I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

I just don't think it's normal to DREAD going to work every Monday the way I do.

This is my 7th year teaching. I could be so overwhelmed because I keep getting transferred from school to school (our district is the entire county, and they apparently frown upon 2 maternity leaves and a medical leave for back surgery).

This year, I voluntarily transferred to a new school--Title I, know the principal, love the principal, great team, the students are a little rough (I teach 5th grade), but at the end of the day, I love to teach.

What I DON'T love is feeling like I have to put my entire life on hold during the school year. All I want to do on weekends is to relax and enjoy time w/ my husband and children. I joined a book club last year, and wound up quitting because I didn't have to myself to actually READ.

I feel if you are constantly LIVING for the weekends and feel extremely overwhelmed during the week, that maybe it's not the right profession. My DH works from home, so he's got it a bit easier, but he LOVES what he does and doesn't dread having to work.

As I'm sitting here, there are dishes piled up to the faucet in my sink, about 5 loads of laundry that needs to be done, and my plans for the week are still not done. Lunch needs to get made, math tests from Friday have to be graded...and all because I chose to take my kids to the park and actually PLAY WITH THEM this weekend. I just don't know how to get it all done.

Thanks for letting me vent. I've only been back for 2 weeks and feeling like it's too much

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

Yeah, I get it. I did not go back yet, as NY doesn't start til next week but I feel you. I too have a LO and I know that feeling. Here's what I think: the first month sucks. You have to just wait it out. You are getting used to new kids, they are getting used to you. I always feel like Nov and Dec are the best months because you know (and usually love) the kids by then and are in a set routine. There are no tests on the horizon and its great. So you just have to make it through the next few weeks. I'll be honest and say I don't know anyone who LOVES their job. Most of my friends do what they do for the money. Would I rather spend time with my 2 year old son? Hell yeah. But, at my heart, do I still love teaching? Yes. I bet you are the same way. Teachers are cut from the same cloth and there is a reason you gravitated toward this profession. It's just hard because you have cutie-patooties at home that you want to spend time with. While my kid is young I have resigned myself to the fact that he comes first and my career comes second. If that means I sacrifice it to some degree so be it. But he won't be little forever and I'll still be teaching the next 30 years so I know I'll get back to the teacher I was eventually. Right now he comes first. You're the same way I bet.

Sorry if this was rambling, but I have a lot of the same thoughts as you and this kind of helped me sort it out. I hope I helped in some way!

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

That's how I always felt. Constantly overwhelmed by all the work & no time to enjoy life outside of work. Constantly stressed & dreading the week ahead so much that I couldn't even enjoy weekends, evenings, or the even the summer for that matter.
I'm no longer a teacher. I have no regrets & I don't miss it at all! I know I did the right thing for me & it was like the weight of the world was lifted off me right away. I now have a normal balance in my life & don't mind going to work.
But only you can figure out what's best for you & what will make you happy. If you quit, do you think you would miss teaching? If it's really your passion, maybe you could do something where you're teaching kids or working with kids but not in the typical classroom setting. Maybe one-on-one or something like that?
Good luck to you!!!!!!!!

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

Posted by drpepper318


That's how I always felt. Constantly overwhelmed by all the work & no time to enjoy life outside of work. Constantly stressed & dreading the week ahead so much that I couldn't even enjoy weekends, evenings, or the even the summer for that matter.
I'm no longer a teacher. I have no regrets & I don't miss it at all! I know I did the right thing for me & it was like the weight of the world was lifted off me right away. I now have a normal balance in my life & don't mind going to work.
But only you can figure out what's best for you & what will make you happy. If you quit, do you think you would miss teaching? If it's really your passion, maybe you could do something where you're teaching kids or working with kids but not in the typical classroom setting. Maybe one-on-one or something like that?
Good luck to you!!!!!!!!

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

I understand. This is my 15th and last year, should all go according to plan. People tell me I am nuts to leave because I signed on for 55/25 and technically need only 10 more years of service (I couldn't collect but I could leave, I think). Regardless, I just can't do it any longer and refuse to wish away the next ten years of my life. This year will be for getting all my ducks in a row, refining what I want to do, taking classes if needed, etc.

I work in the South Bronx and I think that's been a factor for me. The kids are great but they need so much. And it feels more and more as though we are expected to parent these kids, especially if it will bring up their scores. And I resent that. I have my own kid. It's just getting harder and the expectations are becoming more unrealistic. More accountability on me but none on parents- one mother threatened to beat me up because I brought up her kid's lousy attendance (60 absences, 50 lates). And it's MY fault if her test scores are crap?

Sorry to hijack. But I totally understand how you feel. There is nothing wrong with considering other options if that's what you need to do.

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

Beth, I definitely think the moving from school to school, and especially from grade to grade, has A LOT to do with how you're feeling. It takes a few years of being in ONE place to get a good groove going where you're not spending every waking moment doing work.
Maybe sit down and write down all the things about the job that are making you feel overwhelmed, then take a look and see how you can make it more manageable. I'm super organized, so if you ever need to bounce it off of me, let me know.

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

I've had those days, then I realized it was the work environment that I was in. I got a transfer 2 years ago and LOVED teaching. many hugs to you

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

Being a good teacher and being a Mommy are not as easy as people think. It took awhile for me to find a balance and I am still working on it, but this is where I am at.

I TRY to get into work 10-15 minutes earlier then I used to read over my plans. I actually work on all my preps and duty periods. I only really give myself off for lunch. I stay late EVERY DAY 45mins- 1hr. I try to never bring anything home during the week because there is just no time. Saturday is our fun day as a family. Sundays during the day are errands and that sort of thing. My husband does the children's laundry during the school year because I just can't. We divided up a lot of other chores for that reason too. On Sunday night after the kids are in bed, I will catch up on grading, make plans and do whatever I need to do for school.

You will find a routine that works for you.

Re: I'm starting to think I'm not cut out for this

I'm in the same boat. I just don't know what else to do. I've been back for 3 days, and it's only pre-service week and I have already had it. I miss my son so much. I hate that I hate my job, but I just feel stuck. I hope that you start feeling better about it, or find something else to do!

And, if you do, tell me what it is!