Honesty

OK, first, let's get this out of the way. No excuses for the gap in my posts, only reasons. The last weeks of school, a busy summer full of family, home improvement projects and job hunting are my only rationale. As always, it's not because I haven't had anything to say - I've just actually been saying it, in person, rather than virtually.

For example, when a fellow teacher yells at me in front of a parent after not telling me what time we were to meet, instead of venting here for all of you, I told her what I would have written - that I didn't want anything to do with her until she managed an apology. Since she doesn't manage an apology often, I knew what I was in for. Now, after what I'm sure was political pressure from her, I'm looking for another teaching job.

In that vein, and following several interviews for a teaching job this summer, I'm faced with the question - is honesty, warts and all, akin to professional suicide? Is that the world we live in? Need I gloss myself over in an effort to get a job? That's not the marriage I want, it's not the relationship I want with my children, family or friends. Sure, I could - and have - but why can't we aspire to a more genuine path without fear of reprisal, loss of popularity, or anything else.

When my family faces 'underemployment' and all that comes with it - is it wrong of me to add to the pressure by being forthright, having integrity, and stating facts plainly. Does my idealism get in the way of the realism we face? I really hope not, after all, I'm just trying to do the right and ethical thing.

Feel free to comment, not like anyone is really reading this - but do know that I realize the weight due the comments of my dear wife, and the lessons learned by my children, and the incomparable ethic of God - will be my ultimate guide.