I am currently on my summer break as a teacher and up in tears b/c I don't want to go back... Help?

Question

I took a job as a NYC teacher this past January so excited to have my dream job as a school math teacher. I really loved the support I was getting there, great school environment, rewarding in terms of my relationship with the kids and so forth. Not to mention that it is a special charter school and they are paying me extremely well for a 1st time school teacher.

Problem 1 - I live in Ct with my husband. My commute each day ends up being a total of 5-6 hours via train. Since I am in a charter school, the work day is from about 6:30 am - 6:30 pm (sometimes earlier - sometimes later).

Problem 2 - As you can see with those hours its nearly impossible for me to live a life. My weekends are filled with grading papers, lesson planning, and calling parents.

Problem 3 - We have gotten used to this salary lifestyle and if I stop it would be a huge burden to my husband. I only have a Bachelors degree in theatre & Masters in educational theatre - so I don't have many options...

Answer 1

Is there any way you can move so that you are closer to work?

Answer 2

Oh dear.. The money trap...

Why are so many people obsessed about Money?. I totally understand where you're coming from but its so sad...

You can't travel that far every day, you sound knackered.

My dad once told me: "You can have all the money in the world but if you don't have your health, you have nothing"

So what if they're paying you a million pounds a week, is it worth it to loose your husband, your friends and your family, is that the kind of example you want to set out as a teacher, its all about money??

When was the last time you had a girls night out?

When was the last time you spent the day chilling at the beach?. Not in a long time I bet.

Your first step would be to talk to your husband, communicate! Sure, you have to live, but you can economise, get a smaller house, a smaller car, grow your own veggies. you're clearly educated, so I don't need to list the obvious.

You only have one life, you need to live it now, don't be a wage slave, yes, teach, do what you love, spend time with your fella and your family and friends, laugh and enjoy life - you could get hit by a bus tomorrow.

Burden on your husband?, I'm assuming your married and you said for richer and poorer in your vows?, then surely he can make some adjustments if necessary!

Answer 3

I work in a charter school, as well. I  have found charter schools to be much more enjoyable than traditional public schools.  I am actually making $5000/year less at my charter school than I would make teaching in other area schools.  However, I feel that the job satisfaction and lack of stress are priceless.  Have you searched for any charter or private schools closer to your home?

Answer 4

First of all....just keep looking for something closer to home and accept try to get used to the fact that your health, your relationships, and the time you commute has value too. While going totally without a job might be too hard of a change--taking a pay cut might be something you can deal with. I doesn't matter what you are getting paid--a twelve hour school day is absolutely ridiculous (if not illegal).

While you are looking....some advice on time management: make good use of your planning periods and commuting time (I assume you take the train/bus in) to do your grading. Also, I would be aware of when you assign big papers--don't make due dates just before long weekends, etc..

If you are gone from your home at 3:30am to be there at 6:30 and you leave at 6:30 p.m to be home at 9:30....I wonder how many days you go without even seeing your husband!  Maybe you could stay with a fellow "supportive" teacher one day a week to take the edge off the commuting time...chances are he won't miss you any  more than he does now for just one night and it might make a big difference if you could just catch up on some sleep during the week!

Most importantly, I would contact the DOE in CT to see what you have to do to get a second teaching endorsement.  English might be very close to a theatre major...and if you need to take a few classes--I'd take them next July so you can expand your job qualifications.

Good luck--you have some tough choices to make.

Answer 5

well if he really loves you, then he will find a way to make it work financially so that you can get a job that is closer to home.  if you are stressing out, depressed, and anxious, then he should be thinking about your sanity and emotions, because they are much more important than material things, and money.  that stuff can be replaced....your happiness should be more important to him.  if he really loves you, then he already knows how miserable you are, and would not want you to go back to working someplace that you dont want to be.  just tell him you are quitting this job, and that you are going to find something better and closer to home.  if he has a problem with it and gets nasty with you, then maybe you guys need a "break".

Answer 6

get over yourself and go to work.

or

get over yourself and reduce your lifestyle.

pick one.

Answer 7

My former principal (who was outstanding by the way) used to say, "You need to work smarter, not harder".  In your case, I think this also applies.  You don't need to spend hours grading papers.  When I assign homework, for example, I initial it, and let them keep it in their binders.  I'm not constantly lugging work home with me- only tests and quizzes and the occasional essay.  Homework is practice for the "real deal."  Spend only one major weekend a month preparing ahead for the entire month or couple of months...And when you're on the train, DON'T focus on school.  Read a great book, relax, take a nap, do something YOU enjoy.  You have to have a life.  Spend time with your husband when you can.  Hang out with friends, or just do nothing when you get home.  Quality time can be very restorative.  God bless...