I Saw the Sign

When Dave Roberts told me yesterday that he thought there might be some cover work for me over the next couple weeks, I was hesistant to be hopeful about it. I have heard promises like this before in what has passed for my professional life the last four years, and so I would not allow myself to really believe without a clear sign. But I wanted to.

Well, that signcame today in the form of a telephone call from my line manager, Jay. I was surprised to hear from Jay so soon after the promise was made; I had understood from Dave Roberts that it might take two days at least before Head Office would know whether it had anything for me. But Jay called this afternoon and has arranged a pretty busy schedule for me.

I have 5 1/2 hours of classes next Monday, which is a promising start. Jay told me to come to Head Office at half past noon, and he will take me to the school in Taipei, which is only one MRT stop away. He has pledged his direct help and support with lesson planning during this period, which is a relief.

All in all, I will be working seven of ten possible working days (Shane guarantees all of its employees two days off per week) over the next two weeks. This is not bad, especially when you factor in that one of those days in Christmas and another is New Year's Day.

I know I shouldn't read too much into this, but a big part of me wants to take this as a sign that Shane is committed to keeping me. Eve and Ruby may have treated me as a disposable commodity, but Shane seems to want to hold onto me. I couldn't be more thrilled.

Fortunately, I had no opportunity to speak to Ruby or Eve at any point today. After yesterday's performance--I can only call what happened yesterday a performance, because I can't believe anyone could seriously assert what they asserted at the meeting yesterday--and the subsequent tongue lashing from Dave Roberts, they probably had the sense not to start anything.