Should I quit my job?

Question

I am currently a second year out high school teacher. I am considering going back to uni to do a Masters Degree and then changing careers. I really enjoy some aspects of teaching, namely, it is never dull, my collegues are great, I enjoy working with my students, etc. but there are many aspects that I do not enjoy. I hate constantly chasing my tail and never being on top of tasks, I hate working twice as many hours as I actually get paid for, I hate all the administration, I hate always being tired and not having time for much of a social life and I hate the limited prospects for advancement.

I really don't know what to do. Should I do my Masters in International Development or should I stay teaching? Intl Dev. is an area I have been passionate about since I discovered it during my undergrad degree.

So confused! Please help!

Answer 1

Why are you confused? I counted over twice as many reasons for you to go back to school as compared to why you enjoy your job. Plus you used the word 'passionate' in reference to getting a masters in international development. DUH. This is a no brainer.
Go back to school and pursue your masters in international development. You can always return to teaching....but never settle for less when you are 'passionate' for something else whether it be a career or a man or what kind of car to drive. Life is too short. 'Passion' is what makes life worth living. Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

Tammy,
This is quite an interesting question to which i think the short answer is (if you can afford it) YES! Survey after survey has shown that the second biggest regret in Britain (i am not sure if you are from hear but, you know, write what you know!) is not changing career when the opportunity arose. This question particularly catches my attention because i am presently attending interview for a Design and Technology course with Education with the intention to become a Secondary School teacher... Please don't say "Don't do it!" lol. I am an Architects Technician presently and i have had enough of sitting in front of a computer day in day out... but that's my problem, however you can see why i needed to answer this question.

What would your job be after the degree i must ask? the course sounds very intriguing to me! What is it you teach just now?

Anyway you have given me alot to think about and i hope i have done the same. Do something you are passionate about! It sounds very interesting and i wish you all the luck!

Mandozilla


P.s. Please understand that altho you have given me things to think about, i am not going to change my decision, you can sleep easy. hehe

P.p.s The first most regretable desicion what who they married.

Answer 3

honestly, i had to go read up on the subject. what i found was those with Masters in International Development generally "serve in their home countries or in international agencies at senior levels as public officials, policy analysts, independent researchers, and leaders of non-governmental organizations."
and i find "Within the complex and constantly changing situations in these countries, sound policy analysis is essential to balance the economic, social, political, and environmental interests and their effects on sustainable development, and a more peaceful world."

"In the year 2000, United Nations made the United Nations Millennium Declaration The second Millennium Development Goal is to Provide universal primary education.

"A lack of access to education is one of the primary limits on human development, and is related closely to every one of the other sectors [of International devlopment.]"

my government tells me "The ability to read and write — or literacy — is a basic skill for people to live and work in today’s world. Yet more than 900 million adults are not literate, primarily in developing countries. More than 125 million children who should be in school are not. USAID emphasizes programs of support for basic education and places a special emphasis on improving opportunities for girls, women and other underserved and disadvantaged populations." (this is great).

if you decide to go this way, your experience in grass roots education will provide a strong foundation, lend you a prespective. meanwhile these two paths are as different as night and day.

teaching, in my mind, is a very honorable endeavor. yet teachers have always been underpaid. and you never work a normal 9-5. rather, in america, you work september to june. at midnight most are off the clock; a teacher is not. and you don't get relax in summer, you must constantly take classes. teaching then must be a lifestyle. a calling rather than a profession.

an international development career is a career in beaurecracy.

i wish you clear insight and good luck in your decision.

Answer 4

Hi Tammy

Isnt there a way you can study through correspondence or night classes. In that way you can teach whist you study. Or you can study full time and do week end classes for those children whom do home schoolingl.
The best thing to do is pray about it and have faith

Regards,
Tammy ;o)

Answer 5

well it sounds like you hate more things about your job than you like maybe it is time to quit get a better paying job and maybe something you actually enjoy

Answer 6

If you have a passion for something else, go chase your passion.

Answer 7

i'm sorry but i don't know what to say about your situation but you sure did make me think twice about becoming a teacher

Answer 8

do one more year

first year sucked and second was only halfway better i bet.
give it another year to sink in.