Not So Deep Thoughts

Over two months ago, I applied to work as a teacher in one of the British Council’s centers that offers an intensive summer course in English - a very well regarded program and very well paid position - exactly what I need to be able to pay for my music studies come September.

But the British Council isn’t one to take in any teacher off the street - these people have a reputation and a book that they must go by in order to maintain such image. I was called in for an interview sometime in mid-May, sat in a room across the table from two members of the BC staff who, for the next hour, worked their way down a 3 page list of questions they had prepared for all prospective teachers. All of my necessary documents were photocopied and I even signed a few legal documents of their own, which I thought a good sign. Afterwards, and this proves there’s a first for everything, an employer actually CALLED the references that they asked I give.

A week later they offered me the job.

That was a month ago.

And I was thrilled.

I knew I’d be working a lot, but I knew why I would be doing it - to study music in the fall. My school is far from relatively cheap and this job with the BC was the perfect opportunity for me. I never once questioned that my status as a legal resident with student status would be a problem for me. It was explained to me in full that I, as a resident with a identity number, social security number, etc, etc, had every legal right to work here in Spain. In fact, I’ve been legally working, with a contract, paying social security for well over 8 months now. The only difference is, as a student, I cannot work full time. But work I may.

But not according to some people. I get a phone call from the British Council representative saying that there IS a problem with my work status. I try to tell them that there is no problem, but they insist there is. It turns out that that the book they go by requires that I provide written proof that I may work in Spain. A process that’s a bit complicated and that requires the assistance of the employer (one which I already have and who is willing to assist) - but a relatively painless process which takes less that a week to complete.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a week.

They gave me 1 day.

Today should have been my first day of work.

They told me on Wednesday afternoon that I needed to have done something the week before and that they’re sorry but their ‘hands are tied’ and cannot help me - although they’d had the entire month beforehand to notify me of this required document.
And here I am on Friday. With enough work to maybe get through the summer months and arrive in September with a 1/10 of what I need to pay the school come Sept. 15.

But of course, as one door closes, another one opens. And I’m very thankful to the people who are helping me look for doors to open, my love goes out to you. But this door didn’t simply close before I got to it - it virtually slammed shut on my nose as I started to pass through it; and my hands are still up to my face trying to sooth away the pain and my eyes are still watering, making it hard to see all, if any of the doors that are in the process of opening.
There will be nothing planned about the next month or so - the luck of spontaneity shall be my guide; let’s just hope the odds are in my favor this time. (and, of course, that the new teacher they hire to take my place turns out to be a completely incompetent twit.)