Which sounds like the better career path?

Question

I currently teach college English. I love my job, but getting a full-time position is damn near impossible. So, I teach six classes, and I am considered part-time (adjunct). My paychecks are inconsistent and not guaranteed. I get stressed out and worn down easily, but I truly love being in the classroom.

I've been considering trying to get into the counseling/advising realm. But I'm being told more education is the key. But I'm in debt up to my eyeballs, I have a wedding to pay for, and I'm tired of planning my life when I'm already on the verge of 30.

I'd finally like to be in a position to pay off my debt with REGULAR paychecks. But everything I apply for jobs, people tell me I'm overeducated.

What the hell do I do?

AF107: I'm well aware of where I posted this.

Answer 1

Will paying off debt bring the same satisfaction of more education or a different career path?

Which is the bigger obstacle in this equation: your own willingness to do what needs to be done, or the society's economic pressures coercing you into a pragmatic solution?

Cui bono? Who benefits? Who benefits from you following a path you choose to fulfill your needs? Who benefits from you submitting to the structural economic pressures of debt and higher education? (hint - the people already on top who have the money and credentials).

I hope you find the strength to say f*** pragmatism. You're more useful to society happy and productive than simply paying the man back for something that should be free.

Answer 2

While the paychecks of a high school english teacher are regular, it does require extra education (more money) and frankly, a college professor makes more money.

In the private sector, an english degree - and advanced english degrees - don't do a whole lot to get you a job. (Married to a former english professor myself) However, there are many writing and proofreading positions, internet writing, and so forth.

Try for the higher up corporate jobs - you are indeed overeducated for the entry level work - all they require is high school graduates.

Consider museum work as well, especially in the education areas. Again, not high pay, but consistent.

Answer 3

Regular, consistent paychecks are not nearly as important as finding a job you love.

If you hate your job, it won't matter how much money you're making, you'll be miserable. Trust me.

Since you love class-room teaching, figure out a way to make that a full-time gig. Maybe they can even income average your pay, so you have a steady monthly check. But millions of people find fullfilling full-time teaching jobs and you already have the experience.

Should be easier for you than most...good luck!

Answer 4

How about teaching high school english? Some people don't like dealing with younger students (I personally do), but the paychecks (while pathetic for the amount of education teachers have) are regular and you can continue to look for a permanent position that you like in the universities.

Answer 5

I know at the local college near my house, it is all in who you know, when a posistion comes open full time... most of the time they don't even announce it! So I can imagine how hard the academic field is.

I can't really answer this question for you though... it is something you have to do for yourself.

Maybe you can talk to the person in charge of the professors (the dean of ___??) see what he suggests. I know some of the teachers here who went from part time, to full time, took on teaching more classes, volunteered to be the staff person for clubs, and one took a class (a foreign language class -- she was a science teacher.)

I don't know if any of these will help in your case...

I know of one case where one teacher went and got her doctorate in administration and she still is just teaching. She was promised the head of the department and it still hasn't come through... so even if you go back to school you may not get what you want.

I wish I could be of more help.....

Answer 6

When they tell you that, you just have to tell them what the situation really is. Most guys will buy it if it sounds like it is the truth. They just don't want to hire you and have you quit. They really don't mind if you have more than they are looking for.

And you might want to look at more senior jobs. You might be surprised how far that education will take you, even if you don't have a ton of experience in that area.

I made a career change. I do network administration. I practically hide my chemistry degree on my resume.

Answer 7

First off - no one can answer this question but you.

There is no guarantee you would like the advising field. You may enter it and miss teaching no matter the instability. I would never tell someone to not try - but keep in mind that stability is not always the path to happiness.

Perhpas investigate paths in teaching that offer stability - other institutions, venues, etc.

Good luck - we all travel down this path (some more than others)

Answer 8

Usually I would say go with your passion but debt is a drag & another job sounds like the way to get your life back on track.

Answer 9

Sometimes, people work out deals with creditors - what amount to interest free loans - to get out from under debt. Walking away from your debts is not generally a smart thing to do, but sometimes it is.

Answer 10

If you're a great teacher (or always striving to be) stick with teaching.

The world needs great teachers. I always fought with my counselors (come to think of it, I fought with sh*ty teachers too, but only the sh*ty ones).

So, I guess my only advice is whatever you choose don't be some empty headed *** trying to teach or give advice.

If you're clueless, please sell time shares or something.

;-)