When I say “this”, I don’t even just mean teaching. I mean having a full time job.
I don’t dislike teaching thus far; we’re halfway into the year and I’m still feeling fine. It’s not an easy job by any means but I teach something I’m passionate about and love building relationships with my students. I never take my job home and do my best to maintain a work/life balance. I’m usually fine.
That is, until any sort of school break hits. During breaks, I get to dedicate myself to my hobbies and the things I love. I see my friends. I’m productive. I’m rested and happy and carefree. It makes me feel like this is how life is supposed to be lived. I’m reminded how good things could be if I didn’t have to wring myself out to simply have a roof over my head.
I presently cannot see myself being more fulfilled in any other traditional profession for this sole reason: no other job gives time off like teaching does. I really only work half the year and even with that I’m overwhelmed. I could never work a typical 9-5 all year long just for a single week off in December. To anyone in that position; you’re so much stronger than I am. Being a teacher is so draining but at least I get 2 months off with breaks sprinkled through ought. I’m on Thanksgiving break right now dreading going back Monday morning.
I’m an artist. I’d love to make it my full time job but that’s just simply unrealistic in the world we live in. I became an art teacher because it’s the only art related job I knew would give me guaranteed work.
I come home from school exhausted most days. I see my loved ones less. I’m not crumbling but I’m certainly not living truly fulfilled. How do non-teachers work all year? How is there 40 more years of this? How do I cope with that? How do I just go through each day knowing I’m not able to live the life that brings me so much joy?
I’m grateful to be making the money I do (my district doesn’t pay too terribly) at the age I am but god is it a sacrifice. I’d love to hear the thoughts anyone had about anything I mentioned.