GIFT #5 - What does it mean when...

I have this phrase pop up as the first response to a parent complaint? BTW, in case I have not mentioned it, I'm a teacher by trade.

After all the efforts made to set up online teaching and accompaniment for our students, and to make it as secure as possible, STILL, there are people out there who won't think twice about dumping on teachers. Is there a billboard out there, with a flashing sign stating, "Pick on teachers. They're doing nothing during Covid-19. Schools are closed anyway"??

My response to a condescending email from a parent of a student was, "I don't effing give a damn," and I forwarded the email to my boss for action. I was not wasting any precious energy or time on another ungrateful being, especially during this time where we are all stretched to our limits. The response is mild by worldly standards but people who know me know I do not swear so this is big for me.

I don't effing give a damn means I no longer care what you want or what you think or me or my work. It means I will only give you my minimum as a point of courtesy. It means I am reserving my best to others who give me the benefit of the doubt. It means I will not pursue you for any affirmation because somebody who puts down teachers is not somebody whose opinion matters. So ironic that lots of people want an education system like Finland but then are unwilling to treat teachers with respect and dignity like they do in Finland.

I don't effing give a damn means I have just let go of some baggage. Gosh. It feels good. I'm learning to travel light.

Picture by Mitchel Lensink from StockSnap