i want to be happy by teaching history but i also want to please my parents...what should i do....my parents want me to be a doctor or lawyer
2007-01-22 13:16:27 · 23 answers · asked by asad b 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
History teachers, especially high school level teachers are a dime a dozen. There is always a glut in the Social Studies teachers market.
In many school districts the history teachers are COACHES, and if you're not a jock with coaching skills, your chances of finding a good teaching job are next to none.
But if your mother, father, grandfather, grandmother are teachers in your district your chances are better.
I think your parents are wise in encouraging you to study something more marketable and potentially lucrative.
Added details: If you love teaching here's an idea. You could join AmeriCorp and teach in an inner city for a year and get some of your college loans forgiven. Or you could teach in a regular school for four years and get all your loans forgiven. Then after that, go to grad school and become a lawyer.
2007-01-22 13:21:25 · answer #1 · answered by WhatAmI? 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This time, I would say listen to the parents. Speaking as a teacher, you will regret your choice, not because of your love for history, but because of the kids who will not appreciate the knowledge you want to bestow upon them.
Don't let anyone tell you that it shouldn't be about the money, because as a teacher, when you are coming home with 2,000 a month, it's just not enough... but as a doctor, you can potentially make 10,000 a month or more.
If you do decide to be a teacher, make sure it is NOT in an inner city school... you will be very disappointed with the behavior and attitude of the kids. Maybe you can somehow combine you enthusiasm for history and law. Teachers are required to be highly educated... most have a Masters degree and credits above the Master's degree. With so much education, you would expect to be payed much more... like a doctor or a lawyer (unless of course your a public defender,,, they make crap money too). I can only tell you about NYC, and in NYC, the teachers are miserable!! MOST regret becoming teachers, but are too far into it to start over. Teaching is a respected field, but you wouldn't think so when little Jose and Tyrone are cursing you out while your giving your history lesson.
2007-01-22 13:26:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
If I was your parent, and you were happy teaching history, I'd be happy for you. I feel sure they will be happy for you also.
If they think happiness is a function of money, and history teaching won't bring you money, then point out that historians are not necessarily broke-especially if you're really good at what you do. Somebody has to be the best, thus the most sought after; maybe that'll be you!
I hope you enjoy whatever you do.
2007-01-22 13:21:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
How old are you? If you are still young.. I would say explore ur possibilities first. If you are in your sophomore year of your College, then I hope by now you know what you want.b If not, then look at your grades... look at the job market.... just don't do things that you feel like doing... Think!!! Take your parents opinion as suggestion (that doesn't mean u have to do it).
So Look Before You Leap.
2007-01-22 13:22:05 · answer #4 · answered by Galactic_Explorer 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You ought to do some research and find out how much history teachers make where you live; where I live they have fairly respectable incomes and a fantastic pension. That might set their minds at ease, especially when you point out that it will mean fewer years of university (and so less money from them).
However, they may simply have their hearts set on you becoming a doctor or lawyer, in which case you may never cease to be a disappointment to them if you go that route.
I recommend following your heart...but trying your darnedest to get them to come around.
2007-01-22 13:25:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
All respects to your parents but they will not have to live your life, if being a History Teacher is the career that you will enjoy, then go for it, Teachers dont get enough praise as it is.
2007-01-22 13:19:57 · answer #6 · answered by reshadow31 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
life is short do what makes you happy by the way history is awesome and the world needs good history teachers so as not to repeat past mistakes
2007-01-22 13:24:15 · answer #7 · answered by undercovernudist 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pleasing your parents and molding your life to suit their desires, or demands, are drastically different things. To me, a mark of a loving parent is encouraging his or her child to pusue his (or her) dream -- not the parent's dream.
If you feel a genuine desire to teach, and feel that you have an aptitude for it, then go for it.
2007-01-23 05:26:35 · answer #8 · answered by Indifferent 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Become a Phd - Doctor of history and teach.
2007-01-22 13:19:32 · answer #9 · answered by Phyllobates 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You should do what you want. It's your life not theirs. They are being incredibly selfish by trying to make you be something youre not interested in. I dont know how old you are, whether youre 12,13,16 or 18 but it is possible if youre still young you might change your mind about what you want to be. However whatever it is you want if you dont follow your own instincts in life you will end up being very miserable and resenting the people you tried to please. Think about it.
2007-01-22 13:22:38 · answer #10 · answered by Dovahkiin 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋