Fellas

I need some advice on which way I need to go.

I'm a public school teacher who has been teaching for 10 years. I have grown tired of it in a way. The hours are great and you get summers pretty much off. However, I feel I need a change. It is getting more and more difficult. More is being required and I find that more and more I'm spending my own time off the clock working.

I'm 33 years old and do not have a family. I have very little responisbility outside of my church and property.

I have a BA degree in Exercise and Sport Science. I taught PE mainly and coached. The past two years I have been teaching history.

Anyone have a suggestion as to what careers to look at?

I'm open to alot suggestions here.

Thanks

Donno??

Burnout's a bitch.

Try delivering high end furniture for 18 months to put life back in perspective. I had to..

Hope something turn's up, but I hate to say this, I figure you need to stay in teaching.

Why not try teaching Sociology for a year or two??

Anyway, good luck.

pdq67

PS., Oh, almost forgot!! Do you have any good small Men's Group's at Church?? If so, maybe you can bounce your delima off them and hopefully network through some of the guys?? We support each other...

I wish I was a teacher, Try climbing utility poles and towers in the middle of the night in a snowstorm (Scared of heights and electricity ). Classroom and bratty kids lookin pretty good.Sorry just venting:):):)

Maybe I'm misinterpreting your reasoning, but it sounds like you want to change because you're bored and your job is starting to interfere with your personal life, after school hours.

In my experience, anyway, there's no such thing as a job that only lasts 8 hours a day. One that you can truly "leave at work" after 5:00, day in and day out. They typically are 50-60 hour work weeks, or more at times, 12 months a year. Vacations of even a week can be hard to come by.

If you're bored with what you're doing and can be motivated by a complete change to put in "whatever it takes" in terms of time to be successful, and are willing to take a pay cut to start over, then it's worth exploring. Just don't expect to immediately work less, get paid the same and enjoy it more! Especially with a complete change in occupation.

Finally, if you were to annualize you current 10 month salary, after 10 years experience, I'd bet you'd be hard pressed to match that level pay for many, many years to come with a brand new career, IMO

Bottomline. It's nice to think about, but probably not very practical - at least for the implied reasons you're wanting to do it - IMO. Maybe you should explore moving into school administration - Assistant Principal, Principal or something that's functionally related to what you're doing now.

Good Luck.

Andy

Right about the long-term Career Ladder salary growth.

My wife didn't get it when I got PO'd after finding out that she ended up making more than me with her HS "Psychometric Examiner" job and everything but her doctorate vs my BSME and EIT and long term experience.

And I just recently got back to where I was, salary-wise, from when I helped myself out the door over at the old APGreen Firebrick Plant back in the fall of '95!!

Darn near died on that one before I got straightened out!!

DON'T make any rash job moves!! Find a new job BEFORE you resign.. If you decide to switch careers.

pdq67

Aaron. You're not getting to the big question...

What do you want to do?

There are very few jobs that don't require more than the standard 8. I would think about what you want to do, and take a part time job (summers, weekends) doing that and see if you really like it.

Good luck in whatever you do, and thank you for working with the kids and making their life better. You get to make a difference in someone's life. Very few people are capable of getting that type of satisfaction at work. Very, very few.

You need to decide for yourself what the best career is for you. Nobody here can tell you what to do for a living. Why don't you just sit down and think about what things in life you really enjoy, and then start listing the jobs that would cover that.

I agree you aren't going to find many 8 hour jobs anymore. Over the last few years I have been a construction project manager, that was an honest 24 hour a day job. I hated that, I could never leave the job and just be me. This past sumer I just up and quit my job with nothing lined up (which I don't suggest doing), but fortunately I have my original career choice to fall back on and I did and I once again love it. I am an electrician, and I can honestly say, when I punch out for the day, I am done with my job. If the phone rings I don't have to answer it, if their is a problem, I'll fix it tomorrow or my boss will pay me to fix it now. I never have to do anything work related off the clock anymore. As a teacher your salary, and it seems to me, salary jobs are more and more often becoming a 24 hour a day deal. Not for me, I'll be hourly.

Jeff

Suggestion: Relocate to somewhere with new challenges and scenery. Find work in that environment doing what you're doing now.

Now that's a good idea Phil!!

Most of us settle in where we were raised and by the time we think about it, it's too late b/c of roots!!

If you are SINGLE, then go for it.

pdq67

I don't know what type of retirement setup you have, but my brother retired from teaching at 57 years old, his insurance plan is top notch, and he always has plenty of money, where at 61 I was still working, anyway, just something to keep in mind.

Rob

In my experience, anyway, there's no such thing as a job that only lasts 8 hours a day. One that you can truly "leave at work" after 5:00, day in and day out. They typically are 50-60 hour work weeks, or more at times, 12 months a year. Vacations of even a week can be hard to come by.



Hmm... Absolutely right.. might Work day lasts 7.5 hours, and .5 hours are paid breaks, so technically I have a 7 hour work day, which I maybe work half, and day dream the other half.

I leave work at 4:30, day in day out, truly.... unless of course I have some comp time, or use some personal, sick, or vacation time.. then my days are shorter of course.

I get 15 vacation days a year, and if I wanted to take a three week vacation, I certainly could.

I would think that anyone can get this, after all I have only been on this job for a year. I love my job, its what I went to school for and what I have been dabbling with most of my life.


In any case... you said your degrees are not in History, that would be my first clue as to why you have burnout. If I wanted to work with Excercise and Sports Science and I ended up teaching history, I would burn-out to. Do what makes you happy, what you will enjoy. It is much easier to go to work everyday if your doing something that you are interested in. Often times if you enjoy your work, time just flies on by, and when you have to work a little later it isn't a big deal because you enjoy your work.


My 2 pents...

Big D

Big D,

Sound's like you work for the State!

Do you??

pdq67

Big D has it made because that is certainly not the norm in the U.S. anymore. In fact Americans work more hours, on average, than anyother industrialized country. I know my job keeps getting more demanding every year. After 33 yrs with the same company you would think that you could cruise a little, no they expect more all the time. I do get 5 weeks vacation, 11 paid holidays, and pretty much set my own work schedule. That doesn't mean I don't have to produce, because I do. If I could find another job with comparable compensation I'd take it in a minute.

www.usmc.mil


Top left hand corner, that should give you something to do. :)

Big D has it made because that is certainly not the norm in the U.S. anymore. In fact Americans work more hours, on average, than anyother industrialized country. I know my job keeps getting more demanding every year. After 33 yrs with the same company you would think that you could cruise a little, no they expect more all the time. I do get 5 weeks vacation, 11 paid holidays, and pretty much set my own work schedule. That doesn't mean I don't have to produce, because I do. If I could find another job with comparable compensation I'd take it in a minute.

Big D,

Sound's like you work for the State!

Do you??

pdq67

Yes, I work for the state, but that is besides the point, I had to bust my butt to get this job. I get extra little perks, but take a pay cut vs. the private sector. I have 18 years a school under my belt and most of it is IT related. My main job is continuity. If everything is working then I am doing a good job, but am questioned as too what I am doing. If something breaks, I fix it and am questioned as too why, what, when, and is it done yet, and why couldn't it be prevented. So as long as things are working, I am working on a project here and there, right now (Vmware is a big project for me) , or reading and researching because IT is ever changing and I want to keep on top of things. Now, if I could just get this monumental amount of student loans to disappear my life would be some much more fun. If that money could just be diverted to my Chevelle fund life would be sweet.

If I worked for the private sector I would probably be thoroughly exhausted and disgusted with my job, burnt-out, but I would have a subway wallet. We have a friend who divorced her husband because he was working in the private sector doing pretty much what I do, he was getting 70+ hours of overtime a month. He had zero time for friends or family. I like money, but also value my wife and kids, so I'm taking a bit of a hit in the wallet; it's worth it.

The fact is I do a job I enjoy, that I am comfortable with going to everyday. A job that if lost would bother me not only because of the income, but because I actually enjoyed the work and the people were good.

I worked for a mattress factory for over 5 years before my current job. It seemed like the prerequisite for employment was a felony conviction. I was good at the job, actually one of the best in the company, but I didn't enjoy it. Some of the people that worked there loved the work, and are still working there. They have an interesting schedule as well. They work M-T, 10 hour shifts, and get three day weekends every week. I think I could get used to that. The day they fired me I actually smilled and said, "Thank You."

Big D

I know quite a few teachers and they alll seem to tell the same story - work flows into the home and they don't get paid for that time. Maybe a change of venue would be good for you. I always thought it would be cool to be a college professor.

May be you need to back off on the coaching a little. I know this can take up alot of extra time. I wouldn't be to quick to give up your teaching job.

work until you find work.
Do not Teach in NY.
the State exams they require are CRAZY

Fellas

The hours are great and you get summers pretty much off. However, I feel I need a change.

Now think about what your saying here. How many jobs will allow you to have summers off??

Rob a bank....Got to jail......

Aaron: Since you have the summers off, why not try a different line of work for the summer and see if a better career comes from that? You might try a different job each summer for the next couple of years.

As a car-guy, I've always thought being a shop teacher would be a pretty sweet deal, especially if the school has a metal-shop with bridgeports and such. :yes: Have you considered a move in that direction?

All summer long, you'd still have access to the shop and all those tools. :)

I value all your sugguestions. Very good ones at that.

I will elborate a little more, should of done this first.

I feel burned out because of what is occurring. I have not coached anything for the past two years. Not that I would like to continue coaching. Most of the teachers at my school feel like they are getting jerked around. I have been here 10 years and most of the teachers now don't stay for more than 3 years due to the nature of work conditions. Alot of pressure to make sure the school gets a "A" grade. Alot of teachers feel like they are being micromanged. Its my hometown, so this is what makes it so ackward. I guess a change in scenery is the best option and try and use part-time work in the summer to maybe create a jump to another job.

I have considered moving over to law enforcement. The training would take 30 weeks and the starting pay is only about 5,000 less than what I make right now. They use the same retirement system as we do.

As far as hours are concern, I realize that teachers have it better than most occupations. However, I have found myself putting in 50 hours a week on average this year, this is at school, not the hours at home, which are not that many.

However, when I do the math my hourly wage is right around 10.50 a hour with the current pay. I feel that with the degree I have it should be a little more so this has it effects on your head. Of course, I'm single so the responsibilities aren't that much.

Derek, as far as shop classes are concern. There is a major move to remove this type of education from the main stream school. Kids are being asked to go to tech. schools instead of a liberal arts type of background schools. Its a possibility, but my current district does not offer any of that.

Keep it coming.

Aaron,a move over to law enforcement doesn't sound like a bad idea.
Anything you feel passionate about that you make an income from?

Personal Trainer? You have the degree for it...Health care in a hospital helping people rehabilitate maybe?

IMHO, teaching is something that requires passion. If you aren't passionate about teaching, why should your kids be passionate about learning. Personally, I think its commendable for you to consider a change instead of just showing up and collecting a paycheck like a lot of teachers do. There are teachers out there that are flat out worthless. I realize it's a tough job, but no one ever became a teacher to get rich.

Honestly, it sounds to me like you already made up your mind. Sometimes change can be a good thing...Good Luck to you!

Personal Trainer? You have the degree for it...Health care in a hospital helping people rehabilitate maybe?

IMHO, teaching is something that requires passion. If you aren't passionate about teaching, why should your kids be passionate about learning. Personally, I think its commendable for you to consider a change instead of just showing up and collecting a paycheck like a lot of teachers do. There are teachers out there that are flat out worthless. I realize it's a tough job, but no one ever became a teacher to get rich.

Honestly, it sounds to me like you already made up your mind. Sometimes change can be a good thing...Good Luck to you!

Buzzbomb

Teaching does require passion. I believe I have it. What is getting me down and everyone in teaching down is the deal with test, test, test, and more test. We are testing kids to death. When do we teach and allow for learning. We are always assessing where they are at. Meetings take up planning time and etc. Planning is done after hours or at home.

There are alot of teachers who just don't care BTW.

Aaron,
I am looking for an Application Engineer to work for me in the HVAC industry...... It's in Dallas.... Seriously though, your degree and your passion are lined up. That seems to be rare these days. It may require a little change (maybe coach a team at the YMCA or put together a church league) or a bigger change. But, if you do move to another school district the testing will still be there....
Frank

Aaron,
I am looking for an Application Engineer to work for me in the HVAC industry...... It's in Dallas.... Seriously though, your degree and your passion are lined up. That seems to be rare these days. It may require a little change (maybe coach a team at the YMCA or put together a church league) or a bigger change. But, if you do move to another school district the testing will still be there....
Frank

Frank

What is the HVAC industry...you have me wondering?

Yes, I know the testing will still be there. This is what has me wondering about a change.

I'm wondering if I have lost that passion. Wondering if my interest have changed.

One other thing. I'm single. This has me wondering about moving. Since I live in a small town.

Maybe a move will add some favor to me life.

Ever consider teaching at private schools, a school centered around gifted children, or going into higher education where the assessment aspect is removed from the equation.

HVAC is Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning, I believe..........but I could be wrong... I do know it isn't cheap to call them over for a house call. The latest call cost me $100.00 and all he did was replace a wire nut. :) Weeee....

A co-workers son just graduated from a certificate program in HVAC and has been working as an apprentice for about a year. He just turned 21, and is looking to buy his first house.

Big D

Frank

What is the HVAC industry...you have me wondering?

Yes, I know the testing will still be there. This is what has me wondering about a change.

I'm wondering if I have lost that passion. Wondering if my interest have changed.

One other thing. I'm single. This has me wondering about moving. Since I live in a small town.

Maybe a move will add some favor to me life.

Aaron,
Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning. I work for a company that builds roof top exhaust and supply fans and a few other things.
Frank

Aaron,

I worked 13.5 to 14 months a year for 12 months salary for years w/ a BSME when I was at the old Firebrick Company so know how you feel when you start breaking a salary down into actual hours worked pay!!

I begged them to let me go hourly overtime, but they KNEW they had a gold mine w/ me doing the crap nobody else would even touch out in the field!!

You ain't lived until you've shot refractory gunning plastic in an industrial furnace overhead w/ a guy holding your butt to keep from getting blown backwards off the scaffold boards!!!

Can you imagine holding onto a 1.375" dia waterhose running anywhere from 30 to 100psi w/ my body tight as a spring to control it. We'd hit break or have to move or time to quit and when the air was shut off, I'd darn near fall over frontwards until I caught myself. It was like getting beat half to death every shift!!

pdq67

Aaron,

I worked 13.5 to 14 months a year for 12 months salary for years w/ a BSME when I was at the old Firebrick Company so know how you feel when you start breaking a salary down into actual hours worked pay!!

I begged them to let me go hourly overtime, but they KNEW they had a gold mine w/ me doing the crap nobody else would even touch out in the field!!

You ain't lived until you've shot refractory gunning plastic in an industrial furnace overhead w/ a guy holding your butt to keep from getting blown backwards off the scaffold boards!!!

Can you imagine holding onto a 1.375" dia waterhose running anywhere from 30 to 100psi w/ my body tight as a spring to control it. We'd hit break or have to move or time to quit and when the air was shut off, I'd darn near fall over frontwards until I caught myself. It was like getting beat half to death every shift!!

pdq67



WOW!! Where was OHSA!!!!! LOL

Hey Paul, I know what you mean! I did sandblasting for 6 years and the first time I grabbed the hose to blow the sand off a bridge we were doing I got put on my a$$ real quick! Fortunately, not off the bridge!
Aaron, as someone who has recently considered a career change, it is a good idea to find something first before you decide to quit. After 30 years of turning wrenches in a motorcycle shop I was ready to bail. I gave my notice then realized that there was nothing out there. My industry has taken a huge hit in the last 2 years and in California with the 365 days of good riding weather, that is bad. I went from flagging 80 hours every 2 weeks to 40-50 hours. I still had to be there so I was giving over 5 days of my time and not getting paid for it. I've taken 2 pay cuts in the last 2 years and next year does not look very good either due to it being an election year. At 54, it's not looking good as far as making a career change right now although I am not lacking in the skills to do something else. I am one of the best M/C techs out there but unfortunately, most shop owners don't seem to care about having people that don't F-up on a regular basis, just warm bodies that can muddle their way through a tune-up or tire change. Our last tech had a year of training but his first question on his first job was where is the oil drain bolt! Thankfully after 10 months of screwing-up everything he touched, they fired him!
Anyways, as several have suggested, use your summer vacations to find something you enjoy doing and then make your move. I was about your age when I made my move to motorcycles so it's possible to find something else and hopefully you will enjoy going to work again.
GOOD LUCK!

well FLour Daniel Is GIVING a Welding instruction school in TSTC school in Waco, Tc.
3 months training, become a welder.. make money.. 20 25 to start isnt so bad....


I wish I had that.. mine was hard knocks.. but it shook off the 7 wives..

to be young and making 25 to 30 on a pipeline.. it might be as high as a 100 before the next year is up, they are having that hard a problem getting qualified ppl...
its also one of the few professions.. not including the oldest...:D.. that requires you to retest on a regular basis..

if all goes well in my life in the next few years, I would love to teach, but I guess my worldly experiences might not be conducive in a vocational school..