[libgrl]

I never wanted to teach. As an English major undergrad people always assumed that I would teach, but I always knew it was not something that I was interested in. However, I ended up going down a path that led to exactly that. I ended up pursuing a Masters degree in Library Science (an area that I am interested in) with a concentration in School Librarianship simply because that gave me the most options for what type of library I could work in upon graduation. When I was offered a librarian position at a high school I accepted because it seemed crazy to turn down a decent-paying job.

I had a miserable first year of teaching last year due to a lot of the same factors that people have been mentioning - horrible co-teacher, no respect from my co-workers, little guidance from my principal, and misbehaving high schoolers, most being taller than me. And to be honest teaching just isn't a good fit for me. I spent all of this summer interviewing and trying to find another job so that I would have some security before leaving my current job, but I haven't gotten anything. Now there is a little over a week before the school year starts back up and I'm having major anxiety about it. I really just want to quit now, but I don't want to commit "professional suicide." There are a lot of other things that I would like to pursue, particularly other fields of librarianship. I would love to go back to school and start over. My dilemma is, should I quit now before the school year starts, but on short notice? Or should I go back until I secure a job, but potentially quit midyear? I have no doubt that I want to leave this job and this field, but I don't know how to get out without hurting myself.

[kamehameha]

Don't quit so close to the school year. That could really put your school district in a bind and then that could reflect upon you in future years. Most likely the reason you haven't been called for another position is probably because they are few and far between during these economic times.

I one time had a teaching position that was not a good fit to me. I had panic attacks at times. It is hard, but you will have to endure until the end of this year. Then if you are financially sound, resign from the position if you do not have to work at this time.

[WriterGal]

If you get a job in another aspect of librarianship and you never want to work at a school again, then I say go for it. Other types of libraries aren't hung up on this idea that you 'have to complete the school year.' And even if you are simply switching schools most of the time media specialists are in such demand that there isn't a huge stigma. I left my 1st school library job at a private school for my 2nd, at a public school in October one year and no one blinked. And when I needed to work full-time I left my part-time library job for a full-time one mid-year and everyone survived.
There's this idea that as someone working in the schools you should never leave during the school year because OMG what will they do without you! But if you're professional about it and it's a move that makes sense for you professionally and personally I really don't see it as the be-all end-all issue that some people make it.
That said, I have worked as a librarian in all grades, and although I started in h.s. and enjoyed it, I LOVED being an elementary school librarian. It was the most fun I had in my entire teaching career. BUT if you are someone who likes the administrative work of the library, the systems, book acquisition, etc. over working with the "public" then you should go elsewhere in the library world, I think. As I'm sure you discovered in library school, there are many types of jobs in libraries and not all of them - or every librarian - needs to be a people person to do them.

[Armand2REP]

I sent in my resignation letter over the weekend and didn't show up today. My teaching career is over there, although I could look into going back into it at home, I have no desire. I am done with the classroom. I can't tell you the burden that has been lifted off my shoulders from worrying about what parent will complain next or a new occasion for lack of admin support. Get out and start the process now. Every day you are in some place you dread is an extra day of your life wasted, and usually one peeled off the life expectancy. Keep hunting for your dream job, it is out there and so is mine. I know I will look until I find it. However, I suggest you don't burn bridges like I have a bad penchant for doing.

[crazytown]

THEN WHY DID YOU ACCEPT THE JOB....get out know people like you give all teachers a bad name

[AlbertaIrish]

You sent in a resignation letter on the weekend and then didn't show up on the following Monday?

You're right, you shouldn't be a teacher. Being a teacher involves some sense of integrity, personal responsibility and maturity, and your actions show that you possess little of each.

You just keep waiting for that magical perfect job to land in your lap. There're plenty willing to take your place.