Have you ever made a HUGE career change?

Question

I have a teaching degree, and I have been teaching for 4 years. My whole life I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to teach throughout my undergraduate career. However, during the last two years, I have been very discouraged with it. The morale at my school is down among teachers, a lot of pressure is being put on teachers. I can barely pay my bills and I have to work a part time job just to make ends meet. I am currently working on my master's degree, but I won't be finished for almost a year. I could get a different job after that, but I don't know if I want to teach next year. Another catch is that I will have tenure if I teach next year. So what do I do? Do I stick it out, miserable for one more year and get tenure, or do I find something else to do for a year and then get back into the schools with a different job after I have my master's. (My master's is in school counseling, so I will be going back to the school system.) Have any of you ever changed careers?

Answer 1

Hey...well..here is my story...
After high school, I thought I wanna go to medical university..( to be honest, all of my relatives urge me to go there and both parents, too. ) I didn't pay much attention to what I really want to be..so I chose to go to that field..but after 2 years in the Medical University, I found myself no longer absorbed in that field..I mean I tried to read, study and concentrate on my study..but in vain..days passed miserably and so do months..
At last, I couldn't bear no more..and then I went to Maritime University against all the protest of my relatives and family..and now I think I have a better and interesting life than that of 3 years ago..
Hey...have u ever heard the saying..?? It said..we have to choose something new if we don't wanna lose ourselves in the old environment..I mean..u r no longer happy in your work, right??
then...what r u waiting for?? Just make a change...
I mean...I haven't changed careers like u...but I changed from one university to another completely different field..right?? it makes me happier since I don't have to pass my days in the same routine..
Good luck in changing!!

Answer 2

I used to be in law school, but I just couldn't take the competitive environment. I dropped out, and I think it was the best move I could've made! Now I work in a hospital (for WAY too little pay) and I'm getting a second undergrad degree.

I guess life has big changes in store for everyone. The trick is just to plan for them (save up a little cash), and roll with them when they happen. You've got a great option here; you get to make the choice for yourself. My advice is, don't stick it out- if you're not happy teaching there now, tenure isn't going to make things better at your school. You've got teaching experience; you'll probably get a decent job once you have your master's. But you'll make the choice that's right for you!

Answer 3

Yes I have changed careers several times. Most of them I really liked the work and did not regret the change until my last job change.

I left that job to do a job I always wanted to do. The company I ended up at was horrible. By this time the job I was at was having their own problems and I was unable to return. This was my only regret.

My advise instead of leaving teaching all together find another school to work at. That my help.

Answer 4

My advice to you is to stay with it for one more year. Change your approach with the kids and make your class environment more enjoyable for you and the kids. This will take some of the stress off of what you are going through. You are inspiring young minds to look at everything in a new light, and minds are like a parachute, they only work when they are open. If you reach just one child in the next year, your impact on their life will be immeasurable.