Not budget related at all... just need to vent

[SDSorority]

This is 'my board'... and you are my friends... and I need to vent.

I went to school for music education and flute performance.

When I graduated, I started a home flute/clarinet studio, where I continue to teach on Saturdays and LOVE-IT. I also play in weddings, church services, and a semi-professional orchestra in the area.

I don't work as a band director in the schools during the day (I work as an event planner in the admission office of my former college), and day after day, SOMEONE comments about me 'not being a teacher'. The people I went to college with disowned me because I didn't 'become a teacher'. Like... I failed at life or something. It makes me feel so and what's worse, is that I let it get to me.

Well, I AM a teacher. I just happen to teach in a different setting than the regular teacher would. DOES THIS MAKE ME ANY LESS OF A PERSON?! To EVERYONE ELSE it does, and I just don't get it.

One kid in particular used to pick on me like crazy in college. I found out today that he is in a community orchestra with one of my current admission students. She was talking to him about where she works and he said that he knew me and knew I worked there. He commented to her about how I wasn't a teacher and wasn't good enough but he IS...and blah blah blah. In all honesty, he was kicked out of the undergrad teaching program because he posted something online that he shouldn't have and had to transfer to another school to finish his license. He's not a good musician. He vandalized my recital posters.... I could go on and on but I won't.

I just get so frustrated at the fact that people think SO highly of themselves that they put others down. I didn't fail. I graduated with honors and am doing what I LOVE with my degree. I wasn't happy in the classroom setting. I take care of my husband and my house and work VERY VERY hard.... yet that still makes me less of a person because....???

Thank you for letting me vent. Love to you all.

 

[smkiya]

This is 'my board'... and you are my friends... and I need to vent.

I went to school for music education and flute performance.

When I graduated, I started a home flute/clarinet studio, where I continue to teach on Saturdays and LOVE-IT. I also play in weddings, church services, and a semi-professional orchestra in the area.

I don't work as a band director in the schools during the day (I work as an event planner in the admission office of my former college), and day after day, SOMEONE comments about me 'not being a teacher'. The people I went to college with disowned me because I didn't 'become a teacher'. Like... I failed at life or something. It makes me feel so and what's worse, is that I let it get to me.

Well, I AM a teacher. I just happen to teach in a different setting than the regular teacher would. DOES THIS MAKE ME ANY LESS OF A PERSON?! To EVERYONE ELSE it does, and I just don't get it.

One kid in particular used to pick on me like crazy in college. I found out today that he is in a community orchestra with one of my current admission students. She was talking to him about where she works and he said that he knew me and knew I worked there. He commented to her about how I wasn't a teacher and wasn't good enough but he IS...and blah blah blah. In all honesty, he was kicked out of the undergrad teaching program because he posted something online that he shouldn't have and had to transfer to another school to finish his license. He's not a good musician. He vandalized my recital posters.... I could go on and on but I won't.

I just get so frustrated at the fact that people think SO highly of themselves that they put others down. I didn't fail. I graduated with honors and am doing what I LOVE with my degree. I wasn't happy in the classroom setting. I take care of my husband and my house and work VERY VERY hard.... yet that still makes me less of a person because....???

Thank you for letting me vent. Love to you all.

It's your life and you're doing what you love! Not many people can say that. People who comment on how better their career/life is than another person is either in denial or is envious. No one who is happy with what they have, criticizes another person for what they don't.

 

[taymaesmom]

Vent away! I really wish people could mind their own buisness, if your happy then why should they care in the least what you do for a living. I'm in a similar situation, my degree is criminal justice but I work in a grade school running the after school program. I constantly hear that I should teach. I don't want to, don't want that kind of responsibility, I someday want to use my degree but am happy working with the kids at school and having the same schedule as my own kids. No need for daycares or babysitters, we get the same days off. But apparently I lack something for not teaching. UGH!

 

[SDSorority]

Vent away! I really wish people could mind their own buisness, if your happy then why should they care in the least what you do for a living. I'm in a similar situation, my degree is criminal justice but I work in a grade school running the after school program. I constantly hear that I should teach. I don't want to, don't want that kind of responsibility, I someday want to use my degree but am happy working with the kids at school and having the same schedule as my own kids. No need for daycares or babysitters, we get the same days off. But apparently I lack something for not teaching. UGH!

Yes. That's how I feel too!

 

[anotherdismom]

like pp stated - vent away - YOU are happy and that's what matters...

I went through secondary education certification too and by the end, decided I hated teaching... still haven't figured out what I want to do with my life... Oh well...

I'm glad that you are happy and sorry that people around you feel like they have to be negative or tell you what you should do with your life.

 

[usnuzuloose]

WOW! I would say you have accomplished alot. That is more than I can say for myself. Way to go. It doesnt matter what anyone else thinks, if you are happy with what you are doing, then thats all that matters. Jo

 

[edk35]

Vent Away!!! I have a degree in Elementary Education. I did teach 1 1/2 years before getting married almost 22 years ago. I taught one more year in the classroom after getting married. Since then... I have ONLY worked part-time. I have held different positions in the education field, but I am not teaching in the classroom. I have subbed at my kids school for the past 8 years. I have even done a few long term sub jobs but I don't want my own classroom. Every year teachers ask me WHY don't I teach???, I should teach, blah blah blah. Well like you, I am doing what I want to and doing what is important for me and my family. I would not be a GOOD teacher and GOOD mother (in my opinion, my life) if I were to teach full time. I admire those that do though. I have a husband who has a high pressured job, travels, kids with very active schedules and it has always been important for me to ONLY work part-time. We don't have family even remotely close to where we live, so I don't have grandparents that can help out. Some years I didn't work or worked a little, others more, but it is MY LIFE and MY FAMILY, so I will do as I choose. Don't worry about what others think. Trust me I know a lot of teachers who are NOT happy in their professions and would LOVE to NOT have to work every day in a classroom.

Do what makes YOU HAPPY.

 

[wmharley]

like a homeschooler parent.

Don't let him bother you. he's probably 3rd string.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Vent away!

My dad always used that say that blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make yours shine brighter.

 

[SDSorority]

You guys are GREAT and make me feel better.

I don't know why I didn't do it before now... I un-friended the toxic kid from Facebook.

Now THAT'S official

 

[superme80]

So basically he was trying to steal one of your students. What a horrible person. You ARE a teacher and you are doing what YOU love. Not many can say that. Don't let him get you down. You are awesome!

 

[sophie832]

I wish there were more people like you, actually. We have a serious lack of arts education in this country, and it's great that you are not only doing what you love, but teaching music to others in the process. Don't let the others get you down! I think a lot of people (myself included) are sadly not doing a job that they love. Congratulations on all you've accomplished!

 

[Cruise]

"I teach in a private studio to a very select group of students."

 

[midwestdee]

You have just had the misfortune of running into a bunch of jerks and bullies - it has nothing to do with them being an "official" teacher and you not being one - it is just their easiest target point to bully you. My daughter is an "official" teacher and she would NEVER treat anyone as poorly as your encounters. Jerks are jerks you can find them in every occupation. I think we are all teachers (at least hopefully). But in my world everyone volunteers and everyone is engaged in their community at whatever interests them. Believe me, you need to find some associates higher up the food chain

 

[DisneyKT]

Vent away!

My dad always used that say that blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make yours shine brighter.

Love that saying.

OP, you have an amazing life good for you. Ignore all the BS. You don't want to be around people who tear others down to feel better about themselves.

 

[elaine and the boys]

I was a certified Music Ed teacher for a couple of years before we had our first child. I was so happy because I knew I would be a stay at home mom....and it turned out while I loved music, I didn't like the classroom experience. So I stayed home for 9 years, raising my two sons, then returned to the school setting as a library assistant. I now run the library at my school, don't earn a ton of money, my kids are in college, my husband and I are planning our first "empty nest" trip, and I'm happy as a clam!

 

[csharpwv]

Dear OP....

I feel your pain! In more ways than one.

I type this sitting in a hotel room (getting ready to go to bed!)- away from my wife - on the road - for work - as a college admissions counselor.

I've been away from home since Monday afternoon.
Monday night I had a college fair from 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday morning I had a college fair from 9:00am- 12:00noon
Had to get caught up on e-mails and voice mail in my hotel room after driving 2 hours to by next 'stop'.

I had two college fairs today - talked to 300+ kids preparing to make their college decision. I left my hotel this morning at 7:15 (Got up at 6:00am) I didn't get back in until after 7:00pm tonight -

Tomorrow I have a college fair at 9:00am - another at 1:00pm - and then yet another at 7:00pm tomorrow night 3.5 hours away.

Then Friday I have a couple high school visits to meet with groups of students - and then I'll make the 4 hour drive back home - only to do it all over again next week!!!!

That's the life of a college admissions counselor. I LOVE my job - though I could do with less travel - I feel as though I am making a difference in people lives by introducing them to a college they wouldn't have never considered otherwise.

Not only do people not 'understand' college admissions work - and the people who choose to do it - they ignore the impact that college admissions 'folk' have on the lives of people.

Whether you are the database administrator, the student worker that literally stuffs and licks THOUSANDS of envelopes, the counseling staff, the event organizers, the transcript analysis folks, and the COUNTLESS other jobs that make college a reality for hundreds of thousands of people a year.

And let's not even begin to talk about how under-appreciated Financial Aid Counselors are!!!!!

People often confuse "College" with "Career"

Just because you went to 'college' to be a Doctor doesn't mean that you are going to wear a white coat at work every day. Just because you went to college and majored in Business - doesn't mean you are going to own your own business or even work in 'Business'. Just because you went to college to be a teacher doesn't mean you are going to report to work in a classroom Monday-Friday - and have the summers off.

College.... more than anything, teaches a person 'HOW' to learn - it's a tribute to your life, passion, and excitement for 'college' for you to be dedicated to ensuring others have a positive experience when they are starting their college journey.

The is no 'MAJOR' in College Admissions. If there were - no one would choose it based on job description - because NO ONE wants to overworked and underpaid for a living. Let alone do it year after year after year.....



However, I LOVE my work - I LOVE MY students - I LOVE MY ALMA MATER!

Keep up the good work! You make college possible! The ENTIRE college admissions and recruitment community appreciates your love and dedication.

Please feel free to PM me if you'd like - I'd love to know where you do you magic!

 

[edk35]

I was a certified Music Ed teacher for a couple of years before we had our first child. I was so happy because I knew I would be a stay at home mom....and it turned out while I loved music, I didn't like the classroom experience. So I stayed home for 9 years, raising my two sons, then returned to the school setting as a library assistant. I now run the library at my school, don't earn a ton of money, my kids are in college, my husband and I are planning our first "empty nest" trip, and I'm happy as a clam!

 

[edk35]

Dear OP....

I feel your pain! In more ways than one.

I type this sitting in a hotel room (getting ready to go to bed!)- away from my wife - on the road - for work - as a college admissions counselor.

I've been away from home since Monday afternoon.
Monday night I had a college fair from 6:00-8:00pm
Tuesday morning I had a college fair from 9:00am- 12:00noon
Had to get caught up on e-mails and voice mail in my hotel room after driving 2 hours to by next 'stop'.

I had two college fairs today - talked to 300+ kids preparing to make their college decision. I left my hotel this morning at 7:15 (Got up at 6:00am) I didn't get back in until after 7:00pm tonight -

Tomorrow I have a college fair at 9:00am - another at 1:00pm - and then yet another at 7:00pm tomorrow night 3.5 hours away.

Then Friday I have a couple high school visits to meet with groups of students - and then I'll make the 4 hour drive back home - only to do it all over again next week!!!!

That's the life of a college admissions counselor. I LOVE my job - though I could do with less travel - I feel as though I am making a difference in people lives by introducing them to a college they wouldn't have never considered otherwise.

Not only do people not 'understand' college admissions work - and the people who choose to do it - they ignore the impact that college admissions 'folk' have on the lives of people.

Whether you are the database administrator, the student worker that literally stuffs and licks THOUSANDS of envelopes, the counseling staff, the event organizers, the transcript analysis folks, and the COUNTLESS other jobs that make college a reality for hundreds of thousands of people a year.

And let's not even begin to talk about how under-appreciated Financial Aid Counselors are!!!!!

People often confuse "College" with "Career"

Just because you went to 'college' to be a Doctor doesn't mean that you are going to wear a white coat at work every day. Just because you went to college and majored in Business - doesn't mean you are going to own your own business or even work in 'Business'. Just because you went to college to be a teacher doesn't mean you are going to report to work in a classroom Monday-Friday - and have the summers off.

College.... more than anything, teaches a person 'HOW' to learn - it's a tribute to your life, passion, and excitement for 'college' for you to be dedicated to ensuring others have a positive experience when they are starting their college journey.

The is no 'MAJOR' in College Admissions. If there were - no one would choose it based on job description - because NO ONE wants to overworked and underpaid for a living. Let alone do it year after year after year.....



However, I LOVE my work - I LOVE MY students - I LOVE MY ALMA MATER!

Keep up the good work! You make college possible! The ENTIRE college admissions and recruitment community appreciates your love and dedication.

Please feel free to PM me if you'd like - I'd love to know where you do you magic!

Thank you!!!!

 

[fallcolors]

Don't let others get to you!