Since a lot of job/career topics have popped up, I thought I would throw one out there. Some of you may know what my career is, and while I'll admit it definitely has its perks, I've found myself really not as happy as I thought I would be at this point in my career. Admittedly this year has gotten off to a worse start, and it seems to be heading the wrong direction, but still. Most people look at my job and would think I'm crazy for not being happy. I get summers off, a lot of holidays, snow days , and a solid retirement (most likely not by the time I've made it to retirement age). Education is a difficult field to land a job in, and especially hard during these times of budgetary cuts, position furloughs, etc,. I have tenure, I'm teaching a subject that interests me for the most part, and I live in a rural area where the COL is relatively low. What's the problem? I don't feel challenged enough. I don't enjoy the direction our district, and our public education system is heading in general. I don't really care for the overwhelming disdain the local population has toward teachers, and I certainly don't enjoy the job during more and more into babysitting than teaching in some circumstances. The thing is, I'm not really in a position to leave a secure job, since we don't live in an area full of options. I count myself lucky to have a job, a house, a vehicle, etc,. given what the alternative is, so I don't want to come across as greedy or ungrateful. I just don't see myself doing this for 30yrs, but I don't know what or how to plan to exit such a "secure" job, and if it truly is worth it. So, what's your thoughts? What it take for you to leave a job that had security, benefits, and decent salary?
We have the same career. I however came in after working 3 years in 'Managment' , a lot of what my old job had I do miss. On the other hand there is a lot more I dont miss. There are definitely days where the worry of making it 30 pops in my brain. Then I think of what the heck else would I do and be happy, (most of the time for 30 years) Not sure about you but I also coach, that is something I truly enjoy!
When I was a brand new butter bar LT. in uncle sams army.... a wise old Captain told me "Dave, the best job you'll hear about and you will also say...the best job you've ever had.... is the one you just left. And YOU... are in a very envious position... unless you want to become a milllionair or something. You have one of the most secure jobs in the world. It will provide for you through whatever. You want a challenge.... make it better. Pick a kid and make them better.... and another ... and another. That would challenge you beyond what you really want. Do yourself a favor and put all the money you can away in pretax dollars. My wife did.. she was a teacher. It mounts up fast. So if you have some desparate desire to quit and run off to save the world.... well first have a plan that will work. Otherwise.... enjoy your security and quit your *****in. Oh sure you can find something that will make you more and all that... but it doesn't sound like that's your thing. If it were... you wouldn't be where you are now. It's an honorable profession. BUT,... if you can't do it with a smile you're shortchanging everyone. There are jobs out there that pay fantastic money... but there is pressure. Take my son... he makes stupid money and his year end bonus was more than most people make in a year. But damn he has a high pressure enviornment at times. What are you willing to tolerate.
Sometimes when you're looking for new surroundings the problem isn't the surroundings you now have, but your view of them. If you don't find the job challenging as it is, why not challenge yourself to go above and beyond expectations? The reason the community looks at teachers in a certain way is someone along the way did something to earn that reputation and now the rest are paying for it. If you instill a love for your subject into the kids, they through their conversations with their parents will start to change the parents thinking. In order to correct an issue, someone has to be willing to step forward. I believe you can do that Matt.
Yeah, I just noticed it this morning. I was running on empty when I posted it, which partially could contribute to the mood I was in that spurred the post If I could change it, I would. I'll get Fitz on it:D As for not challenging the kids, I do a lot that breaks the traditional structure of this school. In the last 5 years, I've written 5 new courses, taught 7 different courses, currently teach an college dual enrollment course, and I built a social networking/class resource site for my students to utilize (http://www.mrhensler.com). The problem isn't what I'm providing or doing for the kids, it's just my overall gut feeling about what I'm doing. I have no immediate plans to leave, but I'm certainly feeling out the options for the future. Our area has NO job structure beyond the medical field, education, or the gas industry, and as such, our enrollment is declining as more and more families pull out of the area. In all honesty, it really is only a matter of time until our district is consolidated into a three school campus, and programs (like mine) are cut. It's not really a matter of if, but when. Unfortunately, public education is not what it was once, nor do I foresee it staying that way (there is a push from many inside and outside the political sphere that support some sort of voucher/privatization of schools).
Man I wish I knew what to tell you. I'm not sure if I could ever be satisfied at a job, I have what most would consider a secure, good job, but I dont realy care for it at all. I wish I had the guts to make a complete break & do something different, but I would have no idea what else to do. Or where to go. I have some friends who are teachers and although districts have made cuts, thier schools are growing and they are pretty happy. I guess that's the trade off for living in a more populated area.
Do some research on demands and your skills and then start a small business in your off time. If it prospers you can quit teaching, if not you still have the security of your job..
If I was single, not much. Me and a couple buddies have an idea to start our own business. We have the idea, we should have the capital in a few years (when their wives make residency), but right now it is just in the idea phase. I'm mildly horrified of the next phase, and that would be the actual implementation, and quitting of my current, secure, well paying job. But we all believe in the idea/business, and it would be something that I love doing.
:D:D:D:D Great teachers are few and far between ... and never looked down on ... you are in the position to affect the lives of hundreds of kids lives .... and thousands of lives indirectly ... don't take that for granted ... great teachers are heroes ....
Pay off debt and save startup $$$ and start a business. Even if you can start a small business now on the side, you can use that $$$ to start something bigger at a later date, or you can potentially sell it and use that $$$. I have a teacher friend that makes a KILLING in the summer time sealing driveways. Dirty hard work, but he's only got a couple thousand invested into equipment and cleared over 20k this summer working 3-4 days a week.
I have a lot of respect for teachers that put their heart and soul into it and it sounds like you do. I am sure you are underappreciated, but know that you are making a very big difference in sombody's life every day.
Idk the answer to that question, my only work to date was required by school or for my own business that I recently agreed on a price to sell it next month. I never want to become complacent with a job. I plan to be self sufficient with a personal small business in 15 years where I can choose to either not work or work doing what I love regardless of the pay.
