"It is what it is" is a quote that is seen to me as a "just deal with it, you can't change it" attitude. This can apply to every single situation in life.
So, here I am nearly a decade in to my chosen profession as a teacher and I'm debating whether I can take any more of this or not. There is so much I can't control. There is so much expected out of a teacher up to the point that we neglect our own emotional well being,and if you aren't you just aren't a good teacher. This mentality begins with society and extends to the mind frame of the higher ups who just haven't been there.
I never imagined being anything but a teacher, but maybe I can be a teacher in other capacities. I've always wondered "what would I do if I didn't teach???" Well, I've found my answer. I'd become a Registered Dietician. This is something that 23 year old me (which happens to be the age I was upon graduating with an Elementary degree) would have scoffed at. Weight loss and success has inspired to have me learn more. With this floating around in my mind. Am I tired? Do I just need a vacation that I haven't had?
GREAT Questions!!!!! I know for a fact that I don't think I can do this job for another 30 years. Forget all the intrinsic "rewards."
There are many things to consider.
1) I'd have to keep my teaching job while I pursued this as a Masters Degree online and I'd have some pre requs to take.
2) $$$$$$$
3) There is an Internship required. I'd have to plan what we would do for $ during that time.
I've done some internal thinking and beating myself up.
Does wanting to quit teaching mean that I'm a bad teacher? NO!!! Many wonderful teachers have quit because this is not what they signed up for. All the teacher prep programs in the world can't fix a broken system. The testing is out of control. The children come to school with bad parenting and we are expected to fix it. I can still be a teacher, but teaching people who want to better their lives.
Can we afford this? I'd start taking my pre reqs at a nearby Jr College along with a nutrition course. Itd have to be a day by day thing.
Amazing how my life goals can change in a matter of a few years. I"m no longer the novice teacher. I'm jaded and don't see the system changing. I can't change it. Teachers have tried for years, but we don't get listened to. We get ignored and they add more to our already filled plate.
So, I'll be continuing my research, planning and praying to see if this is a direction I want to go!
9 comments:
Hi from ICLW. Many teachers leave because the pay just isn't worth it anymore considering with what you have to deal with in over-crowding of classrooms.
I'd love to quit my teaching job, but with husband not doing his shows anymore, it's the only way I can keep taking my medication, and that is through the insurance they offer!
Hi from ICLW - I would follow your passion
Hello from ICLW! I've put 15 years into my chosen profession, and I'm looking at leaving as well. My job has also turned out to be not exactly what I signed up for. So I say- go for it!
Though- I do work in a hospital, which is where the vast majority of RDs end up working... be aware- hospitals are not without their share of BS and stupidity, which can make for a tough work environment. I would recommend taking a few days to shadow an RD to make sure you know exactly what you're getting into. Good luck!!!
hello from ICLW. Teaching is a hard profession, and filled with difficulties. Hope you find something that is fulfilling to you and lets you and your family live comfortably.
Hello from ICLW, sounds like you have a lot to think about. My husband is going at a similar life cross-roads and is planning to go back to university to move into a career in healthcare. Having watched his struggle to make the right decision I can see how tough it is. But, now that he has made up his mind, I can see how rewarding too. Good luck. (by the way my address is www.inmygardengrow.co.uk - it doesn't seem to show up).
Happy ICLW! I have a lot of teachers in the family, and I can say, you are correct in it being difficult. It's too bad, because being a teacher is so incredibly important, but with the changing times, so many don't feel appreciated. I am a nurse, so I can definitely relate to that. I agree, definitely try a shadow to see if you like the career change. Best of luck to you!
I thought I wanted to be a teacher too, and for those very reasons i am so scared to go in that direction. I didn't graduate with an education but was considering one for a master's, and i keep talking myself out of one because i don't want to wake up years down the road and realize how frustrating life has turned out to become. I thinking working your way into something new is a really great idea, you'd have a chance to really learn and try something new that you could come to really love! Best of luck to you!!
Hi from ICLW. It sounds like you have a plan. I say follow your passion. Don't sit stuck in a job that's not fulfilling you. I wish you lots of luck:-)
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