Is it so terrible to quit to my new job?

[kkmcan]

a

 

[java]

Could you maybe see about subbing instead? So it's not so everyday?
Be careful because burning bridges isn't a great idea. If you have no intention of ever going back to work then no problem. But if you are going to want to work at some point I would tread carefully.

 

[ChristmasElf]

Does a teachers aid work full time each week? If it is full time, maybe you could as for some of your hours be cut so you won't be away from home as much.
Two weeks isn't very much time to decide if you will be able to stick it out for the year is it?

Maybe just re arrange your "chores" or home time by doing just a little at a time until you get in the full swing of things.
Don't worry about getting everything done. You can't be at two places at the same time and I'm sure your family understands that.

Give it more time before you pull the plug.

 

[kkmcan]

Yeah, I know that a short time isn't enouh to decide and I will eventually catch up on chores but I just can't get over the feeling of what did I get myself into? That unhappy-and-I'm-stuck-now feeling. I don't want to work a job that I'm unhappy in. Maybe this isn't the job for me after all

There have to be people out there who take a job and find out that wasn't what they were supposed to be doing. Right?

 

[robinb]

It sounds like you are overwhelmed now but I suspect that things will get better of you give them a chance. I would not recommend that you quit. It reflects poorly on YOU and also on the other teachers who comes after you trying to get back in the work force. I hate to sound harsh, but I think you should suck it up. Your husband and kids will step up to the plate to get the house-related things done if you ask them to. Oh, and a 20 minute drive is nothing.

 

[Normangirls]

Don't quit. Yet.

Give yourself some time to adjust, work out a routine for getting things done at home, etc.

BUT, also set a deadline for yourself -- say two or three months. If you still feel this way in October, go ahead and make your decision. You can do anything for a few months, right? And then you'll feel better about your choice, because you gave it a fair chance.

If you decide to quit, give more than two weeks notice -- offer to stay until they find a replacement. It may ease any hard feelings.

 

[karibritt01]

I have to agree that you haven't given yourself a chance to find a new routine. 2 whole days without laundry is no big deal. But with a TA position, you should be getting home in time to throw a load into the washer before you start dinner if you feel it must be done daily. There are many of us that work full time, and still find the time to do housework, grocery shop, take the kids to activities, etc. It is just a matter of giving yourself the time to find a routine that works, and letting others assist you when necessary.

 

[jodifla]

It sounds like you are overwhelmed now but I suspect that things will get better of you give them a chance. I would not recommend that you quit. It reflects poorly on YOU and also on the other teachers who comes after you trying to get back in the work force. I hate to sound harsh, but I think you should suck it up. Your husband and kids will step up to the plate to get the house-related things done if you ask them to. Oh, and a 20 minute drive is nothing.

I agree.

Quit now, and your chances of getting a job down the road go "poof."

Housework just isn't as important as your reputation.

 

[golfgal]

2 days is not enough time. You have to give it at least a month to come up with some kind of a new routine, etc.

 

[disykat]

First of all, I agree with the others that reputation in a school district is very important. If you quit now, you have to realize it will affect whether you ever work in this district again.

I work part time and am always suprised by how part time seems to suck up almost as much time as working full time. I've found that even working part time I have to change my housekeeping standards and budget my time carefully.

How part time? I know I have friends who've been aides and decided it wasn't worth it. Although the hours fit perfectly into the kid's day, often it can be hours like 11 - 2, which realistically mean you don't get anything done while the kids are gone. You have to get used to including your family in chores, taking the kids with you grocery shopping, etc.

However, if you have a job with a better time line, like 9 -12, stick with it if at all possible.

My first year part time was 10-2, but the last two years have been 8 - 12 and it is GREAT!

The first few WEEKS may be overwhelming, not just the first few days. However, some of that is because you are also settling your own kids into school. Extra trips to get school supplies etc. can really add up and make those first few weeks seem extra busy.

Once you settle in, you'll have a better idea of the "fit" of this job. I feel like you might really regret quitting too soon.

That said, if it's not about just being overwhelmed and truly is a fit issue - nasty coworkers, etc. - you are the only one who can make that call.

 

[clh2]

I also agree that you need to "give this job a chance".

Let's face it - your biggest hurdle will be getting your family to "step up to the plate too". This will be a big change for them too!

In this economy, I am REALLY glad that both my DH and I have jobs. If one of us would get laid off - at least we can be on the other's insurance, there would be some income coming in.

Generally, around here, laundry happens on the weekend, and I try to do a little housework every day.

My advice - plan your meals in advance, always have an extra couple of frozen pizzas around. And, seriously, don't sweat the small stuff!

I know someone else who started a TA job mid-year last year. She had been a SAHM for around 8 or 9 years. She could describe your feelings to a tee. It took her a good portion of the year to adjust. But - she did, and so did her family.

Good Luck!

 

[MonkeyDishwasher]

Maybe there's a way that you could TA fewer days? Perhaps do 4 days so as to leave yourself a day open for chores and whatnot, or maybe even 3? It's not horrible if you don't want to work 5 days a week, but as other have said, you may just need more time to adjust to the times given, or try to adjust the times for yourself.

hang in there, I'm sure you'll make it through

 

[DisneyBlonde]

I agree to give yourself a bit more time, you may regret giving up so soon at some point. If you still really don't get into the groove and don't see a way that it can be worked out, you can always give notice at that point.

I would not feel bad about leaving, as long as you give them a few weeks to find someone else. But I definitely agree that two days isn't long enough to develop a comfortable routine, and work out a balance between home and office (it can be done!).

Good luck.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

I am almost in the same boat as you! I don't want to quit my job though, I really like it.

I've been a SAHM for the past 8.5 years and just got a PT job (about 20 hours a week) at a doctors office. My house is a wreck, I'm tired all the time, I worked all morning today then came home to a messy house, laundry to do, had to run out and do errands and grocery shop w/2 whiney kids. I'll be "hitting the hay" by 9 tonight, with the house still a mess.

Honestly though, I think we just need some time to get into a swing of things, to get a routine. I'm even thinking about taking some of the money I make and paying someone to come every 2-3 weeks to clean.

 

[DawnM]

Well, even when I taught full time, I always had a really hard time going back full time after being off for a couple of months. It was always overwhelming, esp. at first when you have so much to take care of.....learning the kids' names, rearranging seating assignments, etc.....

I agree that you really should hang in there longer.

Why did you become a TA instead of going back as a teacher? Isn't the pay about 90% less????

Dawn

 

[MrsPete]

When we had our first child, I was very worried about going back to work. How would I handle everything at home and at school? Would she be okay? Would I be okay? The drive, the money, the retirement account . . . all these things seemed so difficult to juggle.

Here's what my husband told me: "Just go back to work for two months. If after that you're not happy, quit then." It was excellent advice. After two months, I found that my daughter was healthy and happy, I had adjusted my routine so that it worked and everything was done.

Give it time.

 

[PaulaSue]

I would give any job at least a month (with the kids) to see if it fits in better for you.

Good Luck!

 

[Va-bear]

Well, even when I taught full time, I always had a really hard time going back full time after being off for a couple of months. It was always overwhelming, esp. at first when you have so much to take care of.....learning the kids' names, rearranging seating assignments, etc.....

I agree that you really should hang in there longer.

I agree 100%! I have worked full-time for 22 years but each time I was off long-term (2 maternity leaves and several surgeries) it was VERY VERY tough going back. Physically, your body is just not used to it and mentally, it is such a different stressor than staying home all day. Feeling extremely stressed is only normal when considering all of that.

And dont even get me started on my job change a year ago. I cried every night on the way home - it was awful, terrible...I was miserable. HOW I wanted to quit!!! But working is very important to me, as a person and, yes, I am very glad I didnt quit. I feel proud of myself, happy to be contributing in the way I do, and I dont cry on the way home anymore.

Give it a few months at the least, then decide or you may really regret it. And good luck - hope it improves quickly. Those kids are lucky to have you.

 

[december]

I don't know how it works in the OP's school, but here TAs work the same hours as teachers, so a shorter work week wouldn't be an option.

I started back yesterday (high school teacher) after being home with my new little one for 11 weeks. The toughest thing was leaving her at daycare-cried the whole way to work. But chores are getting easier. After the baby was born I did alot of delegating to ds12 and dd9. They each have one chore a day 6 days a week (they alternate days emptying the dishwasher, and on the other days dust, vacuum, sweep, mop, etc.). They also help with the laundry (take it to the laundry room and sort it, move it from the washer to the dryer, etc.). Dd9 loves to help cook, and does things like brown the meat for spaghetti and make mac and cheese. She loves to tell everyone she cooked dinner.

They start back to school next week, and they know that they will do their one daily chore when they get home, then do homework, then play. It doesn't hurt them to have responsibilities and help out at home! The only thing I'm worried about is my grad class that starts on August 17-not sure how I'm going to get that done, too!

I say give it some time, and let your kids pitch in and help!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

OP - Give it time. The first month of the school year is exhausting. You are settling into a new routine at home and at work. You're trying to learn a bunch of names. Being new to the school, you're also trying to learn the curriculum.

Take it a day at a time. If that seems daunting - trust me, I know it can - then break it down to portions of the day. Focus on what you get done before recess, before prep, before lunch, before dismissal, etc.

You will build up energy as the month goes by because your body gets used to it, so you'll be able to get more done each evening. Don't hold yourself to the same standard of housework as before - you have less time than you did.

Don't quit now. You will burn bridges and you won't feel good about it. I'd give it at least until the Christmas/Winter Break.