It Pissed Me Off, And I Cried All The Way To The Bank

An idiom took me by surprise last Friday

Being semi-retired has allowed me to try out various side hustles and part-time jobs. My favorite side hustle is that of a substitute teacher. I taught for 40 years in public and private schools. The continual burden of bureaucratic requirements burned me out, but I loved working with students. That love of coaching students to learn and make good grades brought me back to the classroom. Being able to choose where and when to work is also excellent.

A few weeks ago, a teacher for whom I regularly substitute stopped me in the hall and asked if I would be able to cover her classes this past Friday. I checked my calendar on my phone, found that I was available, and confirmed with her that I was. I put it on my calendar, and we went our separate ways. On Friday, I showed up to cover her classes. So did the other substitute teacher she booked.

I was a little pissed. Fortunately, I don’t need the substitute money. I like going to the school and would volunteer if substituting was not an option. But it is excellent for the school to pay me. My paycheck provides for gas in my car and spending money.

The other substitute is fluent in Spanish. I can sound like I am if I have an answer key. In all honesty, Mrs. O was a much better choice.

Still, I was irritated by the teacher’s lack of organization and inconsideration. Had she contacted me ahead of time, I would have graciously bowed out.

Also, I had turned down several other teachers’ requests to cover their classes that day because I was already booked. Teachers ask for me precisely because they can count on me to implement the lessons they’ve left and maintain a supportive classroom environment.

As it turned out, not substituting that day worked to my advantage. Another part-time job I have is teacher professional development. I had a teacher development workshop scheduled for a day in the future. I used the time Friday to complete my preparations for the workshop.

I gave up a $90 substitute paycheck from the school for a $30/hour paycheck from the workshop host prepping for the upcoming workshop (8 hours@$30/hr = $240).

The idiom, crying all the way to the bank, means I was happy to have better pay, but I missed seeing the students.

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