hitting me over the head...

It is so funny how, when God wants me to see something, He can make it so blatantly obvious as to what path I am supposed to take. Maybe He just does not want me missing this clue...and then again, maybe it is just My Time to have finally figured it out. I wonder often what takes
Over the past two weeks I have had various people in various situations, both knowing I am a language teacher and not, approach me in different ways about teaching courses outside of the University setting...a setting which has, by the way, offered great security of a job and a paycheck, as well as a way to keep my foot in my profession while being a mother and to get me out of the house for some sanity time each week while school is in session. One woman offered me a position teaching young children after school in a local primary school. I had to turn that down as I have no time for that now--also being that I, personally, don't particularly enjoy teaching children. Another woman, a Korean lady with whom I was speaking Japanese at the time wanted to know on behalf of herself and another friend if I teach any Spanish classes outside of the University, just for adults. Not two minutes later my daughter greeted a lady in Spanish and the lady responded back to her, then just opened up to me about how she is taking a class through the local Parks and Recreation program with somebody retired who obviously speaks the language but who does not know how to teach the language. She about flipped when I mentioned I teach at the local university.

Then it hit me while driving my children home.

Why don't I go independent?

I can develop courses, plans, for 10 classes over a 5 week period for adults. Easily. Of any level...beginning, intermediate, a reading club, a film group...anything, without the pressure of University politics, without the need to give exams...teaching FOR THE LOVE OF TEACHING, to THOSE WHO WANT TO LEARN.

I would need to maintain myself professionally, perhaps with two weeks a year abroad in an intensive language program, as such access would be limited to me, since I get that now as faculty at the University. MQE said that, if I can make enough to afford it, then sure.

Why I never thought of this before I have no idea...perhaps because it wasn't the right time. I have now over 15 years of teaching experience under my belt, in various disciplines, the majority of which is language, and can completely see myself succeeding with a plan like this. I am so enthusiastic about this that I would love to take the next term off and start to develop my business.

This thought has completely reignited a fire that was starting to burn out with the University teaching and the feeling that I was treading water and no longer going anywhere. Perhaps this is the direction in which I am meant to go...

...right???? I will gladly take any suggestions, advice or opinions...