You Can Quit Teaching!
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- čas přidán 15. 02. 2016
- Some words of support for struggling teachers looking to transition out of the classroom. 1) You are not alone 2) At a certain point, quitting is not failure... it may be the only way forward :D
** 2021 update: If you are facing extreme stress with teaching, I highly recommend contacting your school district's Employee Assistance Program for free counseling and support, or contacting a professional therapist or counselor through your medical care provider. **
** I've learned over the last 5 (?) years of emailing w/ struggling teachers from this video, I do not have much to offer, beyond this video, in terms of career counseling support. It is absolutely worth the cost and time to contact a trained professional! For mental health support, and for career/job search/resume help, and etc. (Though I know that is not always an easy thing to do... ) **
After struggling for five years, I finally quit teaching and started to find a better path for myself. If you're miserable teaching and don't know what to do... I know that you can do the same, and find your way.
I know that it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when we are faced with great stress, but I'm here to remind you that our lives are defined by unlimited possibility.
Just because you started down the teaching path doesn't mean you can't change your direction, whether you've been teaching for months, years, or even decades.
Our lives are truly short. Our grandparents and parents age and pass away, and suddenly we are on the same trajectory with our lives in rear-view.
I hope that we'll look back on ourselves and see that we didn't spend years unhappy simply for fear or lack of understanding what might come next!
Resources:
One book/author to inspire you to find your unique path:
Jen Sincero, "You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" (SO GOOOD...) www.jensincero.com/
Books that helped me survive teaching a little longer, and learn a lot about students:
Teaching With Love and Logic: www.loveandlogic.com/teaching...
Fred Jones, "Tools for Teaching": www.fredjones.com/
-GOOD LUCK!
Joe
6:38 "if you're struggling more than you feel like you're helping..." this part made total sense to me
I taught elementary music for six years. It was horrific, pretty much the entire time. I was always exhausted, irritated, and depressed. I was working the hardest I'd ever worked in my life, but my work was never done, and I got little to no acknowledgement, respect, or appreciation! During my last year of teaching, a
couple days before winter break, my principal observed me (insult #1 -
any decent administrator wouldn't observe a teacher right before winter
break). Well, she gave me an "unsatisfactory" rating because I had dared
to sing songs with the kids for fun- and they were enjoying it! The nerve. I thought
there must be some mistake. After all, our music curriculum has a
standard for "singing songs with a purpose" (holidays, seasons, about
the community). I requested a meeting with her, and she told me that it didn't matter what I was going to say, because she "doesn't change her mind." The unsatisfactory stood. Furthermore, she informed me that I was not allowed to sing any song from there on out
unless it was directly teaching a music theory concept. She then put me
on a ridiculous work plan because my lesson wasn't "rigorous" enough. Uh, what?!
I was tenured, and the previous year I had received excellent evaluations!
Every other music teacher I knew sang holiday songs and showed videos
the day or two before winter break! In one week's time, my principal
wanted full page typed lesson plans, with each music lesson including
testing and higher level questioning, for the upcoming SIX weeks. Don't
get me wrong, I had lesson plans! I had a binder of all of the lessons I
do in a year with all grade levels, typed! But I've never been asked to
include higher level questioning and testing in EVERY lesson down to
KINDERGARTEN. It was absurd. She was trying to bury me in paperwork.
That was the absolute last LAST straw! I refused to do the ridiculous
assignment, and put in my resignation. I found a nannying job in April
2015, broke my contract, and lost my teacher certificate. I don't care
one bit, though, because I'm never going back.
I've been a nanny now for over a year. I make about half of what I did as a teacher, but I
don't care. I love feeling like myself again! I love having time and
energy to pursue my interests again. I love being happy, and being able
to smile, to sleep, to have friends. And guess what? I've only been sick
TWICE all year. As a teacher, I was sick constantly. I really think the
stress and the depression was seriously impacting my health! My life is
worth so much more than money. Quitting teaching was one of the best
decisions I've ever made! So if you're at the end of your rope right now
and wondering- is there life after teaching? - there is! Take the risk,
go for it! Take back your life. I've never regretted it or missed
teaching for a second.
Wow Jess-- thanks so much for sharing your story! It sounds like even though it's still frustrating to think back on that principal's crazy demands..... she or he ultimately helped you make a decision you wanted to make.
I occasionally get caught up in memories like that and feel resentful and defensive still, but your comment reminds me that I can sort of mentally let go and just say thank you to that person for helping me make the decision I needed to to move on.
So happy things are going well for :) I think people need to hear more stories like these so they can imagine things turning out well instead of just being overwhelmed by not knowing what they would do next.
We all need... permission to start over.
+Joe Davidson Thanks for your reply! I sometimes get upset when I let myself dwell on memories too.
+Joe Davidson And yes, I totally agree- permission to start over!
Great story. I'm glad you are doing well now.
Do us all a favor and tell it on video. It will help you and may help thousands of others.If you need help on how to put it together, contact me.
Jess Gresczyk thank you for sharing your story!
I quit 8 months ago and haven't regretted it for one moment. You did a great job at articulating all the things I was feeling. I went to Wyoming for a month in April/May and took the entire summer off. I'm currently working in the financial industry. Before I quit I did not think I was going to be able to find a job outside of teaching. But I found something that I enjoy...I can see myself growing, which is something I never saw myself doing when I was an educator...and I have enough energy to do all the things that I love. The perks of my new job are so much better, even if I don't get a summer off or 2 weeks at Christmas or Spring Break. I found I don't really need that time off because I am not miserable everyday! I take better care of myself now- I go to the gym every morning, I have hobbies... and I can spend quality time with my friends and family and boyfriend, whereas before I was constantly stressed out and avoided doing a lot of those things because I was just so unhappy and tired. If you don't want to teach anymore, you can totally find something else and it will change your life.
Beth Akers amazing! This is just the sort of encouragement folks need to hear 🤗 How you’ve described life after teaching is absolutely true for me as well, what a big difference it made in just the overall happiness and ability to do things I enjoy and take on new possibilities for the future. Thanks so much for coming back and sharing.
May I ask you something?
Thank you for posting your decision!! I'm officially leaving 6/15_19!!! Your post is encouraging me right now!! I CAN do this!! I'm soo scared, bit I have to move forward.
Beth Akers what is your new job?!
Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you, I'm in same position. Teaching isn't about the children any more. It's awful.
Parents and students have power over teachers???? That's why I quit
Just by your video I see you are a kind person - don't let Hagwons make you feel like your a shit teacher because u are not
It's just data, meetings, and egos of the revolving door of the desperate to climb the admin ladder. It's awful.
@@AyakoTachi yes. I hope im not unprofessional, but all that is called bullshit
This video is so real. I resigned in 2016 after 17 years of teaching full time . I have been a part-time intervention specialist for the last two years in the same school district. It's an okay job, but the IEPs are ridiculous! Anyone who has/does work in education knows that no matter what your position, you are going to be treated like a mule. So I'm done at the end of May. Last year, a 3rd grade teacher was out for the last half of the year. One of the substitutes that took his place was a doctor. She stated that since she had a gap of time between now and her residency she decided that subbing would be a good idea, since she comes from a long line of teachers in her family. Well, she was frazzled everyday. I jokingly told her, " I bet you can't wait to heal a gun shot wound?" Her response was, " I have worked 70-100 hour weeks and I have never been so exhausted physically and emotionally in my life!" That says a lot about this profession. If teaching is your passion, I would suggest you stay. However, if it is making you miserable please think outside the box. Cut your expenses, get a roommate, cut your grocery bill and save some f--- you money. I purchased rental property with some of the money I saved. This allows me to be more flexible when it comes to work. Do I need to work? Yes, but I have options now. I decided that I am the boss of me!!!
ALG 604 so smart... cutting expenses and saving money to take the pressure off a full-time job. So glad things are working out for you! Next time a 15+ year teachers asks me if it’s possible to leave... we’ll have you as an example 👍
A Bad school administration will cloud your judgement. An unsupportive or poisonous school administration will make you also feel that your career feel unbearable.
King JKL so true. That's my situation right now
King JKL, that is it. We have politicians making decisions for schools, and they only have their narrow-minded agenda in mind. The wrong administrators are placed in positions at the central office level and schools. Teachers are not free to teach. They are placed in bondage with fruitless mandates. Teachers over meet, over plan lessons and a frowned upon when resting on their planning period. Now they want teachers to do less talking while students work in groups. What on earth! It is total chaos.
King JKL exactly
The dark side clouds everything. I wouldn't let a public school teacher near my barn, because of all the gaslit bs associated with them.
Vickie Barbee obviously not ALL public school teachers are toxic. In fact most of them are not toxic…it’s the politicians and some of the administrators that are the biggest concern.
I just do it to pay my bills at this point. Administration turns me off the most they're very critical and never give any positive feedback but always highlights my faults
I am with you! What is administration critical about if I can ask?
I always wonder why they left the classroom other than for pay. I imagine many administrators were HORRIBLE teachers, especially since so many of them are terrible leaders. How could they have been good teachers?
My EXACT feelings! I’m getting out of this, before I feel stuck!
I am getting out of the profession after this year.
@@rc6184 same here!
I want to cry watching this video because you are saying what many of us are feeling. I love my students but in the end I feel I am doing a horrible disservice to them. There are many great teachers out there who are passionate for their work and I so strongly admire them. I know for certain this is NOT for me. I need to move on and find something that rewarding. Thank you, thank you so much for this video.
Julio Espin Julio... that sense of doing a disservice to students was ultimately the factor that allowed me to commit to moving on. When I got to the point where I could say that I wouldn't want my own children to have to have me as a teacher, I knew it was unfair to subject other people's children to my struggles. At the time it felt like jumping off a cliff into the unknown, I had no sense of how to move my career forward.... but it all worked out amazingly and three years later I just feel like I'm starting to discover the potential of my work and impact in the world with what feels like a huge horizon of opportunity open for exploration. I wish you the best on your journey to find your best work!
I’m in 7th grade and I feel so bad for my homeroom teacher (she also teaches spanish). She is leaving the school after break and now we will meet our new teacher. Everyone is very sad. The principal yelled at her for the dumbest reasons on EARTH. IN FRONT of my siblings class during their Spanish (they are in 5th grade). This is the second time I had to experience a favorite teacher leave. The first time was in 4th grade. Now in THE MIDDLE of 7th grade. We don’t want a new teacher. Our teacher did so many things with us. Now I’m so sad 😞. F*** the principal.
Marysol Alvarez I agree. And the new teacher is super rude and hates everyone. And she calls everyone “friends”. It’s weird.
Marysol Alvarez thank you so much. This really means a lot to me.
Marysol Alvarez thank you 😊
I am a preschool teacher, and I have been feeling this for years. I thought I wanted to teach, I even enrolled to get my credentials in elementary school and I could not do it. Now, I have been in preschool for 5-6 years and still have this feeling that I am not in the right place. I dream everyday I will run and leave my teaching job. But then I stop, and think What would I do? What else can I do. For me is a combination of everything. Preschool politics, environment, children, coworkers... etc... I need to find my call.
God bless any teacher that has realized enough is enough and persues a life change.
Excellent video! I did step away from teaching a few weeks ago after almost 2 decades. I was in the private sector with no retirement to count on. I feel bad for teachers who have to wait a “few” years to retire when they just want out. I’m not a spring chicken and teaching was my second career. Now I’m looking for something to be a part of bigger than myself. Let’s face it, teachers are helpers and thrive on it. I maybe 60, but I’m not dead yet. I’m embracing my new possibilities. I just had a very successful school year, but cannot give 110% to crowded classroom any longer. I rather give 110% to my husband. We all have choices embrace yours.
I actually Googled Common Core and after 4 hours of reading and youtube videos, im here
😅
I took early retirement after retraining as a teacher at 39, and enduring the job for 19 years. The main problems are: Osted, poor management, Performance Management, Target setting, constantly having middle and senior management looking over your shoulder to find ways to reprimand or criticise you, government interference, too much training, too much change by the government, leading to more training.
I loved teaching Design and Technology to kids, generally the kids responded positively, but the workload was ridiculous, and much of it does not make you a better teacher, just an overburdened one.
Thank you. I've been teaching in NYC, low income areas, for 11 years now. I am so tired of not being happy.
You helped me get to the core of why I started- now I know where to start looking.
this is scary but really, thank you.
Leila, wow :) Something I realized this week that might help teachers that are really torn, is to reframe it from quitting just moving on to the next step in your career. And with that, it's simply a matter of investing some mental energy into understanding that you are job hunting now. Take advantage of fall break or winter break if you have them to just dive into job hunting resources and following that initial spark :)
Brother, I am in the same condition. I am tired of teaching, and battling with the students.
Don't get battling with the students, was not my experience as a student, but seems current crop of kids have empathy/respect/authority/goals/play-nice removed from their brains.
+SC Rider You are absolutely right.
I quit teaching after sixteen years. It was entirely too much to bear any longer. I wanted to live and teaching was causing me to feel like I wasn’t living. I was just going through the motions. I’m totally happy after leaving and living my life without feeling stressed out all the time. Having the freedom to do whatever I want to do without worrying about lesson plans, grades, planning, meetings, micro managers administrators, nagging parents, ungrateful students, not to mention passive/aggressive coworkers, etc. I’m currently selling on Mercari and Ebay until I decide what I want to do with the rest of my of my life.
Greta Brown that’s awesome! I’ve emailed with a few teachers about that far into their careers that feel totally trapped and either at their breaking points or totally resigned to having no hope of changing their careers. So glad you were able to step away!
Greta Brown i
Greta Brown, kudos. I am soon retiring. The things that are required of teachers are impossible to do
Oh my gosh you took the words righty out of my mouth!! I want out too after 20 years but don’t know what else to do!
I needed this video. I'm in my 5th year of teaching, and I've been circling the hole for a while now. I come home and stare off into space paralyzed by all that I need to do, and how much of a failure I feel trying to be all that my students need. Weekends are filled with anxiety and fear over the coming week, and the expectations of parents, my school, and myself. Honestly, I think I work in a great district, with amazing teachers and a great admin. I think that's what I fear quitting. I don't want to let people down, especially all the educators I admire and look up to. But, I know it's not for me, and I don't feel healthy in this position.
I agree with you 100% if it’s time for you to go, go!! Best decision I made...left in November. And it was hard but so many doors opened for me!!
Xim3linda awesome! Congratulations 🎊🍾🎈 and thanks for sharing 😊
Would love to know what you did- what doors opened up for you?
@@toschaferguson5749 I left a school and grade that were not right for me. Only after I found the right school and grade was I able to relax and enjoy teaching. I guess I should’ve been more clear, I was not going to leave teaching as a career until I was 100% it wasn’t for me. My advice to teachers who are starting out is to stick with it because the first 3 years are very difficult. After 3 years if you are still miserable then you should give up.
@@Xim3linda That's good you made that point. Sometimes location can make a difference.
Such a great video thanks so much for sharing! I quit teaching not even two years in. It made me extremely anxious and I ended up crying on the way to work every day and realising enough was enough. I am now studying social work which has been amazing and I would highly recommend it. Reading all these comments it's amazing how many teachers have experienced the same thing, but makes me feel better to know I am not alone :)
I just decided to resign at the end of the school year! I am so excited. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Admin are bullies and student behavior was really taking a toll on my physical and mental health. This is the best decision I’ve ever made for myself.
I also decided to hang it up after 5 years.....another positive thing to add is that the fact that you are a teacher, you know how the brain works and how learning works. So YOU CAN learn anything and retrain into something else just as fast like programming or ANY other skill set you fancy. Teachers were and always will be LEARNERS and students first! So get out there and learn your heart away!
I wish I could like this more than once
Thank you for sharing. It’s November and I have a count down to summer. My stress level is off the charts. I turn 50 this year....I hate restarting but I need to.
Did it work out for you?
I don't know how you were not successful in teaching. Your ability to reflect and share honestly your struggles to people you don't know is priceless, thank you.
Thanks Miriam :) That's an interesting question... why I wasn't successful. I think it was a combination of lack of adequate preparation, and somewhat of a personality incompatibility.
My teacher training program was a 9-month fast track graduate program: student teach 1 day a week, take courses 3 days a week... with only 4-6 weeks of full-time student teaching planned. And of all my graduate courses, only 1 or 2 were content specific, the rest general ed theory. So I came out of there having no idea what to do, how to act... and worst, got a job teaching elementary, in which I had absolutely no experience! It was a hilarious and traumatic way to learn about teaching elementary school, 1 chaotic day after another.
Personality-wise--- you know, I think fundamentally was probably less of an issue. I'd get overwhelmed with the noise, conflict... etc. But really, I was just getting overwhelmed with my lack of control, and lack of knowing what to do. I can theorize now that if I had an adequate training program that gave me the tools to succeed, I would have been able to do alright. Or maybe not. But I tried!
I know now that about 65% of graduates from my teacher training program didn't last past 2 years, and upwards of 70% from my particular partner schools. If they had told me those success rates before I signed on the dotted line, well, I wouldn't be paying student loans today.
I'd like to think it was a stepping stone on the path to my special purpose, which beyond sharing my struggles, is yet tbd :)
b/c there is no appreciation for his skills.
@@j0z3phy I don't know if fast-track or slow-track make a difference. If it doesn't seem like the right fit, then you have to trust yourself.
@@j0z3phy Were you taught ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) in the credential problem? I work in special ed,.contemplating on being a teacher, and all the behavior problems I've dealt with, class or individual, has been fairly successful. The special ed teacher I work with seems more clueless about managing a classroom yet she is the person in charge of the class. For example, she allows children to do whatever they want when they choose not to work. In her head, at least "they are doing their own thing and not bothering the rest of the class" but in actuality that kid is learning that he gets what he wants when he misbehaves. Sometimes I give students the "mean guy" voice and they immediately stopped talking, but many teachers are too soft and think it will hurt the child's feelings or they might get triggered and get worst. They might get triggered, but who cares. It's a power struggle and if an adult backs down the child knows they can manipulate an adult. Then when the kid finally settles down, invite him to learn with the class and thank him for being quiet and listening. The positive enforcement is a mental high for some "bad" kids. Then the next day, remind the child, "I love the way you didn't argue with me and did your work yesterday." Also, antecedents must be removed. If a child for example keeps tapping his pencil or doodling, then remove all his supplies from his desk. When he needs the supply he can ask you nicely. Then give back the pencil once a trust is gained. As for attention getters, the whole chants, raising hands, yelling, etc is pointless and waste of energy. Have a one ring bell like a tibetan Buddhist bell. Tell them everyone must freeze and you should be able to hear almost a pin drop. Anyone who says even a blip, tell them to right their name on the board (to be not politically correct, it shames them publically, which no one wants to feel. To follow the positive behavior model, you can tell others, it allows the child to self reflect). If he is not quiet on a second ring of the bell, tell him to put a check by his name. That means 5 minutes of recess or break owed. 2 checks all break owed, 3 checks they write to their parent a letter about their behavior that must be signed.
@@jaydel3 Applied Behavior Analysis wasn't part of my teacher training program, but I did work with some behavior specialists that came into my classroom and worked through some of the data collection and planning. I'll just say that there's a big difference between being in someone's classroom and being able to judge their teaching - and see all the issues that they have - and having to be in charge yourself! If you end up teaching, come back and let us know how all this behavior management works out for you. From theory to application can be quite a large leap :D
Great video.. I am quitting at the end of this school year.
What are you doing now?
Every teacher feels the same, why, what has happend? The joy is gone. The thinking out of the"box" is gone.
I taught for less than 1 year. I quit teaching. I had a student almost punch me in the face. I was not a teacher. I was a babysitter. I would not go back for 100k a year. I feel very bad for abondaning my good students.
I watch this video at least once a month. It's inspiring. It helps me push to the end of the school year and it lets me know that better days are ahead. Thank you for posting this video.
I am still in my 1.5 years contract and I cannot wait for it to end. Thank you for this video. This gives me hope.
I love the honesty - so much of this is resonating with me. I love the talk around holiday breaks!
Good luck to everyone who connects with this message - you gotta look after yourself
Nothing would make me happier than to quit teaching. This was my first year and within a week I knew it wasn't for me. I haven't quit because we need the money. I honestly don't know of any job I could do that could bring in that type of income quickly. Plus I have signed the contract BUT I can still resign by July 8th. I really don't want to go back, I have anxiety just thinking about it.
Hi Ash! :) I think that worrying about income, and what alternative job you would do, are probably the #1 reasons people get trapped in their lives. That trap will just grow the longer you are a teacher. If you make a transition now you can expect lower income while you figure things out. The problem is, if you wait 5 years, or what not... your teacher salary should be about $10k higher, but your starting wage in a transition position might be the same as it would be now, making you feel even more trapped!
Anyhow, I haven't watched my video for awhile, but I hope it got across my belief that anyone with the capacity to become a teacher, has the capacity to become something else. I say that generally as a rule, but your personality and strength radiate out of your little 1 cm picture here making me believe that doubly for you. I've heard recently, "people give to people, not to causes" in terms of fundraising. I also believe this for jobs. People hire people, not credentials. By being the most empowered, confident, on-the-right-track version of yourself, you'll find the right sort of people that you resonate with, and that are doing the work you'd like to do. But if you stay miserable and suffer through teaching, you won't be attracting those new opportunities. You will just be miserable until you can't take it... and from that place it is very difficult to build yourself, your mojo, your confidence back up. And your actual credentials of course, college degree, teaching experience (and most importantly everything unique about your personality, past, passions, interests)... those get you points as well.
Only you can decide on this, and there is a chance things might get much better! It's probably pretty hard to tell based on year one. You might change schools, grades, role (special ed, intervention, team teaching?), and something could click. But maybe not! It didn't for me.
Give yourself permission to accept that quitting might be a best option, and near the start of your summer is a GREAT time to do it! Few professions would give your this buffer of a few extra paid months to figure out a transition.
Either way-- if you decided to stay... I highly recommend not wasting your summer worrying. Do something you won't be able to do later in life... travel, whatever... either quit and get to work following your heart and instincts, or commit to another year and don't let yourself doubt or waste your summer. Spending your summer doing something super in line with your passions, regardless of whether it feels like it could bring in income someday, is probably my best idea for getting your mojo headed in the right direction.
Don't feel trapped! YOU can decide :)
I have to recommend Jen Sincero's book "You are a BADASS" b/c it once again rocked me into shaking up my life, and clearly you are, we all are, and we just need to be reminded. It's at target and all around... so good! good luck
j0z3phy Thank you so much for your encouragement dear stranger!! I am really thinking about resigning from the school that I am at and seek a job in a different district so I will not get stuck in the contract. I am also in the process of starting a small business and hope one day I can do that full time. Your video helped a lot, there are so many people that want to quit teaching but feel trapped. Thank you for sharing your experience with the world:)
Ash, how has the year started? New school? Quit teaching? :)
wow you are so me! I started teaching in January. Within my 1st week I hated it. That in we semester was horrible. Then summer came and I got to recuperate. I had so much anxiety my 1st 6 months. I'm one month into the new school year, it's a lot better but I still don't want to do this. I totally understand how you feel.
When I suggest people search their passions/interests for opportunities... not many people have such a developed thing going as your youtube channel! Very interesting, looks like a very focused niche lots of people are interested. Just wanted to say I'm very impressed!
Thanks for sharing this. I just quit my job as an ESL teacher because of the same reasons you said. It's hard at the moment, but I'll get through this.
Thank you for sharing. This is my first year teaching. I'm 37 years old and wanted to be a teacher my whole life. However, growing up with in a rough neighborhood and within a low income household made life difficult for me. I spent many years working as an assistant teacher until my children were born. At that point, I knew I wanted more for them, both financially and holistically. I completed my bachelor's degree and joined a fast track program to put teachers in "hard to staff" schools. I think this decision was the worst decision I ever made. While my new job has benefited my family and my wife's level of happiness, I am, in fact, very miserable. I've wanted to be a teacher since the 5th grade, when I had an incredible teacher that showed me how fun education can be. However, never in all the years between then and now did I imagine that my life as a teacher would be like this. I barely have more than 15 minutes a day to spend with my children and my wife. The students I teach have no concept whatsoever of respect, or concern for their futures. I have no support and yet the work just keeps piling on. My dream career has rapidly become a struggle to survive until Friday and vacation. If not for my family, I would leave this job in a heart beat, but I don't want to take away from them all that I've been able to provide in the last couple of months. I set myself up in a deep dark hole and I really don't see anyway out. Other jobs meeting my education and experiences seem to all pay $25k - $33k. But I can't quit a job making $50k for a job making half that. I would literally be making the same amount as I did as an assistant teacher. I have absolutely no idea what to do.... so for now, tomorrow, I will continue to struggle to survive until 3 o'clock.
Thanks for your comment Angel! I think the good news for you is that I've heard the first year of teaching is a survival experience for almost everyone... even folks that end up being very happy with teaching. I'd definitely put all your efforts into figuring out where your biggest challenges are coming from, and honestly asking for help/finding a good mentor (even if they aren't your official mentor teacher) to share your struggles with.
The first year people are generally super helpful, so it makes sense to ask for help now.
Other thoughts: unless you're obligated to your hard-to-serve-school, start looking at teaching positions in other schools and districts right now, this is prime hiring season.
Even though things didn't go well for me in the end, it certainly was much much better than my first year-- which was just a crazy amount of work, shock, and stress.
Especially if you stay in the same school and position, same classes/preps, things will all be much easier 2nd time!
+j0z3phy Thank you. I've considered interviewing for other schools, but then I have to consider the fact that this is my first year and things are supposed to be tough. Despite the stomach churning this thought inspires in me, I think I will stick it out at my school for another year. I feel as though there are many classroom management techniques that I failed to implement in the beginning of the year that led to my dismay throughout the rest of the year. Thanks again for your advice. I've added them to my pool of pearls of wisdom from those "in the know." Except your pearl is from the other side of the fence, which is important to me as well.
+Angelbearsal I bought a lot of books hoping to improve classroom management. Of all them, Fred Jones' "Tools for Teaching" was the most valuable (www.fredjones.com) followed by the Teaching With Love and Logic books. So very helpful!
Your comment has me thinking about what I might have done differently to actually be successful. There are a lot of variables I wonder about, whether it's just personality based in terms of compatibility with the task and environment, or whether I might have been successful through a better training program.
In any case, I know you'll figure it out, whether in the classroom, some other education role, or whatever. Many different non-classroom education roles that you can shift into with two or three classroom years under your belt.
Check out those books! I can't believe the Fred Jones book isn't required reading for all teachers. 😊
Angel, how are you doing? New school year? Hope all is well!
Very sad, your life's goal turns out to be mud; seems b/c of the tough/delinquent school you may be in. You cannot do War if you do not be the supplies/ammo/support from the Field Grade Officers/ Administration. Move.
I am nearing the beginning of the last 5 weeks of my 8th full year teaching. For this last year, all I do is count down from one holiday break to the next. There's nothing really bad about my job, but I feel myself being slowly ground down. I plan on next year being my final year at this current job and then I'm taking a long break. At this point I feel like a zombie in the mornings and quite passionless. I plan to travel South American and do teach ESL to adults along the way. To be fair, I'm just tired of kids, not of teaching. Cheers for the video bud!
tonyk25 sounds like a great plan
Thank you so much for this video!! I love teaching math and love children but as a second year teacher, I’ve had enough. Most of my kids are awesome but there are a few who are so unruly and come to school with a goal to disrupt and get on your nerves. I don’t even get to do all I have planned, I have to constantly remind them to behave and they don’t listen or pay attention at all. They complain that my class is boring and when they fell , parents wonder why !! Too much paper works, lots of things to grade, complaints from parents.. I’m so sad going to work everyday. Can’t wait to quit ..
I hope you had the courage to do it. If not, you need to. The public schools are toxic environments that destroy people
Thank you for this video. I never thought I would like teaching, but after substituting for a bit, decided to consider it. I sent an email asking about the application process for a Masters in Teaching and was told they had a program they were starting within the next couple months that I could apply for right then. Didn't really have time to decide if it was a good idea before I was taking classes, and convinced I was going to be a teacher. Got my dream job immediately after I got my degree and have been teaching for two years. Great school, students are well behaved, and only have to teach my favorite subject. However, the grind is killing me and I have flip-flopped between thinking I was content and being boarderline suicidal. Really need to see a therapist but my undiagnosed ADHD, anxiety, and tendency to procrastinate on things I haven't done before make it hard to set up an appointment. I am starting my third year of teaching now (yes, I have never taught a year without covid) and I don't think this is for me. One the one hand, everyone is telling me I shouldn't quit yet as the students love me and are scoring well on the AP Exam. They gush about my class and tell all of their friends to take it! I always get things done by the end of the year and look successful from the outside. Also, other teachers say I don't have a good idea of what teaching is normally like as I have had 3 "first years" of teaching with all of the changes Covid brings. But I am unconvinced that things will really be that much better even if the schools get back to normal for the next few years. I got into it because I like teaching science not because I am really invested in the students or the school, so I feel no sense of pride or success when my kiddos score well. I feel like I am always on the verge of a mental break down from the stress. I did break a couple times last year where I drove to the mountains and put in a sick day the next day to gather myself. I feel like I don't have time for anything I love (HEMA, Art, Music, etc.) I will stick things out this year for the sake of my kiddos (I am teaching AP so they really need me) but am heavily considering not signing my contract when the time comes back around this spring. It is scary though as I am the only stable income. My husband has been trying for over a year to get a programming job but was only able to get something part time at FedEx. If I leave teaching, it will be hard to make ends meet and we will have no health insurance unless my husband or I can find another full-time job. Life f*ing sucks. I do have multiple talents and could probably be successful with a mix of CZcams educational videos, videos of me singing, and really pursuing selling my art, but that would depend on having a stable source of income to support starting all of that.
Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to hear this.
My teacher is quitting I am going to send this video to her I am sooooooo sad she was so funny we had some great moment's
Bryan Uptmor A OMG SAMEEE
Thank you friend! It's my 2nd year teaching & it's effecting my fun loving personality. I'm angry more than loving. It's a scary thought to be without work for any length of time.
Same. I've been in for 11 years and I am not the same person. It sucks your joy. I wish I got out sooner...still trying to figure out my next step.
Beautifully honest, so glad you found your new job!
This is one of the few videos out there that I really felt connected to. Thanks man.
Thank you for sharing your testimony. I am in a similar situation but my issue is more financial than the students. I got my credentials in single subject art, because I wanted to have a job doing art. When I did my students teaching in a High School I learned that High School and Middle School was not for me, specially that I'm short and still look young. Anyway, I got a job as a part-time elementary art teacher which I loved in the beginning, but my goal was to find a full-time job as an elementary art teacher. Now I am already in my 4th year of teaching still as a part-time teacher, never gotten a raised because I am part-time, and without benefits. I already made up my mind that I want to switch careers. I need a better paying job and that is more secure. I feel unfulfilled and that I am not growing as a person in my current teaching job. I am done with teaching.
Thank you so much for this video! The part that resonated with me the most was when you said that in your 5 years, it never got better. I have been told so many times by people in education “Don’t give up! It gets better as you go along!” I just finished my first year teaching (my 3rd year if you count my student teaching and substituting), and I’m beginning to realize that some parts of it are just never going to get better for me. I am going back one last year so that I can save up some money, but in the meantime, I’ll be applying for graduate programs in the field of mental health counseling (a much more promising field for me)!
Elizabeth Riley Thanks for writing Elizabeth, sounds like a good plan. There’s always a chance that those things you feel like will never get better... you might be able to figure them out if you seek the right kind of help. Since you already have a plan to quit, you have nothing to lose by being really honest with yourself and others about the parts that really aren’t working for you. If I had been more open about my struggles, I may have been able to address my issues when I first started... and got better. I suspect it’s the suffering in silence and trying to fix myself on my own that got me into the downward spiral with no improvement. Anyhow, I’m glad you have a plan to save and seek the grad counseling path... something I always wanted to do... one on one vs one vs class 😊 good luck!
My teaching career started the day things shut down for COVID. I was given a few weeks before to acclimate, but I consider my first teaching day and each day since have been pandemic influenced.
I think the biggest part of what’s made me question staying in teaching is that I don’t feel like I’m doing enough for helping students grow and learn, despite routinely putting countless extra hours into my work.
It’s ironic, my downfall teaching is one of my major personality traits… caring too much
I’m tired of classroom teaching but I don’t think I’ll ever give up education; there’s so many opportunities in education you can get into if that’s all you really know like me. It’s everywhere.
Thank you. You have eased my mind.
Thanks!! I needed this motivation! I am already ready to leave but it's hard to not feel like I failed no matter how hard I tried.
Hello. Thanks for your awesome video. I was trying to hold on until Christmas but I just couldn't anymore. I started as a sub earlier this year and accepted a full time position thinking it would be different as a full time teacher at a different school. Nope. It's been exactly a week since I resigned and it's been a combo of guilt, relief, freedom, fear, sadness and disgust. I'm prior military and grew up in Haiti and went to a catholic school there, and I'm stunned by the american public school system and what these kids have been allowed to get away with. I've watched your vid 3 times in one sitting and each time I do, I felt a little stronger. today, I mustered the guts to start applying for new work. Thanks for making feel so much better. I felt like I went through a horrible breakup. Tears and all because I so wanted to give to my students what my ESL teachers gave me. You're my hero. Thanks for telling the truth.
Homeless Veterans Channel wow! so glad I could provide some relief and hope. Now just keep finding things that make you feel stronger 💪 and you’ll be on to something new in no time 😊
I'm constantly looking at the Sunday paper at the job section but they all ask for a degree and experience in that specific field. It makes me feel hopeless. I've been seriously considering just going to random office buildings and leaving my resumé and just hope to get randomly lucky. I battle with elementary school students everyday, and battle with parents who defend them. I quit once, but they asked me to come back and since I needed the money, I reluctantly accepted. But it's a miserable existence. It doesn't matter how strict or even down right scary I try to be, kids don't seem to respect me, I'm talking about actual running around, screaming and fighting while I'm in front trying to talk, it's as if I'm not even there. I need to leave. But I need suggestions of things that I can realistically pursue. I mostly just want an office job.
Kay2be2mr Absolutely----- I felt absolutely trapped and like I had no options to move forward. I could not imagine life after quitting because I wasn't sure what I would do for a job. But! I hope my story gave you some confidence that you are absolutely qualified for office work, as you said. Look in the details section for this video... email me, look at some of the books... but basically you just need to start a job hunting campaign... and there is so much you can do beside dropping resumes, which may make you feel as invisible as you do in the classroom! (However, going to random workplaces that you're interested in and TALKING to people, is actually a recommended job hunting technique from the What Color Is Your Parachute Guy) 😂 ack! Can't believe you managed to quit once and get roped back in! But I know the money question is real... but you can figure this out. Good luck, again, feel free to email me, I'll share job searching ideas and resources.
Sad that elementary kids act like this, would have thought high school kids may be uppity, but not at the Tom Sawyer time of life. Something is terribly wrong, I could say Lost Generation and by your count would not be wrong.
love inallwedo if the kids are adhd, emotionally disturbed or just don’t give a you know what they will destroy any routine or procedure you try to establish. The routines will help a little, true, but they will not be the miracle cure they are made out to be.
Thank you, so so much for this. When you said, "I tried and I tried and I tried..." I got emotional. I feel exactly the same way. I was just hit with the realization that I can't go on teaching, yesterday, for all the reasons you talked about. I just started sobbing, although it's not the first time I've had an emotional breakdown about teaching. I thought I was just having the wrong attitude. Now that I've decided that I'll be leaving after the kids take their quarterly exams and head off to Christmas break, I have the fear that I won't get a job to cushion me...but I just can't take the anxiety any longer. Thank you again for this. It made me feel, finally, that I'm not alone in this.
robynjulianne thanks Robyn 😊 Sundays were always really hard for me, a combination of dread and procrastination/avoidance... and ESPECIALLY Sundays after holiday breaks... just double hard after being out of routine and feeling like a human for awhile! So, just don't trust your Sunday feelings completely-- but trust them a little and tell yourself that quitting is okay, and there's a whole life for you out there if teaching doesn't work out. So much interesting work to get involved in-- and it may take time (perhaps years!) but you'll find something that you're actually excited to do and feel competent and strong doing it (I think I'm just hitting my stride myself). (And if you're like me, of course you were excited to become a teacher, and love the idea of it. That's what makes it so hard to accept the reality of it not working out, I think. We get committed to the original idea even at the cost of our own sanity and wellbeing-- and of course then are not doing well for students either!) Anyhow, I just wanted to say, you might feel extra rough bc the return from Holidays is hard. I'm excited for you to let that realization that you can leave teaching when you want settle in. Freedom ✨✨✨✨
Thank you so much for this video. I am under a lot of pressure from family to continue with a job that is killing me. No time and my mind is constantly occupied. I don't have any time to recover. I was up at 4 am and had to stay in school until 8 pm for parent night. I'm mentally sick. The biggest hurt is my families disappointment. In having thoughts of self harm from my job honestly. Hopefully I can be brave enough to quit soon.
.
Take concrete steps toward your exit, get your resume ready, think of other jobs and areas you're interested in... and remember you don't have to transition into a perfect job, but it probably helps to have something. Just an hourly fun position can be great relief and transition. Your family should be supportive when they understand how much you're struggling, but if not, you just need to take care of yourself. If you're like me, getting out of teaching will make those dark thoughts go away. You sound like you need a confidence reminder, go read Jen Sincero's book You Are A Badass, and get pumped up to move on :)
+j0z3phy thanks for your input. It means a lot. I just feel bad because I am in a good school system supposedly but I still feel terrible there. I worry I'm just a broken person and other careers won't work for me either. You were right about my self esteem issues I guess. I'll have to check out that book.
I remember exactly what you mean by feeling broken, like maybe nothing else would work either. Teaching is very unique in terms of stresses and pressure. Regardless of quality of the school or district, I think it just won't work for some people. How long have you been teaching?
I student taught jan-April in 2016 and have been only teaching in my career for 1 month hired August 12. I'm drowning in the workload.
+user596757 well, you are in the hardest part! Even folks who become great teachers and love it talk about how hard their first year was. Do seek help from experienced teachers around you and take care of yourself! Only x days till winter break :)
This message is so heartening to hear!
Hi! I’m from Turkey and I can totally relate to you. Teaching is like a giant wormhole that sucks everything good in my life. I’ve been teaching for 6 years and I’ve hated every single day of my teaching career. I dream of quitting everyday but I can’t due to my current financial situation. I hope someday I’ll be happy and free like you. Thank you for this inspiring video.
burhan t. Hopefully there are some financial options that perhaps you haven’t considered 😊 At some point a decision may have to be made before you know how it’s going to work out!
j0z3phy I couldn’t agree more. Now that I've made my decision I'm sure I'll find a way out. Thanks for your support. It means a lot to me.
I hear you. I have not been teaching for about a year now. I am really working but not being compensated but the reward of caring for my elderly parents and grandson is rewarding,, but what I do is a duel sword. I worked 15 years as a teacher, but there were so many issues that develop into leaving my profession.
thanks for your honesty - I relate absolutely to most of what you say- thank you. let us know what you're doing now
I met in my student's path teachers with your personality with so much wealth and diversity inside. They were the best and gave me the inspiration to be a teacher.
I still think about them as an adult now.
Wow! I found your story encouraging. I feel like I wasted 14 years in the classroom. I even took year long breaks and substituted, when I returned this year; I knew my heart was not in it anymore. The kids hadn't even returned and the stress and anxiety I was already feeling - not worth my health. I've begun the job search. I LOVE helping people and being bilingual is a plus, so you'd think I should be able to find something relatively easy. However, I'm not tech savvy and as one person mentioned, I tend to be overqualified for basic jobs. However, I'll be looking into city jobs and continue to look on CZcams to get some ideas. Thanks again!
Thanks for making this video. It helped me so much when I decided to quit teaching. I appreciate how calm you are, and how you didn’t take this as an opportunity to complain and spew about the school system. This video helped me realize that there were so many more options, and gave me hope that I could someday work a job I loved. I’ve been working a new job that I love, and I’m thankful that I made the leap. Thanks for making this video and helping so many of us decide what the path forward should be
Thank you for sharing your story! You are very brave!
I kept seeing your video and decided not to watch originally but I’m so glad that I finally did. It has been a true struggle and I’ve been contemplating leaving after Christmas break I haven’t signed my contract I literally cry so much having to go to my job. This gave me courage.
Yanni Marie 🙌🙌 so close to Christmas. You’ve got this.
Thank you so much. I decided to leave teaching two days ago and your words are very encouraging
Thank you for this. I needed to see this :)
Thank you for this video, I needed to hear this!
Menakarra Star 😁
I was so happy after watching this video. I have been trying to find my way after quitting April 2018. I taught for 6 years and returning was looking like my only option. I'm so glad this video has given me the motivation to keep looking. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Kendra Jones there were times when I thought the same, when my new job wasn’t a perfect fit and I didn’t know what to do next... and time between solid employment... I just kept on working (or job searching) and it wasn’t until my 4th job after teaching that I’ve really found a sweet spot for what may be a really good career area for me (though I’m still actively refining my focus and thinking about what job trajectory I imagine for myself!) Keep the faith in yourself!
Thanks for the words of support. I'm leaving this summer. It was a big decision but needed to be done. With 3 young kids it's scary but for my own health I had to do it. Money is the biggest worry but I'm sure I'll get something and get me head right.
Nice Simon! My head definitely felt wrong all the while teaching, and getting only worse the last year pushed me to the decision. I knew I wasn't in the mind space I would want my own children's teacher to be in, which felt like a moral obligation to move on... If that makes sense, after fighting it for so long. Was surprised to find how much better I felt just getting out of there... the mental pressure cooker relieved. Good luck!
Ok, literally you have just described everything I have been thinking and feeling. My hand was shaking when I turned in my resignation. Thanks for helping me not be so overwhelmed with what is next. I knew and know for sure I could not continue in this job. I really knew it because I ran out of sick/personal leave and began taking reductions in my paycheck and didn't care if it was $1,000.00 or $500.00. Thank you, I couldn't stop holding my breath and move in life.
Wow-- congratulations! The next chapter of your life can now begin without breath holding. Give yourself some time to relax and recover.... and things will come together with time. "Things Take Time" A good mantra :) Good luck!
Thank you! Is is something I needed to hear. ❤
I worked as a full time substitute for a month and these kids drove me crazy. Mind you i was working with 12th grade students but they act like 4th and 5th grade children. I'm ready to quit this is not what i expected at ALL
OMG I can relate to this 100%!! Thanks for making this video! I am going through the same "summer cycles" you spoke about. I think the next year will be different, but it's not for the most part. I get so worried about what I will do for money, so I go back each year. But, now, it is hard to "fake it." I love my kids, but I must say, "I don't like them." And, its becoming hard to be patient. What can I do? I am desperate.
Thank you so, so, so much for this encouraging video!
It feels really relieving to know I'm not alone, so again, thank you. I don't know what else to say other than thank you. And yes: I did google "I quit teaching" in my native language, but I couldn't find anything but motivational videos, which was really frustrating. Thankfully, being an English teacher helped me to get here.
I've been really sad, frustrated, angry lately. You described how I've been feeling.
Teaching here in Brazil is so hard. Unfortunately, we have more than 75% of people who are functionalIy illiterate, which makes things very difficult, but I'd be OK with that if people weren't so passive. Most of my students (at language schools!) they simply do not do what they are supposed to. They skip classes, they don't do their homework, they say they don't have time. You may teach them the same shit over and over again and yet most of them won't remember it because they do not study outside the classroom. They think studying a language only once a week is enough.
I used to love my job. I used to be so passionate about teaching, but I just can't take it anymore. Making 6 dollars per hour makes me have to work in four schools in oderder to make ends meet.
I deal with passive students every single day who think that learning a second language depends only on me. I have to stand students who misbehave, disrespect me etc. I teach in a classroom with more than 45 students! And I just can't take it.
Nobody understands me. I feel crappy because I've been teaching for only two years and I'm already this desperate. Can't help feeling this unmotivated, this sad, this angry. I've tried my best to make a difference, to make people learn, but it doesn't only depend on me. And this is only the tip of the ice berg. Today, for example, I said I wasn't feeling well because going to that school makes me sick.
I won't say I haven't had good moments with awesome students, but those are two or three out of 10.
Bottom line is: I'm really sad. But thank you for this video.
I know exactly how you feel x hugs.
You presented this video pretty well. You were sincere and said some really valuable things.
Gutsy move to leave in the spring break. Kudos for the authentic way you told your story.
Thank you so much for ur video , the educational system isn’t helping when it comes to teaching it actually makes it even worse , sometimes even the environment and the relationships you have with co-workers worsen the situation, I honestly don’t know what to do at this point .
THANK YOU.... u have no idea how much I needed this today.... I skipped the first 2 days of school already and my anxiety is causing me physical reactions
Thank you brother. You're a great teacher. !!
I really needed to see this video a few years ago. I'm from NZ and have taught for the last ten years. This has helped me make the right decision in walking away. Thank you so much for your insight and sharing - just seeing someone else go through this and understand, when many people don't, helps tremendously. I don't know where to go next and that is scary - but all I know is that I won't dread everyday and once out of the negative system of Education, I may even stop hating myself. Thank you for helping me take this step.
There's endless possibility for you out there, for all of us! 😊 It's REALLY hard to comprehend that everything will be okay and that your career will evolve in directions you never imagined... but it will! It's a leap of faith, but you know is better than what you're facing now, almost anything is. Love yourself love yourself love yourself. You are worth it!
Your reply means a lot and I will try and do so. I hope you have found some happiness? Thank you for being an inspiration.
Kris S in about 4 years I've worked about 3 different jobs, and starting a 4th now that maybe feels like the right direction. I can't say I've found my perfect solution yet, but I keep learning and trying things to see how they fit. But I've been much happier than teaching, even on the worst days in any of my other jobs. This is just to say, it can be a long process, and you don't have to wait for the perfect solution, just the next thing that will work for a little while and keep you moving forward. I really do recommend the book "You Are a Badass" and anything that will help you feel confidence and remember your talents etc. Teaching broke down my sense of self and confidence so much that it took awhile just to build it back up AND I worked with a professional career/life coach that really challenged me to overcome my self doubt and embrace the possibility of following my seemingly impossible career aspirations. Etc etc etc 😊I'm rambling now, thanks for chatting, hopefully I'll make an update video at some point to share some of what I'm rambling about here
Thank you very much for chatting. I will find that book and read it - I am trying to open myself up to any and all possibilities. It sounds like I am exactly where you were, in relation to the break down of self and confidence. I really like the idea of just moving forward - not a perfect solution. Based on your views and the many comments here, you have helped a lot of people. I don't have high aims in life or expectations - I just would like to have a good home life-work balance and where I can become myself again. Its 1.30am on a Sunday morning here and I cant sleep due to the stress of it all - that is my clear sign resign. Keep up your positive vibes - because you are making a difference to others!
THANK YOU FOR THIS.
I want to thank the CZcams algorithm for getting me to this saint’s video. I needed this.
This is so encouraging, thank you so much!
Jess L sure thing, glad to help!
Thank you for your video and sincerity, I decided to go back to college to get a degree in education (finishing soon) and watching videos like this, reading the comments and listening to teacher friends makes me sad and scared. I will give the career a chance because I have gotten this far, and hopefully it will work for me. This is so sad to hear, a person goes into teaching with hopes and ideas, we mainly want to give and see that generation grow, feel like we had something good to offer and the obstacles are so daunting. Thank you again for your perspective and I wish you well in your new endeavor.
Ivonne Castro thanks Ivonne. I want to make it clear that I don’t blame the education system or any of the common things you’ll hear teachers list as challenges. I entered teaching accepting all those things. For me, it was just a personality and skills/stress mismatch. If you feel at ease leading a class, if you feel at ease being in charge and managing students and assignments, I think that’s the core of it. Of course it’s probably challenging/nervous for everyone when they start, but if you realize early on that you’re fundamentally uncomfortable with the role - I personally think that’s the thing to look out for.
I understand, I have been volunteering and also working as a teachers assistant and still like it, although there are days that I feel the kids didnt accomplish anything so it makes me frustrated. But I do understand were you are coming from and as in any career, there will always be things that we dislike and off days, this is why I will continue going and give it a chance, hey if it dosent work for me I can always do something else :)
Ivonne Castro I will say that I never had a single “on” day in 6 years of teaching 😅 I don’t want to trivialize the profound stress that teaching can cause for those who are not suited for it. It is not just like the ups and downs of any career or job. For happy teachers - yes - they’ll have ups and downs like any job. For miserable teachers, it can become a true crisis of not knowing what to do or how to escape. It is funny, when you’re in a student teaching role, or observing/assisting another teacher, it is so easy to be judgmental of all the little issues you’ll see, or things you might do differently. Such a different experience once you’re fully in charge day after day! I wish you the best and hope you are very happy teaching - with just the regular ups and downs of any job 😊 And you might just be someone perfectly suited for teaching! Now that’s something magic, and what we all want for our kids.
Thank you so very much! It’s so horrible feeling trapped😢. I have to find something fast!
This video was really encouraging. I adore my kids, but there are so many reasons why I just can't keep teaching. I know a lot of people are going to be disappointed in me, but I have to do what's right for me. That park ranger job sounds awesome. I would still love to work with kids.. maybe I could be a sports coach or work at a community center or something? I have no idea what I'm going to do, but anyway thanks for posting this video. Its great to see that there's someone to relate to.
+Haley Truslow
First, a link to a Human Workplace article... get to the 2nd page to hear her talking about what teachers are qualified for (essentially anything that doesn't require a law-degree or an MD!): Human workplace you're more qualified than you think: www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2015/12/31/you-are-way-more-qualified-than-you-think/#5c8908175e8b
For me, the park ranger position was the the result of thinking back to some of my core positive experiences, I followed that instinct just driving around and chatting with people. Your brain is probably telling the story of all those people you might disappoint, where hopefully there's someway to tap into some of your instincts about interesting directions to check out. This is the perfect time to find coaching or community center work, so many summer positions are posted right now!
I think another big thing is realizing you might have to take what feels like some lower-paying hourly work, and that can lead to other things. I just ran into someone who went through my teacher-training program with me, quit after one year, began working with a YMCA, and now she's a coordinator of a statewide program. (For context, more than half of the people I student-taught with have moved on by now!)
Good luck!
The reassuring conversation I have not found a worthy person capable of having with me. Thanks for taking the weight off of my shoulders. Already started making plans to open my own art studio and create my art again. The shame of leaving the classroom should not be so heavy. Thanks for the helping me close that door!!
Cheers Annie! Oh gosh there shouldn't be shame but I know that feeling. I heard this in Jay Shetty's "Think Like a Monk Book": if a loved one get's a divorce, we say congrats, or we're happy you're moving on. It's not usually a happy marriage that ends in divorce, and the ones that care for you just want your happiness. The trick is maybe to care for yourself just as much :D Take care!
This helped a great deal. Thank you!
tHANK YOU.... I am a beginning teacher, I only finished my degree last year. I got two days into my teaching position and couldn't stomach things... I dealt with violence from students over those two days and could not control the class. I am about to say goodbye to teaching already as it scares me and I know I cannot commit to the long hours as a solo parent. It has reminded me that social justice was the reason I wanted to pursue it, but in reality I don't want to be in a classroom. I feel like a failure already and dont know where to go but this has helped me, in that short time I knew that it was all too much for me. Thank you.
Jamie Crook Thanks for sharing your story. There are so many social justice efforts across nonprofits and government programs etc, lots to explore in your community and see if that original reason for teaching might lead you in another direction outside the classroom 😇
I was an ESL teacher abroad for a couple of years, and a year ago I made the decision to quit teaching for good...best career decision I've ever made! This video is what helped me finally break the cycle, so from me to you, thank you so much!
Patrick Nurse Congrats Patrick! So glad to hear things are going well.
Love you, sir, you gave me the motivation to quit my job ❤️
Your "test"! Spot on! On some level going into the profession we think we will change the world and turn chaos into liquid gold in our rooms! But we dont realize it's like the show Wipe Out where other factors (admin who hand out lollipops to disruptive students, testing, programming which interrupts the routine we FINALLY established!) are sprayed and kicked at us to knock us off our learning and success goals for children!
OMG ... yes. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for this video! 💪
Thank you for posting. I left a full time special education teaching job last June. I ended up subbing since January and still don't want to go back to a full schedule. I am leaning more toward being self-employed and also eventually getting certified as a therapist. I went into special ed to work with low functioning individuals and ended up in inclusion settings for two years after being surplused to another campus because they were getting rid of some sped positions at the end of my first year.
Did you ever get a chance to work in a setting with the original student population you were hoping to work with? Depending on your priorities, I could see alternative settings to be involved in that work, though it might have to be at more of an aide or assistant pay level at first (whether with schools or outside care taking programs, etc). Anyhow, whatever direction sounds good, I just say see where it leads you and don’t feel obliged to your original ideas :)
Thank you for sharing. Mind you, you see, it's sort of different for different people, you know. I personally don't see a lot of opportunities around me where I live, unfortunately. However, very honest and inspiring clip. Thanks again.
Thank you so much for this video! Currently looking for what my exit strategy will be, it's a daunting task but my hope is renewed after watching your video and reading the comments.
fridafireworks 😁 here’s the TED Talk that really helped me take the first step when I had no logical process for figuring out how to exit the classroom:
czcams.com/video/KDQrMoksJ4Q/video.html (Go with your gut feeling | Magnus Walker)
Your video is exactly what I needed. I've taught for the last six years and am miserable everyday. Trying to make the difficult decision to finally leave and attempt to find something else...
Do it! I'm three years out, and still figuring "what to do" out.... but it no longer seems scary. I've had hourly/seasonal jobs, a full-time salaried job (which I also didn't love), but am really finding my pace as an independent contractor and consultant... and the future feels wide open. I've slowly bridged from my background of education to building skills toward things I really love to do-- communications, web design, and etc for nonprofits. All I can say is that sticking with a miserable job is giving up on yourself and your chances for happiness. Before I quit, I could not even imagine the possibilities of how much better my life would become. Teachers in your same shoes have contacted me after 20+ years of feeling just like you. It's harder to know what to tell them. But I can tell you.... don't become them!
j0z3phy Just a quick reply (3 months later) to say that I left my teaching job and feel like the world is off my shoulders. I'm so much happier and relaxed. Thank you again for the video. It helped make my decision easier!
I'm happy for you, Nicole. And a little envious! How long did you teach for, what grades, and why did you decide to leave?
Last night I was googling what to expect when you walk into an ER and tell them you're feeling suicidal or having suicidal thoughts. Thankfully, when I woke up this morning, in the light of day, I was able to rationally recognize that wasn't okay in the slightest. It's time for a change, and I think this is where I need to start. Thank you for your encouragement. ❤️
Azure-Sparrow I think the emergency room is a reasonable path if you feel in danger of hurting yourself - whereas seeking some other professional support, such as you school district’s Employee Assistance Program - would be good steps to take if you’re more in the mode of having suicidal thoughts arise in your head. In either case... yes! Once you realize how bad you are really doing... it’s like, even though I don’t know how to fix this... accepting the unknown is better than the reality of suicidal feelings growing worse! Google Mental Health First aid for resources that might help think things through and seek some help.
this video is so good. thanks man. peace
Your story is amazing!
Thank you for this video!
Thank you for this! I've got 1 month to go until summer break. Then it's on to my next career.
Al Jaques congratulations 🍾🎊 congratulations!🎉
One of the best teacher videos I've seen