PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?

Okay so DH has a friend that is both a prof and has an appointment with a museum. So he put in a good word for me (I'm interested in the museum part). He suggested I adjunct at his college and teach a bio course. I didn't want to but DH pressured me to say okay. I figured they would be filled up for the winter semester (starts end of Jan) and I would be asked for the summer which is a long time away (and I may have a job by then).

Turns out they have availability for this next semester and I would have to teach 2 lectures and a lab class. First off, I have a degree in Neuroscience but I'm mainly a behaviorist and psychologist. I never taught biology. I feel really uncomfortable and like I would have to study for class before teaching it. I don't really remember the material. I took general bio over 12 years ago.

I don't want to do it and want desperately to get out of it. What do I say that won't make me look bad but gets me out of this?

Re: PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?

I would be honest.. sit down with DH and tell him exactly how you feel. And once you have your confidence up and you make a decision, I'd call and speak to DH's friend and explain your rationale.
Your fears are valid and perfectly understandable.. and I think its a great point that you bring up about having to study something before teaching it.. and it seems like it doesn't interest you either.. so be honest, and I think your DH's friend would understand.

Re: PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?

Thanks. But now I'm dealing directly with the person DH's friend put me in contact with. So she is the one I would have to tell this to and I don't know her at all.

Should I just tell her that I didn't realize it would be 2 lectures and a lab and that after looking at the syllabus I don't feel qualified to teach the material?

Re: PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?

oo.. I would phrase it differentlly.. something to the effect of, I have a degree in Neuroscience, and I have been working as a behaviorist and psychologist, so feel a bit removed from the topic.. and wouldn't feel like you would not be able to do justice to this wonderful oppurtunity.. also, speak about your background in bio, and play it down a little bit as well...

you want so sound positive yet firm with wanting to decline it.. i would also put in a call to the friend.. you don't want him to hear it through her.. and if you can throw in a good word for him as well.. its hard, but you should follow your gut instincts.. it never fails..

Re: PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?

This was all through DH, so hopefully he can email his friend. I'm just so mad that he pushed me and that it got this far. He thought it is such a long shot they would have openings anyways. I hate that I"m even put in this position.Thanks for the advice.

Re: PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?

Posted by ar31

oo.. I would phrase it differentlly.. something to the effect of, I have a degree in Neuroscience, and I have been working as a behaviorist and psychologist, so feel a bit removed from the topic.. and wouldn't feel like you would not be able to do justice to this wonderful oppurtunity.. also, speak about your background in bio, and play it down a little bit as well...

you want so sound positive yet firm with wanting to decline it.. i would also put in a call to the friend.. you don't want him to hear it through her.. and if you can throw in a good word for him as well.. its hard, but you should follow your gut instincts.. it never fails..

Re: PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?

Posted by glinda-goodwitch

Posted by ar31

oo.. I would phrase it differentlly.. something to the effect of, I have a degree in Neuroscience, and I have been working as a behaviorist and psychologist, so feel a bit removed from the topic.. and wouldn't feel like you would not be able to do justice to this wonderful oppurtunity.. also, speak about your background in bio, and play it down a little bit as well...

you want so sound positive yet firm with wanting to decline it.. i would also put in a call to the friend.. you don't want him to hear it through her.. and if you can throw in a good word for him as well.. its hard, but you should follow your gut instincts.. it never fails..

Do you think I should say something like "I don't want to take this opportunity away from someone better suited to teach the class." ?

Re: PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?

I did it. I just said to the woman that the material was out of my comfort zone. I emailed DH's friend and said that I felt I was not well suited to teach the class.

I don't care anymore how it makes me sound. I've learned my lesson. If I am really not interested in something, just say no. Don't assume it will be a long shot, and don't let DH talk me into things I"m not comfortable with.

Re: PLEASE help! How do I get out of this?