how do you know when it's time to quit your job and find a new one?

Question

I'm a second year special ed teacher, but am finding the demands of the job to be overwhelming. I love working with and teaching the kids, but unfortunately there are a million other aspects of the job that make it difficult to focus on this responsibility. I am in a district with very high expectations and feel increasing pressure to meet these expectations. I thought it would get easier as the year went on, but I am feeling more and more stressed. I am sick all the time (migraines, nausea, vomitting, etc.) and am beginning to have frequent anxiety attacks. For example, I have yet to get to sleep tonight (it's almost 12:30) because I am fearful of going back to school tomorrow after winter break. When I am there, I feel like nothing but a failure. Nothing has ever been so difficult for me. Am I just being lazy? Should I begin looking for a new job, or stick this one out? Help!

Answer 1

If you think about it, 75% or more of your wake-up time is at your job so it is important that you look forward to going to work because it could really cause mental anguish to you.
Your not being lazy, you've just lost interest and you don't feel appreciated.
Find your niche in life - Don't worry - Be Happy! :)

Answer 2

If you are a school teacher stick it out until the Summer Vacation. It no time to quit now. Look on the bright side the year is half way up. You should be glad it almost over. Now don't let those people behind the desk push you around. Just tell them you understand and get to it when you can. Just don' t quit it won't look good on your Resume. I do know you can alway get a job at a bank or something if the shool thing doesn't work out. But would hated to go to college for 4 years and just walk away because of someone in the office that doesn't have to put up with the kids.....

Answer 3

You decided to be a teacher to work with kids. Your question indicates that you enjoy working with the kids. Every department has a dept. head who traditionally has been in the classroom and can help you...that's why they get the "big bucks". Go to school everyday prepared to help the kids become better, more successful people. As they improve, you'll feel better too. The paperwork as a general teacher is bad but special ed is outrageous. Try to maintain a good relationship with the parents (even if it's a phone call). Ask for help with the paperwork and get it done before it piles up and becomes sooooo overwhelming. Try to finish the year. Are you close enough that you can you get another major? Perhaps the stress of spec. ed. and the paperwork is the problem Become a reading specialist/health teacher. Good luck and finish the year.