I have been praying since last fall about what direction my career would take. It looked increasingly unlikely that a return to elemtary teaching would be possible. Teaching jobs down here are few and far away. Many of these small, rural districts are experiencing catastrophic budget problems or are closing up entirely.
So I began taking inventory of my skills and strengths in the event that I would be rejoining the workforce in a sector other than education. If I can't teach, I still want a job where what I do makes a difference.
And I think my prayers have been answered.
I've accepted a part-time position as a Congregational Field Organizer for the Illinois Interfaith Power and Light (Climate and Energy) program.
My job, funded by a grant from Illinois Science & Energy Innovation Foundation, will be to recruit members of religious congregations to implement strategies for saving energy and money in the context of caring for God's creation. I'll be providing information and increasing awareness about new technologies associated with the "smart grid". I'll conduct outreach events with various congregations looking to become more "green".
My territory will cover southeastern Illinois. So if your congregation--of any faith or denomination--is interested in learning more about saving money on energy costs, about forming a "green team" to help conserve energy and decrease your carbon footprint, or any of Faith in Place's other programming, please contact me by email at christina.krost@gmail.com.
I think this will be a good fit for my skills and interests. I'll be making my own schedule. I'll get to meet new people and travel to new places. And I'll get to put on real clothes and have adult conversations more than I have in quite some time. Thank you for your prayers as I transition back into the workforce and begin to work on home/work balance.
(So, to recap, I have a stylish new short haircut and a job at an environmental non-profit. I'm like a real life Claire Underwood. Anyone else totally binge watching House of Cards on Netflix?)
We're thrilled to welcome you to Faith in Place, Christina!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm so excited to meet you all and get started!
Delete