Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Is that a stupid thing to even consider before retirement?

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I think many have considered it, especially given the new expectations. Not many that I know have actually done it though.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Every single day. We are not able to best meet the needs of our students anymore and it is so disheartening.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I think about it EVERY day....I am 18 yrs in, but only 8 in the state pension system...I think about another 17 years in this world and I cringe.....but, I am not sure what else I could possibly do...it is the only thng I have ever done......

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I can tell you it is a daily topic of conversation amongst my fellow faculty members... those with only a few years in and those closer to retirement.

I'm just at the mid-way point at 15 years, maxing out at salary (my district stops steps at yr 17) and I am the benefits for the family. My DH took a pretty big hit in his industry since 2008 and the salaries/commissions are just not coming back to what they once were.

I worry about the commute and the stress.
Given my family history, Dad having a stressful life (but not unlike mine as I am now responsible for him and my own family) and massive stroke at 57. I often wonder if all of the changes are literally taking years off my life expectancy.

I am also angry that all of these changes are taking away quality education from my own kids AND my time and energy from my own family... I barely have anything left for MY OWN family at the end of the day

When they attack the pension and/or radically change the medical benefits, then they will have truly eroded all advantages for me. I already know I will never, ever make any more money than I currently take home. Many new contracts will ask for not only monetary givebacks but also major givebacks in time and added responsibilities (I've heard talk that the public is behind eliminating winter recess permanently). All of those are game changers. At that point, I'd be better off in the business world.

Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I do think about it because I get sad when talk of changes coming are constantly discussed and we are constantly blamed and held accountable for things beyond our control...it makes me sad, but I would love to find something even sort of part time, but I carry the benefits and my contribution financially keeps our home running...I can't imagine spending less time with DD than I do now, I am ridden with guilt...

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Everyday! Wouldnt do it ... I cant afford to not have a job but the career is miserable now!! Everyone I work with feels the same way!

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I am so glad I'm not the only one. And, I'm very sorry I'm not the only one.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I really don't know. I am so exhausted and tired of the attacks. As I know we all feel this way....i love my students...the students keep me going. I also carry the benefits and that is a major plus for me. I just don't know what else I'd do. It's such a shame. It's stressing me out big time.

Message edited 2/22/2013 6:04:44 AM.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I left in June of 2012 after 16 years with the NYCDOE. The environment, both school wide and city wide, became way too toxic for me. I commuted by train, which was ok, but 90 minutes each way. Everything took a toll on me- testing, expectations, the impact that poverty had on my school, disrespectful kids and their parents, who were often just as bad. The idea of putting in 10-15 more years made me want to cry.

I do miss certain things. But I don't have to get up at 4:30 in the morning, I don't have to work in a rodent-infested building, worrying about test scores and all the stress. The conditions in my school were just not going to change.

I do worry about money and retirement- I freelance part time- but I have more time for my daughter. I'm still stressed but it's less toxic. There were just not enough advantages left for me to stay.

If anyone has questions feel free to FM me, though I'm not exactly a roaring success yet.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Constantly. I'm just too chicken to actually do it. The environment is stressful from expectations, testing, failing students, kids and parents who are disrespectful and could care less. It's pathetic that I have all this education and have no clue what I could even do other than teach. It's depressing that I have 17 more years to go. I definitely don't think I'll make it that long

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Yes, I hated pretty much everything about it. I left after 6 years of teaching & it was the best decision for me.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Unfortunately, yes, for all the reasons already mentioned. I'm only 7 years in...started young so I have 25 years left I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher but the morale and environment are depressing. I'm in it for the kids...I just wish TPTB were also

Message edited 3/4/2013 9:37:18 PM.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I am two years in, so I am not at the same point, but I will not be a classroom teachers forever. I eventually want to do coaching or curriculum development.

Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

All of the time! I have had enough of testing, common core and parents who feel they know how to teach better than you and questioning your every move!

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

At those times, I really do think about the pension and salary.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Yes, but it's my second career, so not seriously. Yet.

I have a question though - and this might expose my ignorance about the pension system but I'm cool with that :

Even if your pension amount would be low if you left after say 10 years, wouldn't you at least be able to supplement this amount with money from future income via an IRA or 401k?

Or is the amount you get basically negligible until you hit about 20 years?

ETA: I guess what I am saying is that a teacher pension is not the only way to contribute to your retirement and might not be worth the stress.

Message edited 2/25/2013 12:34:37 PM.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Posted by JennP

Yes, but it's my second career, so not seriously. Yet.

I have a question though - and this might expose my ignorance about the pension system but I'm cool with that :

Even if your pension amount would be low if you left after say 10 years, wouldn't you at least be able to supplement this amount with money from future income via an IRA or 401k?

Or is the amount you get basically negligible until you hit about 20 years?

ETA: I guess what I am saying is that a teacher pension is not the only way to contribute to your retirement and might not be worth the stress.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Posted by JennP

Yes, but it's my second career, so not seriously. Yet.

I have a question though - and this might expose my ignorance about the pension system but I'm cool with that :

Even if your pension amount would be low if you left after say 10 years, wouldn't you at least be able to supplement this amount with money from future income via an IRA or 401k?

Or is the amount you get basically negligible until you hit about 20 years?

ETA: I guess what I am saying is that a teacher pension is not the only way to contribute to your retirement and might not be worth the stress.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Posted by muffaboo

Unfortunately, yes, for all the reasons already mentioned. I'm only 7 years in...started young so I have 25 years left I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher but the morale and environment is depressing. I'm in it for the kids...I just wish TPTB were also

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

As of now, I am staying put. My admin seems okay about all the changes and seem to be trying to do what is best for everyone.

With that said, I am not sure what I will do if I get cut again. Last year, I was devastated when I was cut. I had tenure - I did everything and more there - I was super involved. I still miss my old school terribly. Even though I have been at my new school since September, I am having a hard time really feeling at home there.

As for what else to do, I fell into a freelancing job with a publisher when I was unemployed this summer. I interviewed for a job with them to develop professional development - that position was eliminated, but I still do per diem work for them.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Yes....and I did. Teaching was my 2nd career (at 29) & I taught for 10 years in Catholic school & after my DH changed something in his profession, he gave me the option of staying home.

Honestly it was a tough decision; I do miss the kids, but don't miss the BS. It truly was a career that I loved b/c I was able to be so creative & the classroom was mine (until the end when they started changing requirements, etc.) b/c the paycheck was horrible (less than 40k w/ a masters & 10 years experience).

I'm home now w/ my children & honestly don't know if I'd ever go back.

Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

I am 16 or 17 year in (confusion due to maternity leaves) and I am praying I can make it to 20. I loved my job, still due when its just me and my students but I truly am hating every other aspect of my job. This year I have the worst group of kids that I have had in 10 years and between all their behavioral issues just am done. I pray I find a renewed strength this summer,

Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

A couple of years ago when I was teaching 7th and 8th grade at a public Middle School. I felt little support from the administration and felt that everything was politics.
I now teach at a private HS and LOVE it. I took a paycut, work longer hours but its worth it. I love teaching, I just had to find the right place for me.

Re: Anyone consider LEAVING teaching?

Honestly, no. This is my 12th year teaching. I have a supportive administration, work with amazing colleagues and love the kids. Do I hate the APPR, common core and all the new testing? YES!! I am the BRC rep for my building, so I know how bad it is getting for us, but I still love what I do. Add on top of that only having to work half the year, getting paid well to do it and coming out with a pension? I thank my lucky stars that I got in when I did but I still enjoy my job and can't really imagine myself doing anything else.