[yellowsock]

This is my 7th year in teaching and I feel burned out. Every year for the past three years, I go through a stage where I feel the need to switch career. I'm tired of the politics of school and district. I'm tired of watching myself work to death while my coworkers stampede home as soon as the bell ring. I'm tired of not receiving enough support. I'm tired of grading papers. I'm tired of classroom management. I'm tired of entering report card. I'm tired of working through my breaks to race to the copy machine. I'm tired of working with idiots who only talk big but do very little. I'm tired of bringing work home. I'm tired.

There are brighter days with my students, but somehow those days do not shine through the dark clouds.

Yes, I can leave work behind. I can leave ignore the coworkers. Easier said than done, because ignoring will only make me a part of them.

So every year, I search for another career option. All require me to return to school, meaning I have to spend 5 years going part time. It looks like I might have to carry a load of debt and 5 years of commuting, reading, and completing assignments. Of course this load of work puts me back to where I initially was....maybe teaching isn't so bad.

I certainly feel trapped.

[Smartmouth]

I imagine you're going to get a LOT of "I could have written your post" posts. I know I feel the way you do often.
It's going to be Thanksgiving soon. Rest. Do things that you know are good for you.
Then you have to evaluate your options. Remind yourself that there are things about teaching you love, there are children who love you, there are parents who think you are great but are too busy to tell you. Weigh out if making a career change is what you can do. If not, rest some more and do more things that you know are good for you. The dumpster is your friend. Less is more. Slow down the pace at school and do more projects that take time but are packed with learning and teaching opportunities.
That's my advice. I want you also to know that last night I was crying and saying I felt like a rat in a maze. I've been saying that and crying like that on and off for over 20 years. Teaching never gets the recognition it deserves as the hardest work in the world if it's done right. But it is rewarding if we know where to look for the rewards- inside ourselves.
Peace to you.

[bparsons]

I feel the same way a lot of times. But somehow, at the same time, I don't really want to give it up either. There are so many things I LOVE about teaching... but other silly things that aren't important get in the way and make it harder than it needs to be. I can tell you know what I mean.

It seems like the veteran teachers and the ones that are the most capable can somehow tune out the "garbage" and move on. They some how ride it out, bite their tongue about a lot of things, and do what they have to without letting it get to them. I have been teaching 12 years and I just don't think i'm capable of this "tune out" thing. Everything affects me.

Are you ready to have 100% pass on your state tests by 2012???

I am pregnant now and i'm beginning to see the need for a reality check. I feel like I cannot have an infant at home and be a good mother to a baby that needs me and two older children that have gotten used to mom not being around (don't school work all the time). I feel tremendous guilt. My husband is raising my children with very little help from me and something has to change.

When the transfer process begins, I'm going to see if I can get a specialist position that should be less pressure...we'll see if I can find one that make me end up with a huge commute. There may not even be anything available with all the cuts. If that doesn't work, I might do the "leave of absence" thing for a year and take some classes to work toward a new endorsement. My husband suggested that....

We'll see how we do as a 1-income family for a while. I cannot force myself to become "roboteacher", no matter how hard I try. (I've often thought how great it would be to have C3PO run copies for me, be my personal secretary and translate things into various languages for my ESL kids. Every teacher needs a droid!)

It really is breaking my heart to let go. My school is great. I've been there 4 wonderful years. I love the kids. I love my principal - but my own children need me and the stress is killing me. I keep telling myself how lucky I am to have THIS job over others. But, that doesn't take away the stress or make more hours in the day for my children.

Thanks for giving me a chance to get that out.

[rpzieg]

The other day I made a cartoon in my head. It is me with golden handcuffs behind the bars of Room 5 (my room #). This is my 9th year and every year I feel like a newbie AND I've been in the same classroom, same grade for the 9 years.

I try to think of what else I can do that is in the education field since I am "older" and can't start another career at this point.

I like the kids but I never have enough time to plan so I am always running at the last minute.

bparson, I do not envy you your position. Your own children are priority #1. If you are able to take the year off and redirect your career, do it! You could always go back to classroom teaching if that didn't work out

Thanks for this post, I know I'm not alone.

[SOTRainbow]

Someone once told me that there will always be a classroom of ____ graders, but you only have your own kids with you for a while. Enjoy them. If you can stay home, do it.

[yellowsock]

for the kind words and for sharing your personal experience. I am definitely looking forward to the holidays for rest and lots of eating to soothe my soul. =)