I was displaced from my teaching position in 2011. I was at the same school for ten years before my position was cut. I have been working a a substitute teacher for that past six years. I go to different schools all over the city, and in a way I like moving around because it seems that you don't get caught up in the politics of any one place, but I miss having my own classroom and students. I am reluctant to write this post because I don't want anyone to think that I am whining or complaining. However, I have to get this off my chest. I feel like I am being discriminated against because of my age. I know for a fact that most schools can get three new hires for the salary that I was receiving. Additionally, I think that the look of contemporary educators is youthful. Many of them look like students themselves. But I do what I have to because I have to keep a roof over my families head. There have been so many times that I wanted to give up on my career. This situation has really set my family back. I have applied for so many positions that it is unreal. I think that job fares are a farce, I have been to so many with no tangible results. I went on an interview at the beginning of the summer at a suburban school, and both administrators promised that I would hear from them, and I have heard nothing to date. I took a temporary teaching position 50 miles from my home which ended in May. I was re-staffed in 2015 for a temporary assignment also which ended quickly. I smile blessed by the Almighty and I praise Him everyday and I don't complain. Sometimes I get a pain in the pit of my stomach and think in quiet anguish and desperation of why I can't find a position to finish out my years of service. My pension has been dramatically impacted by this set back. I have applied for jobs all over the U.S. but many school districts are not comparable in salary. One reason that I didn't leave is because I own a home an the property value has dropped down to a little more than I paid for it almost 20 years ago so I can't really sell it right now. I started to work as a ride share driver a few years ago part time, and some of the people I meet there uplift my spirit. Last but certainly not least the Lord has blessed me with a soul mate that loves and supports me unconditionally. My wife never stops believing in me and encourages me beyond belief even in the midst of her own major health challenge I am abundantly blessed and I won't complain