How do I decide if TEACHING is right for me (after 5 years of college)??? Not disappoint my family?

Question

I am graduating in Dec. with a degree in Elem. Ed. I really like kids, I KNOW I could be a good teacher, have had tons of experience, and have spent the past 5 yrs of my life working for it. However, I don't know if it's what I want to do at THIS time in my life. AHH!!!

My fiance and I are getting married next year and his job will easily support us. Don't get me wrong, I WANT to work, I just don't know if teaching is right for me at this point in my life. I have thought about doing something with weddings, but I haven't had any experience at it, other than planning my own.

My mom is a teacher (the biggest reason that I decided to become one). I don't want to disappoint my family because they have thought I was going to be a teacher all along, but I do want to do what's right for me in my life.

I feel like I'm back to freshman year, not knowing what I want to do. How do I decide what's right for me? Anyone ever experienced anything similar?

Stories would be great!!

I have brought it up to my mom and she was somewhat disappointed to find out that I was even thinking about doing something else. I am so confused right now. I really don't know what to do.

My fiance knows how I feel and he is supportive of me no matter what I decide. He has told me more than anyone that I should what I WANT TO DO!! He's been the best!

Answer 1

yes, i think everyone had a similar experience at least once in his life.
reading your post, it seems to me you take the teaching job as a very looooooooooooooooong way to "something", perhaps something "like your familiy has achieved" through it.

i'd like to know why "exactly" you don't know if its the right thing to do. i think your answer comes aroung that or those reasons.
anyway, if you're not convinced at all of taking the job, if you have a strong desire of doing something else, if you are visualizing yourself in a different activity, don't think anymore, and go for it.
it won't be perfect, because perhaps, a lack of "planning", but it is just want you want, or its is closer to that you want.
so, don't hesitate, and try those things you're longing to.

Answer 2

If education wasn't something you should be doing, you would have figured it out before investing 5 years of schooling. I have a feeling you are going through what I did right before I graduated, it was less about what I was doing for a career and more about the transition from student to actual full time working person. I seriously questioned if I had made the right choice, and I had, but for a few months I doubted myself and my choices.

It is like any major change in life, it's like the jitters you had before walking down the isle even though you knew you were doing the right thing, if you haven't bought a house yet, you will get them then too...

planning your wedding was a joyful thing for you, so I can see why you'd think it could be a fun profession, but it is hard work, and you need training...it is also a very competitive business.

You KNOW the realities of teaching, any other profession is going to have similar realities that you have no idea about....

Answer 3

Hi,,, i really do not understand why so many ed majors say the same thing.... did you go to college for you BS or BA degree or for that Mrs.. degree????

There is such a need for teachers now days... just read on here how many can not spell or make a complete sentence.....it is awful....

good luck