I've worked as a special education teaching assistant for about 6 years. Long story short, I'm underpaid and the program I work for got moved this year from an awesome public middle school to an awful, poorly run k-12 school. After 3 days, I can tell very little learning happens here. I used to really enjoy my work and the teacher whose classroom I work in is awesome and has been really good to me. I've also worked with most of the students for several years.
However, after 6 years, I only make $0.94 more cents an hour than a new hire would. School districts near me are starting teaching assistants at a higher wage than what I currently make. With the ongoing teaching assistant shortage, I should have no problem finding a new job. After 3 days at this new school, I can tell I will be miserable every day if I continue working there, but I feel extremely guilty about leaving my coworkers and students a in spot where they're short staffed in a difficult situation. I hate this feeling.