Job ideas?

[tinkabella627]

Ok here is my situation, and I am sorry if this doesn't go in this thread or what, but it is kinda about budget so this was my best guess...

I am a teacher and I thought I would love it. I have a week off work before break is over and I am already dreading going back. I love my kids but am not happy at all. This is my third year teaching and I am still not sure it is what I want to be doing. Our school is about to go through a serious change over the next couple years where we will be required to do a lot more prep work, stay later, and even possibly work on some Saturdays. We will also eventually be forced to loop. For people that aren't sure, that means that this year I would teach 2nd grade and next year I would take my class to 3rd grade. The following year I would start the cycle over in 2nd grade. In theory it can be great, however I feel that I should stay put in one grade in order to be a better teacher. Anyways, all the pressures and stress from it do not make me happy and I know that what I want is to have a family. I feel like if I have a baby in the next few years I am going to be miserable at home and at work because I will inevitably feel like I am neglecting the child because of all the things I will have to do.

I guess what I want to know is if anyone has any ideas of careers that I would be qualified for having a teaching degree with a concentration in math. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind working hard and I really am a hard worker. But I do not want to do it at the cost of losing out with my family. It also doesn't help that I recently found out that my friend who will, in the next year, be a manager at a Burger King, will make more her first year doing that than I will make in my 20th year of teaching. I'm sorry but that is not ok in my mind!

Again, sorry if this isn't in the right place and sorry it is so long!

 

[HaleyB]

One idea: Start a tutoring service and try to get your name out in the homeschool market.

I have two friends that have done this and are making a good amount of money and loving what they do. They make their own hours too. So it is also something you could easily adapt around a baby, when you have one.

 

[jlima]

You might want to consider work as a corporate trainer . . . I work for a non profit and we give free classes in Word, Excel, Outlook, etc. to clients who qualify. We have one person who teaches all the classes. And at the company I was laid off from last year, they had a HUGE training program; they offered ESL classes, management programs, all kinds of stuff. And most of the people teaching these classes had education backgrounds. When you look for these positions, look in Human Resources listings. Good luck!

 

[tinkabella627]

i have thought about tutoring, however, sad as it is, the area I live in, it is highly unlikely I will find anyone that will pay for a tutor for their child.

Thank you for the idea on training. I have heard that a lot of educators go that route and I never knew where to look for the jobs! I am going to look into that I think.

 

[angwill]

How about teaching college? You could also try to do what your friend does and manage a fast food restaurant. However, I would think the hours would be much worse than a teachers.

 

[tinkabella627]

Yea you are right the hours would be worse, not to mention she has been working there since we were in high school. That is the thing. I am not willing to make minimum wage for 10 years when I am trying to start a family. I think deep down I know I am going to be teaching for a while because there really isn't much offered right now.

 

[lucigo]

My husband has a middle school math teacher degree, he just graduated about a year ago and after being in the Navy for 20 years he thought this was what he wanted. now he isn't so sure...teachers have to work very hard for very little money. The kids can get away with just about anything with no recourse.

Have you considered substituting? I realize it doesn't pay as well because you don't get paid summers or holidays, but at the same time you can take off any day you don't want to work, and there is no prep work.

 

[Cindy B]

I would LOVE to be in your shoes... I have teaching degrees and certifications that are being unused because of the glut of teaching candidates and the lack of available open teaching jobs. I refused to be a perd iem sub without a full time teaching contract. Of course in my area many tenured teachers positions were eliminated due to budget constraints so all new graduates (such as me with a near perfect GPA and dual certifications) are facing competition with veteran teachers.

Anyway, with much sadness I took a job with the federal government. Is it ideal-- no. But it is close to my house, offers stability and I am getting a raise next week. My position required a college degree (really in anything) so that was my qualifications.

 

[DawnM]

Do you have credentials to teach middle or high school math?

I am a high school teacher (and have taught middle school as well) and went down to part time when I had my babies. I worked the first 3 periods of the day (7:40am-11:40am) and still was able to get my benefits. Now, that was in another state. Here in NC I would not get benefits unless I work a min. of 80%.

But I was home by noon and still had energy for my own children.

Dawn

 

[dougsmom98]

I am teacher. Teaching is definitely not for everyone - they do keep changing the rules and requiring more of us for the same or less money (our district is requiring furlough days). I do remember those first 3-4 years of teaching and I did dread going in to work some days. There was so much to worry about - lessons, discipline, meetings... After five years, though, that stress seemed to disappear. I had enough tricks up my sleeve that the day to day was not dreaded. I think it is really important that a teacher loves their job because kids can see right through us, I am just not sure you have given it enough time. I really and truly think that teaching is the BEST job for anyone with a family. You will have approximately the same vacations as your child and you will get out of work at a reasonable time. You will be taking work home every day, but I learned to work through my lunch break and while other teachers are chatting when they arrive in the morning, I am a working machine. I get as much done during the work day as possible and then whatever I bring home I work on between 9pm and midnight after my kids go to bed. I have friends that don't even get in the door from work before 6:30 pm. I don't know how they are able to get everything done that they need to. They see their kids for an hour or two at the most before they are in bed.

 

[DisneyFan620]

I was a teacher, and too, hated it.

Now I work in the college that I graduated from as an event planner/receptionist/visit coordinator in the Admission Office. It has it's ups and downs, but it's a full time job (hourly) and I do get benefits (though I only use retirement because we use DH's... he makes 2.5 times what I make in IT in a retail environment), and I also tutor on the side (where I make $30 per hour... I like that much more and would do that full time if I could).

So I'd love to hear responses as well!

 

[happygirl]

Why not try another district?

 

[tar heel]

This has got to be said: A lot of us are NOT looking forward to going back to work! Since you're young, you may still think most people are eager to get to work each day. I've not found that to be the case for the vast majority of people.

If putting a career and family together is your main concern, then you WANT to be a teacher. There is no other job with the time off that teaching provides. If you go to work in the corporate world, you're probably looking at two weeks vacation and 10 holidays to start. In many fields, you also will not have the kind of retirement benefits that teachers get (at least in North Carolina).

As far as salaries go, you have to look at the entire picture. I work for a small nonprofit and make less than I would if I had been a teacher for the past 30 years. I, however, have nice flexibility, more time off than most jobs and the benefit of feeling I'm making my community a better place to live. On the other hand, I work lots of nights, am often there late and sometimes take work home.

If you hate teaching, of course, this is a good time to get out before you've invested your whole life. Having a math concentration should put you in a better situation than most. I would suggest banks, investment companies, accountant firms, etc., as a place to start looking.

 

[carj]

From reading your post, it doesn't sound like that school is a good fit for you. I have taught in 4 different schools and they are all different. If you think that it is just that, then maybe you should try to get on with another school.

I have also scored essays from home for the ACT, and state standardized tests. (There isn't a lot of money in this, but it makes for some nice extra income.)

I would also encourage you to think about what you enjoy about your job and what frustrates you. Perhaps there is another job in education that would work, perhaps not. The first year is HARD no matter what, even if you love it.

Also, don't be too sure that the grass is greener somewhere else. Your friend who works at Burger King may make more annually but I would bet that you make more per day when you figure in time off. I work in Texas and I would say that I am paid fairly for the amount of work that I do and the COL in this area. I know that in some other states the pay is much lower and others it is much, much higher. Not to mention that I know I am just not cut out for food service! I hate to cook at home, much less for anyone other than my own family.

I am also sending you a pm about my specific job which you might find interesting as well.

 

[dfchelbay]

Sorry if I sound harsh, but I'm taking the other position. My focus in this post is to point out the positives to teaching. I realize teaching isn't what you expected, and doesn't fufill you at this time. I'm assuming you're young and this is your first real career job. In today's economy, people are lucky to still have jobs. You do have gainful employment with good benefits. Most have poor or no benefits. Comparing your salary to your fast food working friend isn't really a fair assessment. Does your friend work eight months and get a years salary? No, she works twelve months to get her rate of pay. You get all holidays off. Extended time off at Thanksgiving, two or more weeks at Christmas, a week off for winter break, and three months off in the summer. Plus, you don't have to work weekends. You are also part of a union, which means you have them to fight for your pay, benefits, job security, etc. Most of the working class are at will employees. They can be let go at any time, for any or no reason at all. I'm sure there are many more positives that can be added to the pro vs. con list.

Just make sure you really think it all through. Sometimes, in the midst of the negativity of one's situation, seeing any positives is nearly impossible.

 

[RangerPooh]

Another teacher here who sometimes questions their job. I have been involved in some aspect of education for the last 10 years (outdoor education, subbing, classroom teaching, etc) and recently relocated states for my position...gotta go where the jobs are...and am unsure of where I stand. The benefits are good, the hours are fine, the pay is ok, but is this what I really want to do? You're right about the increase in demand without the increase in pay. DH and I have dicussed my feelings about my job and and he supports my decision to leave if that is what I decide to do. Prensetly I am considering going back into the field of interpretation for either the state parks, US Forest Service, or National Park Service. However there is no guarantee that the positions would be fulltime or perminant. I have also considered teaching at the college level in either education or natural resources as I do have my Matser's degree, which is a requirement for many of the positions that I have seen listed.

BTW, I am a parent, expecting a baby, teaching, and feeling the guilt. But I remind myself that it will be worth it if I continue my career as I will have the extra time to be with my kids during the summer months as well as breaks. Plus if I were able to switch to a school with "normal times" (we are 8:20-4:10 rather than 8-3:00/3:30) I would have a little more time in the afternoon to be with them.

 

[eliza61]

Ok here is my situation, and I am sorry if this doesn't go in this thread or what, but it is kinda about budget so this was my best guess...

I am a teacher and I thought I would love it. I have a week off work before break is over and I am already dreading going back. I love my kids but am not happy at all. This is my third year teaching and I am still not sure it is what I want to be doing. Our school is about to go through a serious change over the next couple years where we will be required to do a lot more prep work, stay later, and even possibly work on some Saturdays. We will also eventually be forced to loop. For people that aren't sure, that means that this year I would teach 2nd grade and next year I would take my class to 3rd grade. The following year I would start the cycle over in 2nd grade. In theory it can be great, however I feel that I should stay put in one grade in order to be a better teacher. Anyways, all the pressures and stress from it do not make me happy and I know that what I want is to have a family. I feel like if I have a baby in the next few years I am going to be miserable at home and at work because I will inevitably feel like I am neglecting the child because of all the things I will have to do.

I guess what I want to know is if anyone has any ideas of careers that I would be qualified for having a teaching degree with a concentration in math. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind working hard and I really am a hard worker. But I do not want to do it at the cost of losing out with my family. It also doesn't help that I recently found out that my friend who will, in the next year, be a manager at a Burger King, will make more her first year doing that than I will make in my 20th year of teaching. I'm sorry but that is not ok in my mind!

Again, sorry if this isn't in the right place and sorry it is so long!

Woo wooo let's seperate some issues.
Ok, you know you want to start a family. Do you have kids right now? No. Then why are you feeling guilty over some thing that has not even happened. ?

As for your friend, do you have any idea about the stress of running your own business? My family owned it's own restaurant for 40 years, Believe me, she is probably earning every dime of her money. Ask your friend how many hours she spends in that Burger King, how she feels about dealing with teenagers as employees? Lose the jealousy girlfriend. Your friend is working her tooshie off.

I think you need to sit down and make some long term goals. If starting a family is your priority then stick with teaching and save every dime so you can be a stay at home job. Are you planning on switching careers and then leaving after 6 months to have kids?

What do you like to do? You can go back to school while planning for your family.

 

[puffkin]

This has got to be said: A lot of us are NOT looking forward to going back to work! Since you're young, you may still think most people are eager to get to work each day. I've not found that to be the case for the vast majority of people.

If putting a career and family together is your main concern, then you WANT to be a teacher. There is no other job with the time off that teaching provides. If you go to work in the corporate world, you're probably looking at two weeks vacation and 10 holidays to start. In many fields, you also will not have the kind of retirement benefits that teachers get (at least in North Carolina).

As far as salaries go, you have to look at the entire picture. I work for a small nonprofit and make less than I would if I had been a teacher for the past 30 years. I, however, have nice flexibility, more time off than most jobs and the benefit of feeling I'm making my community a better place to live. On the other hand, I work lots of nights, am often there late and sometimes take work home.

If you hate teaching, of course, this is a good time to get out before you've invested your whole life. Having a math concentration should put you in a better situation than most. I would suggest banks, investment companies, accountant firms, etc., as a place to start looking.

I agree with this 100%. I get so sick of hearing all the teachers complain about their jobs around here (btw most of DH's family is educators). In PA, teachers get paid VERY WELL. They have every holiday off. They don't have to drive to work when the weather is bad. They get awesome health and retirement benefits. Maternity leave benefits are unmatched. Most school districts pay for continuing education. They have wonderful hours, especially if they have a family (ie they are off when their kids are off). Sure teachers may have to bring some work home in the evenings/weekends, but so do many of us. At least they have that option.

Whenever DH's family complains, I want to yell WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD! Sure there are a lot of bad things about teaching and most of us aren't cut out for it. But there are a lot of great things too. I work 45-50 hours a week, have to pay for all my classes to keep up my license (CPA), pay a hefty portion of my health benefits, have NO state pension, get off 7 holidays and 2 weeks vacation with no sick days, 6 week maternity leave, have to drive to work in the snow, etc, etc, etc. I can't go on strike if I don't like something...its either accept it or find a new job. I don't know anyone who LOVES work. Most of us try to find a position that we can live with I appreciate my current position and think the benefits here outweigh the negatives, but it is nowhere ideal.

OP- I think you need to look at what is good about your job/career and decide if you are willing to give up a lot of the things teaching provides. Maybe investigate some other school districts. But I wanted to point out that the grass isn't probably going to be greener on the other side!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

i have thought about tutoring, however, sad as it is, the area I live in, it is highly unlikely I will find anyone that will pay for a tutor for their child.

Thank you for the idea on training. I have heard that a lot of educators go that route and I never knew where to look for the jobs! I am going to look into that I think.

If the reason is that the area is low income, and perhaps has low test scores, what about trying to become one of those tutors who gives the free services to students in schools that didn't make NCLB? I have no idea how that works, but I know that the person who provides those services at my school, is the owner of his own company, not part of a chain. He trains the tutors and sets them up with kids, and does some of the work as well.

 

[eliza61]

Whenever DH's family complains, I want to yell WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD! Sure there are a lot of bad things about teaching and most of us aren't cut out for it. But there are a lot of great things too. I work 45-50 hours a week, have to pay for all my classes to keep up my license (CPA), pay a hefty portion of my health benefits, have NO state pension, get off 7 holidays and 2 weeks vacation with no sick days, 6 week maternity leave, have to drive to work in the snow, etc, etc, etc. I can't go on strike if I don't like something...its either accept it or find a new job. I don't know anyone who LOVES work. Most of us try to find a position that we can live with I appreciate my current position and think the benefits here outweigh the negatives, but it is nowhere ideal.

!

Puffkin,
The first 2 years after I graduated from college I taught 7 grade math in Pittsburgh. I went to Pitt, and while I knew I didnt want to be a teacher I was waiting for me boyfriend to finish Law school.

You should have seen me the first year I started to work for a fortune 500 company. Whaddya mean I don't get a week off in February for spring break?
Let's just say it took me a while to get use to not having the summer off.