2020 • lose to Win.
The Bossy Principal lost her first-ever principal job.
That statement will preach later on in my life & school leadership journey. But for now, actualizing that statement is power, humility, and healing for me.
I lost, yes—but best believe I won even more. Be sure to read until the end to find out how!
In 2020, people all over the world lost so much—family members, homes, clean bills of health, sanity, money, some even lost their own lives. So, adding a job to that list makes it look a bit less important when others have suffered so much more.
But let’s face it, this position was one I’d worked for, prayed for even. And to have it taken away, in the midst of a global pandemic, was the gut-punch essential to complete this unimaginable year.
Let’s rewind to a bit of rationale. When I decided to begin this blogging journey, I did not realize how transparent I would have to be. Sure, there are some blog sites that glaze over reality, or paint a picture to make the truth look different than what it is. However, on my journey, I vowed to be real. I desired to share the good, the bad, and the ugly.
My cousin Janae Parsons once shared the following quote on her Instagram page, in regards to healing and going through hard times: “Someone needs to see someone WHILE they’re coming out & not once they have”. And ever since I read that statement, which wasn’t even a month into my job transition, I knew then that I had to share my story. I am still very much in the midst of my transition, but I have not allowed it to deter me from my goal, or to forget the promise that I know God placed on my life and purpose.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you may remember back to my blog post, “And on the 3rd day, she took off”, where I shared a few of my intimate prayers and goals. It stated:
“I asked God for three particular things within my school leadership career short-term goals: (1) To become a principal, (2) To lead a school abroad, and (3) To help open and found a brand-new school. I don’t even have to say much more besides look at what God did. All three goals and I’m only on year 4 [of school leadership].”
Someone close to me charged me with an important reminder: “Chassity, you did ALL of those things. And that is something no one can take away from you. God blessed you with each of your prayers. It doesn’t matter if it was for three years, three months, or three days—each of your prayers were answered. And for that, we thank God.”
Fast forward to that fateful moment and today, when the enemy truly thought that taking away that title would diminish my light. Through this process, I received the biggest spoiler alert: I still win in the end! Regardless of any leader, colleague, or the devil himself attempting to destroy me, I will always win.
Losing my principal job gave me the opportunity to return to the classroom and work with some of the most amazing students and colleagues. It also allowed me to refine my instructional skills and remain knowledgeable on classroom best practices, in order to better support teachers when I return to school leadership. It also made me relatable in terms of being a school leader who has taught during a pandemic.
Additionally, through this experience, I have learned so many more valuable lessons on the educational, natural, and spiritual aspect:
Serve your season. You never know why you’re being taken down a particular path. There may be someone for you to help, or something you need to learn to prepare you for your future. Whatever it is, serve & do it humbly.
Ensure the school you work for is accredited and reputable. Seems like common sense, right? But there are more illegitimate schools out here than you would think. Especially for those educating abroad or within non-public school sectors, make sure your school and school leaders are legit. Be sure to do proper research, and ask other educators within that country about schools in the area.
Be mindful of who you trust. Originally, this one said “trust no one”, especially in terms of the workplace. But, there are a few (and I do mean a few) people you can trust in work settings and in life. In determining who to trust, trust your intuition; it never steers you wrong. Be alert and discerning.
Less is more. This can apply to anything, but in this instance, it is regarding what you share with others. Unfortunately, there are people you cannot trust (as stated above), and will use what you share against you. As a blogger, I have learned that I can definitely share, but I must be mindful of what or how much I share. You can definitely still convey your message without all the extra!
Take the day! A couple of months ago, while I was still a principal, I wrote a blog post about mental health, how important it is to take a day or two off work, and not being able to pour from an empty cup. This notion still reigned true for me in this season! The job search was a full-time job in itself, and days off to recharge & refresh were certainly needed—and taken. Please care for your mental health.
The journey may change, but the goal is still the same. Sometimes, the way we imagined ourselves reaching a desired goal or destination isn’t the exact way it will happen for us. Also, remember that everybody’s story and path is different. Focus on your own goal & path, and don’t get weary when and if your journey alters; it doesn’t mean you won’t still reach your intended destination.
I am so blessed & grateful to have experienced so many things that gave me no choice but to stand firm in my faith & belief in the promise over my future. No matter what was thrown my way this year, I still have the opportunity to live out my dreams.
With that said, please join me in prayer and covering as I continue my abroad education journey in Kuwait, January 2021! That’s right, I was able to secure a job in the very same country that I first, lost my job. As I stated above, the journey may change, but the goal is still the same.
Lastly, 2020 also pushed me to, not only, start this blog back in March, but I also decided to go full-force with turning “The Bossy Principal” into a brand and business! As of November, The Bossy Principal established an e-commerce subset known as TBP, LLC, which will provide educational consulting, career, and professional services. Be on the lookout for the official launch of TBP, LLC in early 2021!
Regardless of COVID-19, racial & social injustices, illnesses & deaths, elections & political divide, financial setbacks, job losses and more, 2020 still bred major wins for many of us—including myself. I lost a job, but I gained not one, but two more, a move back abroad, many invaluable lessons, and a push to start my own business.
As Fantasia Barrino sang, “sometimes you have to lose to win again”. Here’s to more wins to come in 2021!
