Temptation

Hello Hive,

Those of you who have followed me since the beginning may remember that I spent several years living in Andalucía, Spain. The application window is currently open to teach in Spain for the 2022-2023 academic year and I have to admit that I am more than a little tempted to submit my paperwork; throw my hat into the ring, as it were.

^{Penitente de Semana Santa}

In 2014, after returning to the United States for the last time, I thought I would try to get my life into order and achieve some life goals. Things have not gone as hoped.

There have been some gains. Among the greatest achievements of these past eight years have been earning my master's degree. The pandemic hit shortly afterwards, so I haven't found a position in my field although my current position does allow me to use these skills frequently.

I have also been able to work on my photography and upgrade my equipment. In the past few years, I have won a local photography competition, collaborated with local poets, and have had some photographs published.

^Reflections

However, I feel as if my life has stalled. I am still single, living in an an apartment, and haven't launched a career. Part of it is the pandemic, but only part.

So Spain... Dare I take another year to teach overseas? It won't help my finances any. It won't bolster my meager retirement savings or help me afford a home of my own. It would be teaching experience and a much-needed change of scenery, though.

^{Ventanas de La Alhambra}

Living abroad would also give me a change of photography subjects and it would be interesting to see how the new photos compare with these.

Of course, there is the pandemic and nobody knows for certain where that will stand in six months' time. It's possible the program could be cancelled due to a new variant.

^{Last Evening in Ronda, 2014}

What do you think? Should I pull up the meager roots I've put down here and take the risk? Or should I look for a more practical, stable, and responsible path?

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