MY WORRY- Creative Nonfiction in The Ink Well: Prompt #20

Last year in December, after my final examination. I was in great need of a job in order to settle my present and future debts. I began seeking a job. I needed something that won't take all my time, that is going to work by 7AM and returning by 8PM.

Teaching was the only profession that was favorable considering the working hours. I love teaching because of so many reasons. The kids, the experience and the learning process too, coupled with the time you return from work.

I needed something to keep me engaged for at most six months before my service year. One of my major aims was to earn money I would use for my academic and other basic needs. Finding a school that would employ me was difficult as many of them built on the surface that "they don't need fresh graduates who haven't gone for Youth Service".

Luckily for me, I found one school that offered me employment. At first I didn't like the school environment but I love pupils and also remembering how many rejections I had received made me stay.

After two months of teaching, the cashier of the school who is my friend gave me a first hand rumor of how the proprietor will be slashing the salary of the employees, sacking incompetent teachers and bringing in qualified and experienced teachers. This news caused me to feel anxious and worried about so many things. Remembering how difficult it was for me to find the job and coming to lose it was making me feel like losing my mind.

Remembering how difficult it is to live in the country and knowing that soon I will be jobless leaves me with nothing on my mind than to anticipate the suffering that will follow if I happen to be among those that will be sacked. I began counting how much I needed for all the expenses and the amount I had at hand. This worry became my opponent, the thought of the unknown began to affect how I work. It became noticeable that my colleagues who had not heard the information began to ask me what the problem was.

One day after school, the proprietor through the head teacher of lower reception sent a message across to all the teachers."All the teachers are waiting after school for a meeting with the school proprietor. " She said. Immediately I heard that, my mind went straight to what the cashier told me. "The long anticipated worry will be either over today or beget suffering." I said with my heart racing.

Source

After school, we were all seated as the proprietor began his speech. He gave us the agenda for the meeting and I quickly scanned through it. Only to see what the cashier told me. Item 7 was boldly written and as we got to item 7, he bought out sealed envelopes and handed them over to four teachers including me.

I didn't know what to do, I tried to compose myself and act like I was fine but the worry continued to weigh me down. Finally, after the meeting, everyone dispersed. Those without any letter were free, us that received a letter didn't know whether to be positive or negative. I was the only one feeling bothered while the rest who got the letter felt it was either a promotion letter or a letter of appreciation and salary increment.

Without pulling off my dress after I got home, I unsealed the envelope and brought out the letter. After reading through I discovered mine was a letter of promotion. I was promoted from teaching the nursery section to secondary section with a salary increment which was a top up to my initial salary.

I was overjoyed and super grateful. The anticipated worry was off my neck. I learnt that being pessimistic can consume and from that day, I chose to never let anything make me worry to an extent of losing focus. I also learnt to be always optimistic, have self-confidence and find a way to provide solutions to any present or future challenges without letting it be a burden.

                    THE END

I AM @marynn,
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