Taking a break

June 12, 2008 at 9:15 PM

I decided to do something radical: take a month off from teaching.

I realized that I hadn't taken a break like this since I took time off to have my son, eight years ago. (And having a newborn isn't exactly a break!)

Because learning the violin requires consistency over a very long period of time, I figured that I might as well teach my private student through the summers as well as during the year. Sure, I took off a week here and there, and often my students would take their own vacations. But I've never simply turned off the studio for an entire month.

It was actually one of my students' parents who said,"You can't do that, just take your breaks when someone else takes vacation. You need to take your own time off!"

So after a very busy year, teaching in the public school, teaching Suzuki group, teaching private students, after years of going to teaching-enhancement workshops (Suzuki institutes, etc.) and teaching during summers, I will spend July doing other things like visiting friends, going to the beach, taking my kids places, reading, writing. (Yes, that means you'll probably actually see more of me on V.com!)

I have a feeling it will be the best thing I've done for my teaching in a long time!

From John Allison
Posted on June 12, 2008 at 9:21 PM

It takes courage to make a decision such as this. We do get used to the status quo and forget that we need to take care of ourselves. Good for you!

I have tried talking my wife into stepping back from helping everone else, and taking a week for herself. I don't know if she doesn't want to take a mini vacation, or doesn't want to leave me alone by myself for a week.

From Bonny Buckley
Posted on June 12, 2008 at 11:36 PM

Yay! I'm really glad for you. It's wise to take time out for you! Good choice. Enjoy!

From Anne Horvath
Posted on June 13, 2008 at 1:24 AM

Enjoy!

From Caeli Smith
Posted on June 13, 2008 at 2:05 AM

Good for you! Relax and enjoy your time off!

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on June 13, 2008 at 6:08 AM

Reading, writing, taking your kids places, going to the beach -- what absolutely outrageous things to do. (Only kidding.) I think you made a great decision based on values. Recognize things that are really important but get lost in the daily shuffle, and go for them. Have a great vacation!

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on June 13, 2008 at 6:16 AM

Greetings,
maybe a twenty day fast too?;)
Cheers,
buri

From Terez Mertes
Posted on June 13, 2008 at 5:00 PM

Congrats to you on making this decision! And, enjoy, of course!

From Tom Holzman
Posted on June 13, 2008 at 6:29 PM

If you don't have yourself a good time we will never comment on your blog again! Give yourself a pat on the back for having the guts to get out of your ruts and return to teaching recharged.

From Bernadette Hawes
Posted on June 15, 2008 at 3:17 PM

Have a great time Laurie and enjoy! You deserve a break too!
My teacher will take a break from teaching as of next week until September (though she will be playing 5 days a week still) and the students have to survive, so 1 month off isn't so much.
(I must admit, I do miss my lessons sorely and I look forward to September!)

From Emily Grossman
Posted on June 16, 2008 at 3:28 AM

Yay, go out and enjoy some summer! I always enjoy my summer breaks. Although, I don't know if working a different full-time job and teaching six students on the side really counts for a summer break. Gosh, that looks ridiculous now that I wrote it...

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Taking a break

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