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You Have to Do What’s Best For Yourself
Two of my co-workers are quitting teaching this week. I’m sad to see them go and I certainly know the effect it will have on the school. But I’m happy for them. For one, I know they’ll be a lot less stressed out on a daily basis.
For two, I know teaching takes up so much of your life. I love it and it forms a big part of who I am, but it is very consuming, not only in time but in the energy it takes from you. After you’re no longer a teacher, your whole life opens up.
I’m about to be married, but I don’t have kids. If I had kids, I couldn’t imagine keeping up the workload I keep up. I’m the person who does it all and can’t seem to say no. I seem to have three different jobs at once. I won’t get into the details because they’re boring, but this makes teaching consume more and more of my life.
The theme of all my conversations with my co-workers who are quitting is respect and well-wishes. You have to do what’s best for yourself.
If the job is compromising your mental health if it is compromising your ability to take care of your family, and if you can find a better paying job where you can take care of your family better, then there should be no shame in quitting.
