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to teach or not to teach??

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Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
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  • October 26, 2016 at 8:22 pm #118997
    Kristin123
    Participant

    Hi guys, I’m trying to make a career decision and would love feedback. I am currently teaching 4th grade math and science. I am in the alt. certification program and this is my first year teaching. I am at a title one school. I have about a 50 minute commute and I am taking a night class. I also have a two year old. Needless to say, I’m overwhelmed. I didn’t realize the extent of the work I would have to do after work. I stay up late at night and on weekends. I got into teaching because I thought I would have more time with my daughter and I would eventually get the chance to have a job closer to home. MY previous employer just asked if I would like to go back. This job is in HR in insurance. It was a very low stress job. I worked 8-4 and got off whenever I needed for my daughter. At this job I also have a 45 minute commute. That is pretty much the only con. I live in a rural area where jobs are slim. Moving is not an option now due to my husband’s job.

    I would feel bad leaving the students and I don’t know if teaching is just hard now because it is my first year, or should I resign and take the stress free job? Should I stick it out, or would I be losing the chance to return to a good job? At the HR job there is no work after work. When I am home I don’t have to think about my job. What would you guys do?

    October 26, 2016 at 8:41 pm #118998
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Dear Kristin123:

    Welcome back. My answer: not to teach. I was a teacher, science (and math), secondary school. If I was you, I’d be back at your old job. No second thought, and for the reason you stated.

    Your students will survive your departure as long as you kindly explain to them your reasons and prepare a farewell party of sorts (approved by the administration, of course).

    anita

    October 26, 2016 at 8:50 pm #119000
    Kristin123
    Participant

    Thanks Anita. Do you think it is just because I am a first year teacher, or does it not get any better? I thought this would be a good career for a mom, but I’m constantly planning, grading papers, or doing other tasks at home. If this is how it will be forever, it is totally not worth it. My low stress job with the commute is better than working all night at home.

    October 26, 2016 at 9:11 pm #119002
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Dear Kristin123:

    It didn’t get better for me- there was always work after work! At one point I promised students that I will have their papers graded by a certain day. The day before, I didn’t have their papers graded. I didn’t have time to go home and grade so I stayed after school, grading and grading… and grading. The janitor came and left. And I was grading. And grading, straight into the next day. I only took one break, going to the restroom… only all the lights were out, it was complete darkness. I never experienced absolute darkness like I did that long night (my stay overnight was not planned or arranged… probably would have been frowned about to say the least)

    I heard teachers say it gets better, but that may happens IF they teach the same grade and the same class year after year. But that is far from being guaranteed: you may be assigned a different class, a different grade, or a different curriculum.

    If you had the same class, same grade, same curriculum year after year, it would probably take a few years before you get very organized, I am thinking.

    Save yourself from all that work. The memory alone… (of that night and) of all that work exhausted me and now I must retire and sleep.

    anita

    October 26, 2016 at 9:28 pm #119004
    Kristin123
    Participant

    Thanks Anita. I am currently up grading papers. The work seems like it never ends. This is totally not worth the money.

    October 27, 2016 at 2:33 am #119012
    Judy
    Participant

    I have been a special education teacher for 16 years. It has never gotten any easier. I too need to take that leap of faith and resign.The stress is unbearable. Good luck to you.

    October 27, 2016 at 5:04 am #119015
    Inky
    Participant

    Hi Kristin123,

    The young child and the killer commute are reasons enough. The grading is to be expected.

    I would advise you to finish out the year because students at that age get very attached to their teacher and some might consider you a second mom of sorts.

    But the HR job wins out in my book.

    Best,

    Inky

    October 27, 2016 at 7:01 pm #119067
    Kristin123
    Participant

    Thanks guys, I have put in my resignation. I think this is just not the right time for me to teach. I would love to help students, but I have to put my family first. I am working all the time and so tired I am not being the mom and wife I should be.

    • This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by Kristin123.
    October 27, 2016 at 8:36 pm #119073
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Dear Kristin123:

    Congratulations for making what I believe is the right decision for you and for your family at this time. Good choice!

    anita

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