So I've been offered a job as a teacher's assistant at a Montessori School, even though I don't actually have an Early Childhood Education Certificate. But because I don't have it, the woman who runs the school said she'd feel more comfortable if I took a certain 2-week course that's more or less a crash course on the Montessori method. Fair enough.

But here's where the problem is. Attendance is mandatory, and the dates for the class are from August 10th to the 21st, and this is the last class being offered this summer.

My best friend's due date is the 10th, and I promised I'd be there when the baby arrives. She lives in Kelowna, 5 hours away. And since she's having a natural birth there's no guarantee Junior will pop out on schedule.


On the one hand, I'd really like to have this job and truthfully, I need this job, but without the class my chances of getting hired are slim. On the other hand, laming out on my friend would be horrible. It's not like skipping out on a shopping date or calling a raincheck on dinner. This is a huge, life-changing event for her and I promised I'd be there.

Thoughts?



[Edited 7/16/09 9:50am]

I think your friend will understand your situation. She will not look at it as you bailing on her or not being a good friend.

She would be happy for you that you have this opportunity and would want you to take it.
It is hard to plan anything around the birth of a baby unless it is a planned C-section.
I say you should go ahead and make plans for the classes/training.

Id think your career would come first and your friend will understand.

You really have absolutely no interest in working, do you?

MrsMdiver said:

I agree, you should consider having a sincere talk with your friend

What's more important.....I'd think paying your BILLS with a new gig.

Based on what you've said about your crappy past jobs and need for better pay...I would say take the classes!

Your friend will probably understand, and may be a bit upset, but you sometimes have to be "selfish" and look out for yourself first.



And just tell her to hold the friggin kid in until you finish class
[Edited 7/16/09 10:04am]

MrsMdiver said:

Yes, yes a thousand times yes.

A real friend will understand.

Genesia said:

What, exactly, is your problem?

I don't doubt that my friend would understand. It's just that I would feel so guilty if I did it. I hate to break promises, and I especially don't like the idea of breaking a promise made years ago when we were kids and then repeated the second she told me she was having a kid.

How much income was that baby going to make you?

Look, I don't want to be crass, but I think you need to talk to your friend first, explain your situation and go from there...

This sounds like a fantastic opportunity and a way to get your foot in the door on a possible career (if child rearing is what you're after).

Throw in a a few nights of quality child care (something parents CRAVE, trust me... ) and I'm pretty sure your friend will be cool with that...

Good Luck!

meow85 said:

I guess you have to decide how much you want the job, then.

And NOT regret your next crappy job if you choose not to go for this one.

meow85 said:

I don't have a problem. I haven't been out of a job since 1989.

You seem to have your priorities mixed up.
I hope that doesn't come across as rude but in today's current climate a job is quite precious,especially one that you'd like.

You need your career and the ability to take care of yourself first over the birth. Having been present at the birth of my nephew and niece and being that I was the only one able to be with my sister when she had my niece, I understand the enormity of your committment to your friend. This job could change the landscape of your life. You can always be a committed friend to both your friend and the baby even if you aren't present at the birth.

that's my opinion.

Genesia said:

Bully for you.

If you have nothing to add, please go away.

I think I know what I have to do.

My problem is, at the end of my life am I going to regret not taking a job more or regret missing out on what is effectively my sister becoming a mother?

meow85 said:

Ignore queen evil

meow85 said:

Can you check with the school and explain the situation and find out if it is possible to maybe make up a couple days or complete the course ahead of time by getting lessons in advance?

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

I already did. It's a nay on both counts.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Oh, yes. By all means, make your issues the school's responsibility.

Do any of you live in the real world?

meow85 said:

Sign up for the class and deal with it when it happens.

She could go early and be all done before the class even starts.

meow85 said:

Tell your friend to hold it! There is time to schedule a C-section. Is she open to this? I don't know if this is routine or recommended at all but maybe she can have a doctor induce her labor within that last week? Babies are born early all the time and a week timeframe from due date isn't as critical.

I have no idea if this recommendation is insane or not. Just tryin to think of all options

CarrieMpls said:

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up in a nutshell.

If your friend will understand, then by all means give her warning let her know about the possibility (not certainty) of you not being able to be there for her.

Otherwise, if your conscience is going to gnaw at you until ulcers develop in your gut, then skip the job and be prepared for whatever comes next (which could be good or could be terrible).

Genesia said:

what the fuck are you talking about? It was a suggestion and you never know if you don't ask

u need a

CarrieMpls said:

That is a possibility. Tell her to eat lots of fresh pineapples, drink Raspberry Leaf Tea starting 36 weeks and walk a lot. Get that baby ready to come out a few days before the 10th.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

I think asking her to reschedule her body on my behalf is a little insane.

Though she did say if she got impatient she'd trigger labour herself. She's got an in with a good naturopath that she plans on enlisting to kickstart the process if need be.

Fury said:

Right now I would love to have an identical twin nobody knew about, and send her to the class in my place.


This would be so much easier if we lived in the same city still.

meow85 said:

Carrie's right. the baby could just come out early. That's what happened with my niece. She wasn't due for another 3 weeks and I had to miss the Miami invasion because she came the day I was supposed to leave!

maybe Mach can do a spell to draw the baby out early

.
[Edited 7/16/09 10:43am]