KEY ONE > Establishing a Strong Foundation

Although it can be impossible to predict what challenges a new job will bring — starting off on the right foot (even before you take the job) can help set the tone for a positive experience within a district. Use the advice from your peers and resources below to help you build a solid foundation.

• Do your research. Go to a board meeting before you apply (if possible) or watch prior board meetings. Google the superintendent and board.
• Talk to people in the know. Your Illinois ASBO network can give you a lot of insight into a district. Vendors may also be able to help. If you can talk to a previous business manager, get their advice and weigh it heavily.​
• Pay attention to red flags. If you see a negative history with the superintendent, board and business manager or you sense that something is not quite right, be willing to stay away. (It is easy to think, “I’ll do it differently than the last person.”)

Although it can be impossible to predict what challenges a new job will bring — starting off on the right foot can help set the tone for a positive experience within a district. Use the advice from your peers and resources below to help you build a solid foundation.

No matter what happens in your new position, it is critical to remember your values and ethics. It can be difficult when you are asked to do something against your morals and feel obligated to be a “team player.” It is important to remember your real job description and not let others lead you to unethical decisions.

• Illinois ASBO Code of Ethics
• ASBO International Code of Ethics
• Are You an Ethical Leader? — By Michael A. Jacoby, Ed.D., CAE, SFO, Spring 2016 UPDATE
• Conducting a Personal Ethics Audit — A complement to the Dr. Jacoby's article, use this tool to evaluate your strengths and areas of improvement when it comes to your personal ethics.

KEY TWO > Navigating Career Transitions

Whether it is your first day as a school business official or you are transitioning to a new district, heed the advice of fellow school business officials to lay a solid foundation from day one.

• Focus on relationships. This should be you primary task during your first year. Once people really get to know you and see who you are (that you are grounded, and flexible but not willing to compromise, etc.) it makes things a lot smoother when issues come up in the future.
• Touch base with the Superintendent every month. Consider questions such as, “How do you think I’m doing?" or "I get the impression this isn’t working… what about this way?” 
• Build up your network. You need to have a good network of people to survive in this industry. Make sure you get connected through Illinois ASBO – Regional Organizations are a great place to start.
• Stay on your guard. Even if things get off to a good start, a change in leadership or expectations may take things for a sudden turn. See below for a list of warning signs to watch out for. 
• Seek out mentors. You can establish mentoring relationships through your Illinois ASBO Regional Organization or through Illinois ASBO Mentoring Services.

Working in a school district, change can happen fast — and not always for the better. Use the following signs to guide you on whether it may be time to move on and how to move forward.

There is a Change in the Atmosphere

• New board or district leadership causes you to lose long-standing relationships.
• Things start getting contentious at board meetings and the blame falls on you (with a lack of support from other leaders.)
• You are asked to go against your morals and principles.
• You start hearing gossip around the office, i.e. “You’re the next one to go.” 
• Things happen outside the normal chain of command (Example: Board members start going around the Superintendent to you.)
• If you see that people are treating you differently, be mindful. (Example: You were previously included in closed session and now you are not, or you’ve noticed that every communication is now email vs. in-person conversation.)
• You are being micro-managed as a professional or the leadership doesn’t seem to have confidence in you (whether it is their personal history or they don’t feel you are doing your job right).

You Experience a Lack of Balance or High Stress/Anxiety Levels

• You feel extreme anxiety like you are constantly walking on eggshells.
• You know in your gut that something is not right. (Tip: Not ignoring that feeling is key. Most people know on some level that something is going on, but it can be tempting to overthink things and justify the situation.)
• You lose your work/life balance. Are you happy in your job/life? If not, these could be signs that something isn’t right. 
• You reach a breaking point. (This could be in the form of a nervous breakdown.) 

• Surviving Leadership Change — By John Gibson, Summer 2013 UPDATE

You’ve seen the warning signs that you may be headed toward a career crisis. What do you do next? Take the advice below from peers who have been through it to carefully prepare for your exit. 

• Get as many letters of reference as possible from current peers. (Example: Board members or colleagues that you have a good relationship with.)
• Look to your network for insight on the situation. Talk to acquaintances who are connected to the person who you are in conflict with and/or the district. (Tip: Even though you may feel hesitant or embarrassed to share, don’t be afraid to reach out. Just make sure to be strategic about it.)
• Start searching discreetly for your next position. Look at the Illinois ASBO Job Bank or network at Illinois ASBO events and find someone whose ear is to the ground.
• Protect your personal information. Use Dropbox or another web-based app to store all personal items saved to your computer. This could be any documents or files you don’t want to lose.
• Make sure you are backing things up to the cloud. If you have spreadsheets or other work-related documents you would like to keep when you move from place to place, start saving these files or forwarding documents to yourself.
• Start removing personal possessions from the office. Don’t be too obvious about it. In case of walkout or if you are locked out, this will be one less thing to worry about.

• Copy or forward related emails to your personal email. Once they cut you off you are done and you won’t be able to get back in.
• Document all meetings. Follow up with emails from one-on-one meetings. Take notes about who you met with regarding the issue and when. If they don’t want to talk, document that you tried and were unsuccessful.
• Gather witnesses. Make sure that other people are around during any one-on-one meetings. 
• Start getting advice from an attorney – sooner than later. See a list of legal advisors.

• Exit Stage Right: Leaving Your Job Successfully — By Erin M. Fuller, FASAE, CAE, for Association Career HQ

KEY THREE > Handling Crisis Situations

What you could have never imagined has happened to you. You may feel alone, anxious or disillusioned. Although everyone faces these types of trials differently, we hope the following advice and resources can help you get the support you need. Click here to find mentors and legal advisors to help you get back on your feet. 

• Assess your physical health. It is not uncommon for the stress of a career crisis to take a toll on you physically. Pay attention to your symptoms and contact a doctor if needed.
• Assess your financial health. Before getting too involved in searching for a new job, it is crucial to take an inventory of your assets and your bills and make a plan for the interim.
• Assess your emotional health. Going through a dismissal or other crisis can evoke the same kind of grief process as any other loss. Getting help from a counselor or spiritual advisor may help you cope during this time.

If you are having trouble maintaining your Illinois ASBO membership due to financial troubles following a job crisis, please contact Kris Monn to discuss what options are available to you.

• 10 Strategies for Handling the Stress of a Financial Crisis — An article from Psychology Today
• The Hidden Gifts of Financial Crisis — Proven ways to combat the tidal wave of worry, fear and stress.
• Surviving a Financial Crisis​ — A variety of resources to navigate financial issues.​

• Disasters and Financial Planning: A Guide for Preparedness and Recovery — A comprehensive guide on the many kinds of disasters you may face.
• What to Do if You Lose Job-Based Health Insurance — Options from www.healthcare.gov to get covered and avoid penalties.
• Coping with Grief  — Part of WebMD's Mental Health Center

 If you are going through a difficult time and would like to speak with another member who understands, contact:

Kristopher Monn, E.d.D.
kmonn@iasbo.org 

He can get you in touch with a fellow member who can relate to your situation.

The following lawyers have agreed to be listed in our Career Crossroads Center as a resource for those who need counsel regarding their contract/dismissal or other issues:

Steven E. Glink, Attorney at Law
Northbrook, IL
(847) 480-7749
steve@educationrights.com

Steve offers a free initial consultation to discuss your situation. His focus is on teacher and school staff and school board rights. Visit his website at: www.educationrights.com.

Stephen A. Yokich
Dowd, Bloch, Bennett, Cervone, Auerbach & Yokich
Chicago, IL
(312) 372-1361
syokich@laboradvocates.com

This firm provides counseling and representation to labor unions, as well as individual employees at all levels seeking to enforce their rights to pension, disability or other employee benefits and seeking to challenge discrimination, improper pay practices and wrongful termination. Visit their website at: www.laboradvocates.com.

“After my career crisis, I became much more cautious. I knew I would have to be more thoughtful and consider my history when looking for a new position. I also knew where I didn’t want to go and what to avoid. I waited on the job that I really thought was best for me.”
— Interviewed School Business Official after facing a job displacement 

top