If you could do it again, would you still become a teacher in today’s climate not just Covid but the whole attack economically and socially. If you yes , Would you choose teach the same thing that you teach now? If No what would you do for a living?

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

No. When I started teaching 39 years ago it was an awesome profession. Parents were supportive and teachers weren’t constantly looking over their shoulders in fear that something would happen. Kids were respectful and ready to learn. I have one more year. If I could do it again, I would have done computer programming (the only kind of computer major around back then). My daughter is an IT supervisor for a grocery chain-she doesn’t program, but she troubleshoots all their different problems. She loves her job and 11 years out of college she makes 15 thousand dollars more than I do after 39 years teaching.

likesmarthelpful

Same- 10 years behind you, but the CS department chair at my college kept trying to recruit me. I wish I’d made the jump back in the 90s

like

In all honesty I would have to say no. It started out an extremely demanding profession but has only gotten more so as the years have progressed. One goes into the profession with the best of intentions. Sadly it becomes evident over the years that the reason you became a teacher becomes a very small slice of the pie in front of you. It gets frustrating after a time. That and the energy required for this profession left me very little gas in the tank for my own children when I would get home at night. They would ask me for help on their homework, for instance and I felt like I was gonna snap. They didn’t deserve that. They didn’t get the best of me, they got what was left of me. Financially it was also a struggle. Oh yes, I know we don’t do it for the money. I’ve heard all the great cliches this profession has to offer. But the reality is I became jaded when I first discovered I needed a second job to make ends meet because we had more month than money. Didn’t I go to college for 5 years? Why was I having to work two jobs to survive? (I’m talking basics here, not lavish vacations). “Doing it for the kids,” only goes so far, and then you have to start thinking about your own family and the sacrifices they have to make in order for you to be a teacher. I’m old now, so it doesn’t make much difference. I like working with children, they were never the issue. It’s all the peripheral demands and lack of respect in general this profession receives that wore me down over the years. I’d never do it again. Sorry. That was probably more than you asked for. 😂

likesmart

Absolutely

Recent IconRecent

Well, considering I went from being a law enforcement officer amd loss prevention manager to education…I am beginning g to feel that there are no “safe” and “appreciated” professions that are left…that don’t involve money, knowing people, or playing politics left out there.

like

While I have enjoyed my career, especially the early years before state testing became the only priority, I would have made a different decision if I had realized that I would not be supported by administration and that testing would become the focus of everything that we do. Teachers are now blamed for every aspect of what goes wrong in our society and for any student’s failure. We are expected to give our time, money and life’s blood without limits and without decent compensation and with a big smile on our faces. There is no joy in Mudville! I think last year’s COVID school year created massive burnout in education as it has also done in healthcare. I could have retired this year. I am not ready for another school year, but I will return this fall and maybe one more to get that average salary up and finish out a decent retirement so I can move on. Then I will go find something else that I can enjoy while also helping people in some way. I always enjoyed the study of law and history. A political science professor begged me to go to law school but I had my mind set on teaching. I don’t know what I will do yet but I’m excited to have a new opportunity to make a difference.

likesmart

I agree completely! Well said!

like

Absolutely not. I would go into data analysis. Which is where I am headed soon!

like

I was in the middle of applying for my MS in Math Ed when covid hit....took a hard pass and now I'm taking online courses for data analysis.

smart

I am uncertain. I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else. Despite the ramifications of COVID, economic disparities and other difficulties, teaching students with special needs is for me!

like

God bless you!

like

Yes…this is what I do. Warts and all!

like

I enjoy kids but the toxic environment the adults have made have spilled onto my students. Nobody cares about education and it’s always someone else’s fault or problem. Then there is trying to be a teacher and look over your shoulder at the same time. I can’t trust anyone. Who can work in any trade when you don’t trust anyone?
I gave up a high paying management career to do this. MBA and all! Oops.

like

You have something to go back to! I mostly agree with your statement (some parents do care about education… maybe 10-20%). Colleagues can’t always be trusted. It’s a shame.

like

I have loved teaching math and especially love the connection with kids. However, math teachers have way too much on their plates compared to other subject teachers. Only exception are special Ed teachers, you couldn't pay me double my salary to take that on. With math, forget about coming in or leaving on time due to constant extra help. Admin is on top of you for SAT scores where all subject areas focus on preparing students for the English sections, only math teachers focus on math section. If I could go back, I'd teach science since the entire dept pretty much has just one prep and only four classes due to a lab period. I've had up to five preps in one year.

I've considered leaving teaching, especially after this ridiculous year teaching both f2f and virtual at the same time, but mostly since education has changed in the last few years. I am not able to teach the way I want to teach or assign my students anything outside of what my coworkers assign, everything must be common between the course. It's heartbreaking to say that I just don't have it in me to give it my all anymore and that isn't fair to my students.

likesmart

No disrespect to teachers who do such a great job. I value their commitment. But after 21 years as a teacher, I left the profession, pre-covid, and the only way I’d ever go back is to be in a desperate situation in which I couldn’t support myself in any other way. I’ve been disrespected, bullied by admin., students, and their parents for too long. I got my fill. If districts keep abusing teachers, getting classrooms covered is going to be impossible.

like

Yes! I’ll take my seaweed over anyone else’s lake.

likefunny

I love the way you put that!

like

No. I would have chosen a trade. My bf is in HVAC and is now a specialist. Easily makes 30 grand more than me and has none of the college debt.

like

Trades are growing in need. I tell my kids and their friends; skip college and get a trade. Welders, machinists, plumbers are aging out with no one to replace them.

likehelpful

I would still choose to teach. I'm in my 33rd year. I get frustrated with all of the politics involved in curricular decisions and testing these days, but I still enjoy working with the kids.

like

33 is the magic number! ITM!

Nope. I’d be an actuary. Much better pay, no nutty administrators, no parents. Actuaries can actually retire at 45 and enjoy life.

like

I teach because I like it a lot and it fits my mission statement as well as pretty much any other profession except youth ministry.

But the profession is less and less attractive all the time. One of my kids wants to be a teacher and I am doing all I can to dissuade her.

like

This is an interesting conversation! I explained to my kids the math and they see the day to day drudgery. We discussed it in terms of cost benefit. It will cost you X dollars to go to school to be a teacher. The starting salary is Y and the maximum you will make is about Z. Decide if it is worth it financially. There are many ways to teach without being in a classroom. My oldest is now a financial planner and has the opportunity to teach others how to make their money work for them.

like

When I made a career transition to teaching 9 years ago, I had been a small business owner for 8 years. I had several clients, many of them teachers, who thought I’d make a good teacher. Compared to making a living as a small business owner, K-12 education had the following advantages:
1. Guaranteed salary increases each year
2. Guaranteed 6 figure salary by 10 years
3. Guaranteed holidays and time off summers
4. Established pension after retirement

I don’t regret my decision to switch to education, and I think I have it better as a CTE teacher in my district than most of the other teachers who post to this forum. In spite of all the absurdity and BS most educators have to contend with nowadays, I still see the value of teaching and I hope to retire from this career in the next 18 years, as long as the bottom doesn’t fall out. I may not be saying all this if we didn’t have a decent teachers union negotiating for us.

likesmart

Good for you, if that's true. None of those things are true for most teachers.

Absolutely. After 17 years I still love my work. I was in corporate marketing for 15 years and made lots of money but wasn’t truly happy.

likefunny

I’m also torn. I taught my own children in AP Chemistry and physics, and they have done well in college and grad school. The previous teachers were lousy. But I didn’t allow any of them to become teachers. The profession has taken a serious hit in the past ten years. My income is really low.

likehelpful

30 years in, but half of that in private schools, so no pension. I left at the end of the year. With all the talk of self-care since 2020, I couldn’t stay when I still put in 8-16 hours every weekend to keep up with what I couldn’t get done in contract hours. I’m practicing self-care now.

like

No. And I’m only 5 years in. Not sure how much more I will go, either.

like

Get out! Retrain for something that will fill your soul!

likesmart

I am not a teacher, but have been working with students for seven years now. I’m currently working on my teachers degree, I love my job, working with students. I love giving something of me to them, which is knowledge they can use and contribute to our community. I know there has been many changes but I would not change it for the world, if we do not like what we see, we can work together and make a difference by teaching students how to make that difference. Again it’s just me really enjoying what I do.

like

I am glad to read about your passion. Please never let it die. Yes, my para is an extremely important part of "our" class and yes, too many PDs leave paras sitting in the corner waiting for and craving for knowledge. Become the best teacher you can be, but always understand that there will be roller coasters of admin walking in and off your campus. Don't stay in one district too long. Experience a few and find your niche. Trying to move after 5-7 years, you lose seniority, salary, and some districts will only accept the newer teacher. Find what works best for you and then love each day.

Hell no. My daughter is a sophomore in college and last year she said she wanted to be a teacher. I had to talk her out of it. It has changed so much since I started 20 years ago, and not for the better.

like

Related Posts

Anyone know the salary for a vp at Marcus?

like

Anyone experiencing severe hairfall a few months after you’ve had Covid? I went to the derm and they told me it’s because of Covid and we need to wait it out. It’s nerve wracking as hell

like

Hi fishes
I got offer from PWC for 14LPA. My CCTC is 9.6LPA. I am expecting more they said max we can give 14LPA. And I asked for JB HR said if I join soon then they can give JB. In my organization NP is 90 days.
My question is should i push for more salary? I am expecting alteast 16-18 LPA
My YOE is 10

Thanks

like

Anyone from Allied Benefits LLC know the salary for a Reimbursement Specialist?

like

Hi Everyone,

Could anyone help me to understand the salary bifurcation of Wipro. I am not able to understand how much will be my in-hand salary per month.

Thanks in advance !

Post Photo

Can you get back Virgin Atlantic miles spent on booking a reward delta international flight if you cancel the flight due to coronavirus?

like

My current job is a dead end. No salary increase no growth. I have a phone interview with another company & aside from asking the usual questions and giving them answers, when do you ask about salary?

like

Hi Fishes,
I had given interview for network security architect position in Feb last week. And as per recruiter, I got selected for that role. I have been asked to share the documents on March 1st. I did a few followup for the offer letter update and they asked me 2 wait for 2-3 weeks. And now they are saying position has gone on hold after I did another followup.
Could it be because of expected salary ?
Yoe: 9
Exp ctc: 33 (35% on current)

like

I have final HR Round Going to be conducted this week. I am currently working as QA Test Lead. Relevant exp is 6 years. Total exp is 9 years. Current CTC is 8LPA. What should be my next package if I switch? I just don't want to get trap in HR's salary bucket.

like

Hi all,
I got promoted on 1st September and I resigned on 5th September in Accenture. My Workday profile has been updated but Allsec still not updated. Will I get my updated salary or the old one?

After a hard reset on travel points (got none after Covid and change to industry) how would you start over? Which credit card is best for travel points? Airline? Starwood or Bonvoy? Avis or ??

At one time I had status on most airlines and hotels but I never bothered to focus on accumulating points since it seemed like they were infinite and I booked on convenience. Oh have times changed! I even let go of Amex platinum, just wasn’t worth it to me. Base airport LAX/SNA so no airline pref.

like

Do you consider your teaching a ministry? How do you do Gods work in the classroom?

likehelpful

Hi,

Can you please let me know how much will be my in hand salary.

Post Photo
like
like

After the recent hikes, what is the salary band for AM in KGS?

like

I m earning 40lpa in India. I have an offer to go canada for my current company. I m yet to negotiate the compensation part.

How much salary should I expect in Canada ( to match my Indian salary) ?
Please advice...

Note:
1.Company sponsors me the closed work permit for this job.
2. I m married and have two kids. Planning to go with my family.
3. Right now my wife is not ready to go work. I'm the soley one who earns.

@canada @Ontario

like

PwC India Folks, heard from someone that AC Kolkata will publish hike letters next week. Please vidate this info.

Also, if i resign now/next week and my last working date is after July 31st, i can still get my hike and bonus, correct? This is written in the employee handbook and my offer letter. I would appreciate if someone who has greater insights to reconfirm this.

Pwc AC PwC India PwC

like

What’s the average salary for key account manager/BDM in the medical consumables business? (UK)

like

Hi All, can anyone from DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area give some insights on salary range for a first year associate attorney (business immigration) in the area?
Potential candidate’s background- freshly admitted to bar but has close to 5yrs law clerk exp.
Any insights appreciated. Thanks in advance.

More Posts

Can anyone at Intuit give me referral for SDE Intern role?
I have good hold on DSA

like

Hi Everyone , I have offer from both Amdocs and KPMG . Amdocs is offering me better pay than KPMG But in Amdocs the project is of Development + Support (linx , sql and azure databricks ) and in Kpmg purely Azure based development .
Which one should i join ?

like

Do you have to pay the application fee and the exam fee to retake a section of the exam?

like

I am working as a backend developer with 8+ years of experience in .Net. Can someone please suggest any hands on courses for cloud technologies.P.S.- I do not have any exposure to cloud technologies.

Hey KGS Folks,

Does employees who works for UK client get furlough leaves/year end break during Christmas? I am new in KGS, so just wanted to know.

like

Anyone Desi fish here who purchased a house on H1 on mortgage and has moved out of the country (or to Canada) ?
Trying to understand if you were able to continue holding onto the property and potentially rent it out , and earn rent income while not being a US resident ?

like

COWORKER 1: “I wonder if we’re getting holiday bonuses this year.”

COWORKER 2: “I see that you still believe in Santa.”

funnylikesmart

Has anyone tried Beta Brand? They advertise dress pant yoga pants. My friend who is a lawyer says a lot of people in her office wears them. Looking for a 2nd opinion.

likesmart

Moving to Dallas. Any neighborhood/apartment recommendations?

like

Hi fishes,
I am looking for remote opportunities in SDET QA Automation. Please let me know if there are opportunities at your company!!!
YOE : 4

I am told that CSM is not a sales job (so not commission based) yet you are expected to respond to targets. Can you please explain the difference and whether there still is an element of pressure with hitting your targets?

like

Hello! I'm in internal HR as a HRBP but am looking to get into HR Consulting in the next 2-3 years. Among the Big 4 Accounting Firms and Big 3 (MBBs), which has the best HR Consulting practice?

like

A few questions on Crunchyroll Had interview with HM who said they are very slow with the hiring process. Is this a red flag?
How is WLB? anyone staying remote at Crunchyroll?

like

Thinking of moving intracompany to West Europe (UK, Germany, Netherlands) Pay is almost 40% less adjusted only for currency (haven’t looked at PPP) but work life balance much better. Thoughts?

like

After you’ve pulled an all-nighter, how do you get through the next day? Caffeine? Exercise? Take a nap? Quit early?

like

Fidelity International, Gurgaon is a product based company hiring for senior java developer.

Fidelity provides Great WLB, Hybrid working, you will get change to work on latest technologies.
Free cab facility in NCR, free food.

Feel free for referral.

like

What recruiting exit opportunities have people seen / achieved? I managed to pívot out of agency into a early careers campaign manager, then to HR project management, but lo and behold I’m back in corporate full cycle recruiting again 😛

Post Photo
funnylike

Time to negotiate my raise. What should a managing director for a national, non B4 firm make?

like

What salary can be expected for 8 years experienced .Net developer in USA? ( negotiation period for H1B with service based )

So I am at my first job after college. They lied about a lot of things. It is not diverse, it is not inclusive. Other issues is the management is clueless and I’m contemplating weather I should start looking for other jobs after only being here for 5 months. I would have to pay back relocation and bonus unless I stay here for 2 years. Any thoughts? I need advice on this

like

Additional Posts in Teachers

Should I be doing read alouds with older students?

likehelpful

Does you district offer professional development over the summer?

like

This can be a frustrating and draining time of year... I just wanted to give a “Friendly Friday” reminder about how important you all are! Keep doing what you are doing:)

likeuplifting

What's a rule you are expected to enforce that you strongly disagree with or are indifferent to. Do you enforce it or take the risk? I move around as a tutor and am currently working with a school that has a ridiculously strict formal address policy. One of my second graders refers to me as "Miss Tutoring (my first name)" - it's about the cutest thing ever and doesn't bother me one bit. We are moderated sometimes and I'm more worried about her getting in trouble than me for not abiding.

like

Working with a friend on the best way to get into teaching. Is subbing a good way to “get my foot in the door?”

like

All schools in the state of Kansas have been closed for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year!!!

like

One of my classes is very talkative. What can I do to quiet them down whenever I need to get through a lecture?

like

What are you reading over break for your own enjoyment? My favorite authors are Bill Bryson, Garrison Keilor, Jodi Picoult, and Maeve Binchy. My favorite book to come out this year was Where the Crawdads Sing.

likesmarthelpful

One of my fathers disciplines his son when he cries because he says that boys don't cry. What should I do?

like

I am on FMLA before Christmas break and admin knows, but grades were due and my sub couldn't do it. However, the grading system which is new messed up my grades up but I am not allowed to do anything during my fmla school related. Praying I dont get in trouble when I get back in January. Was I in the right not to stress about it until I get back?

like

How many of your students are involved in extracurricular activities through school, and does this make a difference in their engagement?

like

I'm considering starting a job at an online charter school but it seems a little sketchy. Anyone else?

like

Good Tuesday morning everyone 😊. This is your morning DJ spinning the tunes 🎶 to get you movin and groovin through your day. Today’s old school group gave us hits like, “La La Means I Love You, Didn’t I Blow Your Mind this Time, When you get Right Down to It and Ready or Not here I come.” Enjoy, stay safe, hydrated and have a blessed day 🤗. Put your hands together for the incomparable;

Post Photo
likehelpful

I’m curious how many teachers give their students gifts for Christmas/winter break and/or end of the year and what types of gifts they give. I’ve done both in the past but finding it gets pricey. Looking for suggestions. Thanks!

likehelpful

How many teachers feel like we should postpone school until September 7?

like

Any unique fundraiser ideas for clubs and activities?

like

Anyone over 70 still teaching? If so, why and how is it going?

likehelpful

Has anyone been showing/discussing the impeachment trial in class? Any good resources or interesting articles?

like

Every school seems to have a different protocol or threshold (% positive cases) for closing. In NYC, it's 3%. What is it at your school? Do you think it should be up to the district or a national standard?

likefunny

What should I do with our parents at back to school night?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal