have to take a nap first.

Thus I am thrust into the exhausting world of English teaching. It's comforting to know that I don't have to look for any more private classes, and after seeing my work schedule, knowing that I won't have to move around any of my previous appointments. A little more daunting, however, is the hours behind my schedule; I teach 29 hours a week plus my 3 hour Catalán course. This is all a little exciting and a little nerve-wracking. I am on the exciting TEFL highway, zipping around all those boring, slow-moving Sedans. I am on the fast-track to professional burnout.