Why I don’t regret quitting teaching | Advice for teachers who want to quit
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ม.ค. 2024
- Are you considering leaving the teaching profession? In this video I talk about how I got into teaching and why I decided that it was not worth my time after 2 years. I talk about my thought process that ultimately helped me come to my decision and I give some advice for teachers who are currently considering calling it quits too!
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This video is NOT sponsored.
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All Products and Gear Used in the making of this video
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Camera: Canon Powershot G7x mark ii
iPhone SE 2nd Generation
Ringlight/Tripod: Neewer
Editing Software: Clipchamp
Capcut
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Question: What has your teaching experience been like? Let me know in the comments!
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
1:11 How I got into Teaching
3:46 Experience at my first teaching job
6:41 Experience at my second teaching job
9:27 Reasons I started thinking about quitting Teaching
17:01 Consequences of Quitting Teaching
19:03 What I’m doing now
23:04 Benefits of Quitting
26:17 Advice for teachers considering quitting
#quit #iquitteaching #quitteaching #teacher #formerteacher #whyiquitteaching #quitteachingjob
About this video: I talk to you about my experience as a teacher and why I left the teaching profession. Reasons include student behavior and lack of administrative support, among others.
About this channel: On this channel I’m posting about PRODUCTIVITY and PROGRESS as a woman in her 30s.
Quitting teaching will make you happier and give you a real life. Teaching drains your energy like no other job. So many kids are very needy and get little or no attention at home so they seek it endlessly in school..thereby wearing down the teacher so that the teacher has nothing left for her family.
This! ☝🏼☝🏼☝🏼 “mothering” took up so much of my time as a teacher that I didn’t really feel like I was teaching what I was hired to teach, but rather what wasn’t being taught at home.
Right on!
Teachers end up wearing a lot of different, yet vital, hats. That’s one reason we should be making more. I don’t think the boomer generation realizes that teachers do a lot more than deliver content. Its not like it was in the 1980’s! The kids have changed and so have the policies. You give up your life to do the job.
Yes, even I didn’t understand why teachers always complained about money before I actually became one, but they do the jobs of at least 4 people. Teachers are *SEVERELY* undercompensated.
Omg. I’m a preschool teacher and I’ve been considering becoming a private tutor. I have no life! I’m always angry and exhausted and overwhelmed. Watching your video has made me seriously consider going it alone. I’m scared but I’m literally dying on my ass right now and I can’t take much more 😢
@jessicaherring1507 I’m so sorry you’re feeling that way. That’s exactly where I was 3 years ago. I quit and didn’t look back. I won’t say that it’s been easy going it alone, but I can breath again, and I’m not angry the way I was back then. Good luck. I’m sure good things are coming for you ❤️
@@ProcrastinatorsProgress update for you! I found out that I’m being ‘observed’ next week as a parent has expressed ‘concerns’ about my class. I give EVERYTHING to my job and feel as though it’s all been for nothing. I feel hurt, angry and I just want to get hell outta there now. I was also told that a more experienced teacher is joining my class as a room leader. I am the leader! And now I have to job share with her. No other room in the centre has 2 leaders. I’m basically being ‘demoted’ without actually being demoted. It’s public and personal humiliation! Looks like my instincts were right. I’m OUTTA THERE 🙏
@@jessicaherring1507 😮 oh no! I once had a parent sit in during an online session, only to barrage me about how I didn’t know what I was doing because her son was failing- we were into the second half of the year and I didn’t even know what her son looked like because he never showed up for class. She went on to insult me in front of the students. I, of course, muted her, but the students knew what was going on. Just terrible. Especially when admin doesn’t back you up, which is the norm. I hope you’re able to find a better place soon.
@@ProcrastinatorsProgress it’s so hurtful and enraging. I’m considering leaving the profession altogether but I also love so much about the profession. Anyways I’m glad to know that there is hope and that I’m not the only one!
@jessicaherring1507 There’s always hope. I’m currently enjoying the good parts of teaching and none of the nonsense of dealing with the schools. Find something that works for you. Keep me posted on your progress! I’d love to hear about it :)
The first graduate class I took in 1987 was “Problems in modern Education “.
I said hell no and went into nursing instead . Almost as stressful but more flexible and paid more. Still glad to quit when Covid hit. Now a farmer avoiding people
Omg an entire class 😂 and in the 80s! I could imagine that class now lol and man, sometimes I regret not doing nursing, at least the pay is much better. Haha, I recently told my daughter that I finally understand why people go off and live on farms! Avoiding people is a current pleasure/hobby of mine that I never thought I’d have 😆
Love this! I’m leaving my teaching job at the end of this school year. I have been teaching for 11 years, but I’ve been hoping to leave for a while. For the past two years, I have taught part time and built up my business as an adoption consultant that started organically when I began making TH-cam videos about our adoption journey. Starting this summer, I’ll be jumping into my business full time! I’m excited and terrified, but hearing how much happier you are is encouraging!
That’s wonderful @adoptinformed ! That’s very exciting, and you were smart to set yourself up to be able to leave and already have something else to be working on. I wish you the best on that new adventure! ❤️
Me too! I’ve resigned and documenting my life after teaching ❤❤❤ I can’t wait to discover the new me!
Welcome to the club @gainswithkathy !
@@ProcrastinatorsProgress thank you :) it’s going to feel amazing I hope…
Finishing my 7th year teaching elementary. I'm leaving the classroom. Too muuuch to handle. Too much work to get students' low scores. Apathy, laziness, can't do it anymore.
@soulwinning_bibleteaching Yes, I totally agree. Teachers have their hands tied in so many ways, and in the long run, that just doesn’t help the students. Good luck with whatever you do next!
@KJV_bibleteaching What are you doing instead?
@janetwium6248 19:03 I’ve been teaching on a contract basis since I quit. Mostly online ESL.
@janetwium6248 19:03 I’ve been teaching on a contract basis since I quit. Mostly online ESL.
freedom! Lol. I sat and had coffee and baked goods with local friends in the daytime. It felt good to remember what that felt like. It's super scary but let's go! I thought about providing ESL online. You'll do great!
Nothing like a good taste of freedom 😌 Definitely scary, but I think there’s no other way!
I hated teaching so much that the first time I quit I got a job on a seismic crew in Superior National Forest. Then the second time I quit I went to truck driving school. Then finally, the last time I quit I shipped out with the merchant marine to haul ammunition to the Gulf War. Hauling 10,000 tons of bombs through the Suez Canal was a pleasure cruise compared to teaching ghetto high school in Cleveland. I finally ended up being a barber for 20 years. Now I’m retired. Teaching blows chunks.
@marcmeinzer8859 😱 but you went back to it twice after you originally quit!? Sounds like you gave it the ol’ college try!
it’s always easier to find jobs which require certification if you have the credential such as teaching, merchant marine, or barbering. They’re not even allowed to hire uncertified people. And initially you’re likely to think that it was just the one job that was so bad. In the case of teaching that would be mistaken as they all pretty much make unreasonable demands.@@ProcrastinatorsProgress
@marcmeinzer8859 That’s true. Needing the certification does make the applicant pool a lot smaller compared to other jobs that don’t require one, so def easier to find a job. I’ve applied to several jobs recently and haven’t gotten any calls. I put in some teacher applications just to see if I’d get called. Of course, I did -_-
I don’t trust all these help wanted signs. I’m positive that they are only interested in people who’ve never had any sort of a trade or profession. I went into barbering because you can set up your own shop for a very modest outlay especially considering how the average barbershop customer virtually demands that the shop be as ugly as possible so as to ensure that no possible taint of effeminacy attaches to the place so squeamish the customer base is about any sort of pretension. Then also if you want to make any money you really need to set up shop in a blue collar urban slum.@@ProcrastinatorsProgress
@marcmeinzer8859 Yeah, these employers are definitely interested in people who will take the bare minimum. It’s sad really. I think it’s great you thought about working for yourself though. It’s tough but honestly in the long run I think it’s the best way to ensure the best outcome for yourself. Now it’s time for me to figure out a long term plan :)
Wonderful, I'm happy for you that you switched avenues and created a new story for yourself! Continued blessings. Your story was heartfelt. I'm a Special Educator at Baltimore City Public Schools. I will be retiring soon after 30 years. You're inspiring. You have peace of mind now. New Subbie!
That’s wonderful! Congrats for 30 years of teaching and to a new phase ❤️
I feel you. I'm planning my escape from teaching right now 🙏🏻
@dannijohansen7508 Good luck!
Totally agree with you about fear. You can't make decisions based on fear or you will keep repeating the same mistakes a lot of the time!
@TMeyer-ge5pj For sure! That, or you will just never take any chances and will surely have a lot of regrets for it later.
I've been teaching for 19 years, many of those as a bilingual or ESL teacher. I want to quit so badly. I am in a district that does not have a clue about ESL and a lot of disrespect towards the progrm. Saying this, I have been wanting to quit since the pandemic but was too scared. My anxiety is at an all time high. I decided to start sending out resumes. I got some ideas from a friend who is a former teacher. I'm glad to here that things are working out for you!
Wow. I always say anyone who lasts as a teacher is a very, very strong person. If you want to quit, you can do it! Start getting your ducks in a row. I don’t believe life should be lived in fear. Your teaching skills are transferable to many other roles. Have faith in yourself 💚 good luck 🍀
Great story!! Thanks for sharing, Superstar!!
Thank you for this honest confession.
Bruh! I know what school you worked at! I used to sub there! Hats off to you-that school is brutal. Wishing the best on your new career path
😅 seriously!? Small world 😭😭😭
Wait, how did you know?
Thanks for sharing your story!
Thanks for listening! ❤️
Gracias por tu video! Yo acabo de renunsiar y sin trabajo. 13 anos como maestra. Lo siento dentro de mi que fue la decision correcta. Me encantaron the quotes que pusiste. Que dios te bendiga. Hay cosas mejores que nos esperan y estas logrando mucho haciendo tu propio negocio y obteniendo tu tiempo y felicidad vale mas que todo.
Me subscribi para seguir viendo tu contenido.
Wow! Este comentario me saco de la cama hoy! 😂 Si, tengo ese mal hábito de ver mi teléfono a primera hora 🤦🏻♀️ Me alegro que que te haya gustado y espero te hayas sentido reforzada/o en tu decisión. Siempre que alguien me dice que duro tanto en esa profesión (13 años! 😱) pienso- esa persona es muy fuerte! Yo solo dure 2! Buenas cosas vienen. No te rindas ❤️
My husband and I taught for 32 years in Texas. We retired from Katy ISD. After we retired we moved back to Illinois. I’ve been retired for 10 years and felt it was just the right time as teaching has become so crazy. I have to say I did enjoy teaching, but as the politics became so hard to take.
@annamariemiller3877 Oh just down the street from where I taught, CFISD. Seems like you got out at a perfect time. That’s amazing, 32 years! I’m glad you had a good experience. COVID, and yes, politics, has changed things so much. Books being banned left and right, parents demanding more and more and teaching less and less at home. Just too many things.
@@ProcrastinatorsProgressNo kidding. Parents were also just getting more power.
Turning my back on my teaching career, was the best decision, that I have no regrets about. The behaviour of the children got me into a panic. I loved the early years but then the rot set in.
🙌🏼 🙌🏼
Great video! As a former teacher myself, I can totally relate to these mistakes. It's so important for educators transitioning into new careers to be aware of these pitfalls. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, I definitely don’t advocate for jumping blindly, even though that more or less what I did!
You can hear the PTSD in your voice. It’s a horrible feeling to drive to work with fear and loathing of the career choice we made that we all thought would be flowers and daisies inspiring young minds. The nuns in the Catholic schools of the 50’s had it right. We’ve let things gone so far to one side kids don’t fear anything. There’s no consequences and it’s often the worst kids get the most positive rewards positive talk and hopes they will try to do better. The endless stories I hear coming from former teachers are even more of a reminder that I did do the right thing leaving teaching.
I dreaded it every day. It has been so freeing to not get that feeling every single day.
💯💯🙌🏾
You cannot put a price on your happiness.
Thank you SO much for this. How are you doing?
I am in a much better place now @meena004-vs7db thank you for asking ❤️
I left 2021, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
🙌🏼 🙌🏼
Having fun until the students show up 😂
I feel very similar to you that I’m exhausted and I’ve lost some of the interest that I’ve had but I’m going to be leaving as well in a month or two and I plan on doing the things again that I used to enjoy doing
Lol don’t get me wrong, lots (most) of the kids were great, but the few just made it difficult for everyone, students AND teachers, and that just sucked the fun out of everything! Good luck on your journey, and definitely make time for what makes you happy! 🩷
❤ Thanks for sharing your story. 25 yr teacher here. I can't do 5 more years until I can retire. Kid behavior/noise has gotten the best of me, not too mention working closely with a very toxic employee. I am ready to quit at the end of the year... Even though the pay and time off is great, the stress is NOT worth it. Stress really does make you ill. Cheers to you, and that is for the inspiration!
@patrick-Yes, it has gotten way out of hand! My second year teaching I had a cough that wouldn’t go away that entire year. Now, I haven’t been sick since! Good luck on your journey! Life is too short to be miserable! 💚
Great this turned out as a happy ending story. If I could tell you where you might have gone wrong. Number 1 only being in 2 teaching jobs for like 2 years pretty much 1 year each may have scared schools away and also telling your 2nd school you were resigning after semester 1 may have lost you prospects in terms of recommendations.
Very possible that since you were a 2nd year teacher lacking as much experience you were glossed over for teachers with more experience. In all honesty the hiring process is dumb and sometimes you won’t get acknowledged if you’ve got all the right stuff.
@retentiveguy7624 oh I definitely thought about everything that could have gone wrong. I didn’t make the decision lightly, but I 100% knew I was taking a risk. I also got my boss’ blessing (he was a prior lawyer who hated it and switched over to teaching, so he empathized with me), so as far as a recommendation, I felt fine, and considering I wasn’t planning on getting another teaching job, that’s why I considered leaving midyear. Also, I had two teaching jobs, but the first one I was hired in February and only to finish off the year. The second one, I was there for two full years. But yes, thankfully all turned out well for me.
What year did you get certified? I started alt cert in 2016 and even though I had a B.S. in Math and had taken all the undergrad secondary ed coursework, it was going to be 2 years, a portfolio, and a masters degree before my certificate would be issued. I received a 1 year temporary provisional certificate in the meantime.
@michaelamelton-berry5403 I received my provisional certificate in February 2020. After working 1 year, I received my standard certificate. My program wasn’t very helpful. I got my core subjects certificate only because I didn’t know it was possible to get ELA only. Then I was interested in possibly switching to Kindergarten bilingual, but it would almost be like starting over-needing to pass 3 tests, so I dropped that idea. So many hoops to jump through just to not be treated like a professional in the end.
You are courageous.
Aww, thank you! 🩷
Wow, your situation sounds a lot like mine. I'm not a mom to human kids (cat mom here), but I own a house in an expensive area and I quit my job teaching (because it was SO BAD) with no real job - and decided to teach music full time, self employed. I had enough students a month to pay half of my mortgage, that was it. A lot of side hustles later, I now run my own teaching organization. It isn't always smooth but I'm making a lot more than I did teaching and am SO. MUCH. HAPPIER. Wishing you continued success!
That’s amazing!! Sometimes we just have to take the leap of faith! I’m glad things worked out for you ❤️
@@ProcrastinatorsProgress Thank you! I think sometimes it takes things getting just "that bad," to give us that push to do what we love!
Agreed!
@@ProcrastinatorsProgress By the way this isn't sponsored or anything, lol but I'm not sure if you've ever heard of Outschool, I've had a lot of success teaching there online and I'm sure there's an ESOL market :)
You know what? I have, and for some reason have just procrastinated on doing the demo lesson! I need to get on that on that. Thanks!!!
I am a Worldwide ESL Tutor. It changed my life.
I'm glad you are gaining confidence and self- reflection now.. but a strong teaching program should have brought that out of you before entering the classroom. Definitely work on stage presence/public speaking and watch your filler words.... You are already well spoken...just some adjustments. Wishing you the best on your next steps.
Thank you! I agree a good program would’ve better prepared me, and yes! I’m actively working on both stage presence and public speaking! 🤗🥰
I haven't got much confidence in teachers. I come from a family of teachers and my own experience of them. I see many serious flaws in their training. I do agree there is much greater stress nowadays. I decided not to train as one. There are lots of perks to being a teacher. The long holidays and I agree they have to do preparation in them. The school trips are expensive and are 25:47 peeks for the teachers as they go free and their families(you mustn't do it too often of course because you will get a reputation). They like to think they are caring and understanding but not one teacher understood my problems, and I was a normal child and my mother was a teacher too. I do accept they have a lot of breakdowns and I am sorry about that and which needs to be addressed. They are not the only with stress at work and they can get jobs in the holidays. They don't do too badly over salaries compared with other people. At one time yhe teachers had free school meals if they ate with the pupils as they were educating them socially! They take over the role of parenting and mothers are undermined. Children are not always ready at five to go to school and are still bonding with their mothers who are their first teachers. There are some good 28:03 I see through a lot of them. They have always whinged. The bank manager to me that my husband 'got a thumping good salary' I agree years ago. Teaching is not a sinecure but I have little confidence in them. I have taught a subject and one of my pupils sang my praises and I was promoted to a higher level. It is a pity I view schoolteachers this way as quite often it was suggested I go into teaching. I don't have this attitude to higher education or adult education and I know schoolteachers who other forms of education. I saw serious flaws in the trainingof teachers and that is why I didnt do it. I don't think 31:52 teachers are trained well nowadays i can still see but the stress levels have gone up unfairly. Many people have stressful jobs with lower salaries. Teachers are too whingey with all their perks and seem to know it all and they don't!
@catherineventure3996 I can see why you feel that way. I agree that I didn’t feel prepared when I started teaching. Then when I started, I didn’t feel supported at all by administration. I would send a student to the office for their behavior and they would return with a lollipop. That type of stuff tends to make it kind of a slippery slope for teachers, where they just try so many strategies and none of them seem to work, or some work but they’re then told that’s not the way they should do things. It’s kind of a damned if you do, damned if you don’t type of thing. As far as the pay, compared to other jobs that don’t require degrees or extensive requirements, sure, teachers make more. But teaching does require a degree, lots of training, tests, etc, so compared to other actual PROFESSIONAL jobs, the pay does not come even close. So for the all the hoops you have to jump through to even qualify to find a job, it doesn’t make it worth it. Especially considering student loan debt.
My wife is very drained from her work at the primary school she works at, a lot of pressure
There’s definitely a lot of pressure coming from so many different directions. It’s hard not to drop the ball or feel like you’re often neglecting other things. I felt like I was giving my best to my students and then coming home and giving my daughter what was left over. Not the way I wanted things to be. I hope your wife is able to figure something out to make things better :)
Question: Do you provide services for those who want to learn how to speak Spanish?
I do, my professional email is lingopro@artoflingo.com if you’re interested.
Firefighters make good money been one for 4 years almost definitely recommend fire academy if u are looking for a career change
Man, if I was younger, I’d be open to the idea of some more training like that, but man, I just don’t think I have it in me anymore. That’s great that it’s working out for you, though! Firefighters are def much appreciated in the community 🩵
So what are you doing now, if anything?
@sharina1865 I’ve been self employed as a teacher since Sept. 2022. So I left the classroom, but I do still teach, but in a very different context. I talk more about it at 19:00.
After 21 years teaching with MDCPS l learned that Dade County is the worst to teach for. Take it from me from my experience Broward Kelly Service is a lot better and even way better than teaching for Kelly Service from South Florida. Broward administrators and the school board staff are just a lot more organized and professional. And they don't hire young inexperienced staff members like Kelly Service from Miami does. Since I've been instructing for Broward for the last three years I've seen a huge difference.
@rsoto4156 Yes, I imagine that there are huge differences depending on location, but with the way things are, I hear crazy things from everywhere. I’m glad you’re having a better time at your new school!
So what job do you have now?
Since I quit traditional teaching two years ago, I’ve been teaching on a freelance basis. Mostly esl to adults, but also to kids, some private tutoring.
@@ProcrastinatorsProgress Ok. See, I need a viable option, as I am the primary wage earner in my family. There doesn't seem to be a job that matches the pay for my skill sets. I guess slavery will continue.
@joed2444 I am a single mother and pay all of my bills on my own.
@@ProcrastinatorsProgress How are you able to do that? I am married and we barely make it by on our two incomes.
Well, it hasn’t been easy. I had a bit of savings when I quit, so that helped me take the leap. Plus I still had three months of pay. I got lucky finding the family I started teaching. That provided me a lot of stability the first year after I quit. From then it’s been about finding more students and keeping them. I’m definitely making a lot less than I was before, but that’s a sacrifice I was willing to make in order to get my mental health back. This isn’t something I planned to do permanently, but more so as just something to keep me afloat while I get my bearings. The sacrifice has been worth it to me, but sacrifice is the operative word. I’ve had to tighten my budget a lot, cut unnecessary expenses and luxuries. That, to me, seemed more logical than staying at a job that paid me more but kept me miserable.
All the best to you and thanks for sharing. You are a good speaker but you used too...many "ands." That would one change could help your students.
@TLmomofZAHS Thanks! Oh, yes! I am aware 🥹 that’s something that I’m actively working on :)
I'm the author of EIGHT DAYS IN AN INNER CITY SCHOOL the out of control OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING for k-12 teachers is chasing off teachers
@danielgolarz674 Oh don’t even get me started on THAT 🙄
I'll just say one more thing. A Harvard mathematics professor would not be able to get a job teaching high school remedial algebra without an ocean of red tape.
You only lasted 8 days?
@tiggs5591 two years
Your graphics are UNREADABLE! White letters on a white background????😅
I didn’t feel that they were, but thanks for the feedback.
Are you aware that you suck your teeth every 3rd or 4th sentence? There’s a pop sound whenever subtext shows up. I think that makes your teeth sucking every couple of sentences more profound.
I was not 🥹🫠 but ever since I read this I’ve been paying attention. It’s not actually that I suck my teeth, it’s that I click my tongue on the roof of my mouth 🤷🏻♀️
I didn't even notice until I read your comment -
and then went back to listening to her video, with no problem.
I'm too engrossed in her content.
Thanks for sharing. ❤🫶🏼✨️💙🫂
💞🫶🏼