Why I Quit - G.M. asked

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : October : 28

Why I Quit - G.M. asked
By Jan

I have been feeling unhappy in teaching for a few years. Then my mother died of cancer Sept. 2000 - and for me it created a similar reaction that many people experienced after this past Sept. 11th tragedy. You look at
the preciousness of life and ask yourself -"Is this what I want to be doing and is this how I want to be feeling for the next 20 years?" I'm not exaggerating when I say that after my mom died, every single day, I'd go back and forth at least 5 times between staying in teaching (and all the reasons for it) and getting out (and the fears, mostly financial for that). Fear is mostly what stopped

me. How will I find a job that pays this much (even though we don't get paid what we're worth!) You asked what drove me out. I care so much about what I do - I value getting an education so much and it was just so hard to see children who don't listen, don't care and don't try. I had, of course, some who did care, did listen and did try and they kept me going. And don't even get me started about the ones who continuously misbehave and sabotage your lessons. All of that is about 50% of it. The other part is, again, what you can read on this Vent board - seeing what's happened to education - what we're expected to do. I hate having to teach to a test. North Carolina requires such time consuming assessment at grades K-2 - thank goodness I was in 3rd grade where I just had to worry about tests. We push so much on kids and expect so much - it's almost no wonder they seem to tune it all out. I guess I'm just tired. School started this year and I thought I had a positive attitude and all the frustrations came back in a big hurry. Finally, there was no more back and forth conversation in my head about what to do - I just finally knew. So I resigned Aug. 30th - gave a month's notice. I haven't regretted it and I haven't panicked. I could try for a well paying job in the city about 30 min. away- some former teachers I know make big bucks as a sales rep for a pharmeceutical company. If I was in my early thirties, I'd think of a whole new career. But I'm almost 48 and I'm just not that motivated right now. I just want a job with a pleasant and respectful working environment, where I can be around lots of people and be a few minutes from home. I've discovered what it is to be extremely frugal. I may have to get a roommate - but I'll find something and I'll make ends meet. I'm just very sad to see so many people unhappy, and rightfully so, in a profession we all love - or want to love.