There comes a point in every person’s career when you realize: “Is this what I am going to be doing for the rest of my life? Or until I retire?” Each of us hopes for the latter. I came faced with this realization not due to the fact that the state of Illinois decided to mess with my retirement, but due to new demands made on another part of my job, that of yearbook adviser.

When one is accused, whether directly or indirectly, that you are not doing your job, you may become defensive and even want to educate those who may be unfamiliar with your job. So, in an effort to prove my worth, I kept a log of the number of hours I spent doing yearbook related work, not grading or planning involved with the class, just straightforward work of pages, working with the staff outside of the class period and the completion of various tasks related to my role as adviser. I discovered that I spent, on average, an extra 35 hours a month. Now, keep in mind that this extra time is paid for by my stipend, but with this job, there is no specific set schedule. I work all year; even in the summer months with workshops if there is interest and money in the budget, the deadlines I am able to pace out, and their are additional competitions I have to participate in, which I don’t mind doing. Also, I personally pay for the various scholastic organizations the publication belongs to, which we receive three critiques of our annual publication.

Now I was faced with a decision: give up everything I have worked for, which included a second master’s degree, writing an entire new curriculum, completely redesigning the publication itself and redeveloping the course to increase student involvement? Or, just walk away since my role as yearbook adviser isn’t worth the migraines I suffer from? I didn’t know. I debated my decision for over a year.

So, should I quit or just count this year, and last year too, as several waves I managed to miss or was wiped out from? I have decided to stay in the ocean with my surfboard, and just keep on riding the waves, even if they are not the Big Kahuna I’ve always wanted. I’ve realized that since I love what I do, I need to stick with this role that I recreated, and know that my dedication to this student publication will out match any tidal waves that cross my path.