Choosing Purpose Over Politics

Choosing Purpose Over Politics: My Decision to Walk Away from a Flawed Institution

After years of pouring my heart into teaching, I thought I was finally on the cusp of the promotion I deserved. As a dedicated elementary school teacher, I had gone above and beyond for my students, colleagues, and the school. I served my students like they were my own children, supported my fellow teachers like they were family, and even looked out for the parents like they were friends. Surely all that hard work and selflessness would be rewarded, I naïvely believed.

But the harsh reality is that the education system, and even the Christian organization I worked for, were rife with corruption and nepotism. I had watched colleagues who did the bare minimum get ahead simply because they were related to or favored by the principals and superintendents. Meanwhile, my tireless efforts to be a model educator were met with resentment and suspicion from some of my peers.

When the opportunity for a promotion arose, I eagerly threw my hat in the ring. During the first round of interviews, I poured my heart out, explaining my vision and qualifications. But as I walked out, I saw another candidate glide in, she was always like the principal's own daughter, the clear favourite for the position. My chances seemed slim.

Sure enough, when I was summoned for a surprise "final interview," the hostile questioning from the principal and my supervisor made it clear they had already made up their minds. Their barbs about my "communication issues" and "strict" demeanour stung, especially since I had just been named Teacher of the Year. It was obvious they favoured the docile, deferential candidate - the type of woman they likely felt more comfortable promoting.

Crushed by this blatant unfairness, I collapsed in tears when I got home. Two weeks of inconsolable grief followed, until I finally sought help from a psychiatrist. That's when I realised the immense toll this had taken - I was completely burned out from pouring everything into a corrupt system that didn't value me.

In that dark moment, a glimmer of hope appeared. A job posting for a prestigious school caught my eye, and I decided to take a chance. To my surprise, I aced the interview and was offered the position. It was an easy decision to leave my old school behind, even forfeiting the chance at that elusive promotion.

As I settled into my new role, teaching became joyful again. I no longer had to navigate the political minefields or curry favor with administrators. I could simply focus on my students, free from the burdens of bureaucracy and bias. Looking back, I realise that leaving was the best thing I could have done - I reclaimed my passion and self-worth, even if I never got the title I once craved.

The scars of that experience still linger, and I sometimes wonder if I made the right choice. But when I see the grateful faces of my students and feel the support of my new, genuinely collaborative colleagues, I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. This may not have been the path I envisioned, but it has led me to a place of greater peace and purpose.

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Food for thought:

• Workplace politics often require performing and saying the "right" things, even if they don't align with our true self.

• Sometimes the best path forward is to simply be authentic, even if that means missing out on a coveted promotion.

• There can be unexpected opportunities and better paths that arise when we are willing to step away from a frustrating situation.

• Even in Christian organisations, there can be a disconnect between the ideals and the reality on the ground, with corruption and favouritism present.

• Maintaining a positive outlook and focus on purpose can help us find fulfilment, even after a dispiriting experience.

• Chasing titles and status often requires compromising our true self - it's better to focus on doing meaningful work and surrounding ourselves with supportive people.