Can You Really Call it Masking?

Because certain behavior is expected and required to keep your employment.

Taken before work a few days ago. Photobombed by my late mom and that other guy. Lol

Can you really call it masking if you need to behave in a certain way to keep your job, your livelihood? I only recently even saw the word in print and attempted to understand its meaning. I must remember to be present, to speak to my co-workers and the children. Not that I mind doing that at all, but it means that I must be present, hourly, minute by minute. Am I masking by being a good employee/co-worker, or teacher?

I just completed my first week at a new job. I think it’s a good fit. I look forward to going to work every day. I believe that it’s the right combination of a corporate and education culture. You see, I work at a charter school. It’s technically a public school in that the students don’t have to pay tuition, but it’s run by a huge corporation. However, we also must follow the guidelines set forth by the county and state board of education.

Both the staff and the students have uniforms but I’m noticing that many of the teachers follow the dress code rather than wearing a uniform daily. I may loosen up next week; I am blessed to have very nice clothes that will meet dress code standards.

But I digress… I find myself trying to fit in, perhaps unconsciously. Observing the other folks in my area who have been there for a while…