katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,378 
|
Post by katybee on Mar 17, 2024 21:22:50 GMT
I have a bad attitude and am very negative. I get that. I’m just so tired.
For the third time in three years, I am looking for a job. Even though, logically, I know it has nothing to do with my ability as a teacher (I’m a great teacher, I swear)…it sure makes me feel like total crap.
Teaching jobs in my immediate area are SLIM pickings. But I am doing everything I can. I’ve updated my resume (again); I’ve secured my letters of reference and recommendations; I’ve updated my website; I’m working every connection I have.
I’ve applied for the one opening I’ve found. I’ve heard a local charter school might have some openings, so I’m ready to go as soon as I see the listing (public schools around here only take applications through EdJoin if you’re wondering why I just don’t send my resume directly to the school—as I’ve explained to my brother 1,000 times). I have also applied to two districts about 45 minutes away (over a mountain….but I guess I’ll do what I have to do). Lastly, I’m sending my resume to several local private schools that pay decently. I have no desire to work for a faith-based school. That’s a hard no for me (also—they pay poverty wages).
So now I’m exploring non-teaching jobs. But I have NO idea where to start. I keep hearing “Ed tech”. But when I read the listings, I have no idea what most of the stuff means. I don’t know how or retool my resume and I would have no idea what to say in an interview (if I even got one). My SIL and brother say I just need to do “research.” But I am really having a hard time getting motivated to do that. I just get lost in the weeds…
I wish I could start my own business, but I would need to make $70,000 a year (about $4,500 a month after taxes) to stay here. That’s just the reality of it. I can’t make that tutoring. Even to rich people. I could possibly get another lower paying job to supplement. And since I have no social life anyway, I guess that would be OK. But at what point am I just existing to work?
I hear myself. I know I sound spoiled. I swear I’m not. I’ve worked SO hard for the last 20+ years. I’m not afraid of hard work. I don’t think it’s asking a lot to have 2-3 hours a night and a weekend to actually rest and enjoy life (and clean, do laundry, shop, and do other various chores).
If you wonder why I’m whining, my SIL and I had a talk over breakfast, and she just has a very different attitude than I do (she’s also 15 years younger than me). 1. She doesn’t believe you need to enjoy your job. I disagree. It’s 40+ hours of our waking hours. 2. She seems to think the transition from education to the corporate world is no biggie (even though she wouldn’t teach for $200,000 a year). 3. She thinks I should apply for these jobs that any logical person can see I am in no way qualified for.
So bring it on. My self-esteem is already in the toilet. Tell me what I need to hear to get my butt out of this funk and get my life back together.
|
|
pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,744
|
Post by pantsonfire on Mar 17, 2024 21:30:16 GMT
Pout. Whine. Fuss. Just let it out. Don't keep it in. It's healthy to be frustrated. It's okay. Really, it is. Life can suck sometimes.
With that said, have you looked at local community colleges for positions?
Have you looked at local districts for HR positions that require a creditental?
Have you looked at private tutoring? Even for college level students to help them with their creditental program?
TK programs through city or county?
Children's Hospital for their ed department? Ds and dd always had state creditental teachers at Children's when there for a long time.
|
|
pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,744
|
Post by pantsonfire on Mar 17, 2024 21:31:24 GMT
Speaking if corporate world, research education publication groups and yes Ed tech support.
|
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Mar 17, 2024 21:35:23 GMT
Is there and educational coordinator job in your area? Can you write for online assessments? I know places like Junior Achievement look for people who can pull volunteers together. I also wrote assessments for a curriculum publisher ages ago. I would honestly just google jobs for educators and see what pops up.
|
|
|
|
Post by calgaryscrapper on Mar 17, 2024 21:49:19 GMT
How many years do you have to work before retiring? Could you work in or manage a day care? Some here have Montessori based learning systems. Could you work for the local Government in a library or desk job? Maybe office work at a hospital? If the pay is a little less you save on wear and tear on your car and fuel for your car. In the mean time perhaps a dog walking service, yard care business,
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Mar 17, 2024 21:51:19 GMT
No advice but sending huge hugs your way! I truly hope something opens up for you.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lurkingpea on Mar 17, 2024 21:56:15 GMT
It is hard to get teaching jobs and when you are the new hire you are usually the first one let go if school needs change. It is hard.
I could no more work in an office setting then I could fly to the moon.
I have a long commute for my job. But I love my job. I love the school I work in and I have been there a long time, so I feel very secure. Knock on wood.
I don't know what else I could do besides a job any 18 year old would do.
Maybe you could see if there are teaching positions for other teachers?
|
|
|
|
Post by snoopy on Mar 17, 2024 22:03:10 GMT
I’m so sorry you have been dealing with this for so long. I know it’s very difficult. My sister has been in a somewhat similar situation. She went back to school a little later in life and got her teaching certificate in 2019, at the age of 41. Since then, she has only been able to secure one year contracts, so she was looking for teaching jobs every summer for five years. School districts in our area have been dealing with budget cuts, so she was competing with more experienced teachers for the few jobs available. Last fall, she decided to take a job as a school bus driver and she actually really likes it. Drivers in our area are always in short supply, so she got hired right away, and she makes about 70k per year. I know she would like to get back into teaching again, but for now the bus driver job is paying her bills and she’s enjoying the kids on her bus (mostly). The less enjoyable kids are only on the bus for a short period of time, so that is a perk, instead of dealing with them all day in a classroom.
|
|
pantsonfire
Pearl Clutcher
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy your life with those who you love.
Posts: 4,744
|
Post by pantsonfire on Mar 17, 2024 22:05:58 GMT
And since you want honesty, if you need to bring home $70,000 you can't be picky.
You may need a non teaching job. And you may not enjoy it but if you need the income you have to find something.
|
|
|
|
Post by peasapie on Mar 17, 2024 22:19:51 GMT
How about working with a recruiter who might know what else you are qualified for instead of trying to figure that out yourself? I'm sure you're very qualified for many things - teachers are known for being organized, articulate and having excellent grammar. Since teaching jobs are so hard to find in your area, it does seem to make sense to look into something else. Word of warning: You may not start at $70k, but if it is a promising position with a future, it could be worth it in the long run.
|
|
ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,498
|
Post by ellen on Mar 17, 2024 23:21:46 GMT
What is the substitute teacher situation in your area? In our area there is a huge shortage and the daily rate of pay is pretty good. They struggle to find long term subs. I know you can’t make $70k subbing, but could you take on some sort of part time job during the school year, sub, and then find full time work in the summer?
I think teachers sell themselves short and think that the only thing we can do is teach. I feel fairly confident that I could find some sort of an office job if I wanted to work full time. I know there are some local retail stores that offer benefits if you are full time.
|
|
|
|
Post by mom on Mar 18, 2024 0:25:31 GMT
What about a job with a college, something in their Education dept? Or how about an educational service center for schools? Any of those around? We have some friends that homeschool their children - but they have a hired teacher that comes and teaches their children and two other sets of kids. It's probably 6 kids max. But I know the families pay her a living wage. The teacher is a former public school teacher but now caters to homeschool kids.
|
|
twinsmomfla99
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,978
|
Post by twinsmomfla99 on Mar 18, 2024 1:18:31 GMT
When I left the public school system, I ended up in a university setting doing academic advising. I started with freshmen/sophomores who had either “flunked out” of their major and were on probation or those who wanted to be in the business school but were not directly admitted.
There isn’t as much of a difference between 5th-graders and college freshmen as you might think LOL.
I went from that initial student population to freshmen/sophomores who were admitted directly to the business school but had not yet started upper-division courses.
About 8 years ago, I moved into graduate advising and LOVE it! I’m part of a pretty small, close-knit department. I love ❤️ interacting with these students (in both online and on-campus programs). I also love working with faculty to make curriculum decisions for program changes and implementing programs to enhance the student experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by smasonnc on Mar 18, 2024 1:59:36 GMT
I hear myself. I know I sound spoiled. I swear I’m not. I’ve worked SO hard for the last 20+ years. You don't sound spoiled at all. So bring it on. My self-esteem is already in the toilet. Tell me what I need to hear to get my butt out of this funk and get my life back together. If you will forgive my intrusion, before you proceed, see your doctor and check that your mental well-being is in good shape. Stress can eat up your serotonin and leave you in a very bad place. It's not that you're spoiled or unmotivated. Everything will look better once you get it sorted out. |
|
|
|
Post by candleangie on Mar 18, 2024 2:14:20 GMT
Believe it or not, Google is a good place to start! Search “what can I do with a degree in xxxxxxx”
|
|
|
|
Post by kels99 on Mar 18, 2024 5:10:00 GMT
I went from teaching to non-profit. My first non-profit job was associated with education in that it was a place where schools come for educational field trips. I helped lead the kids through the program.
Now I work for a different nonprofit on the community engagement team and love it.
May be worth looking into in your area.
|
|
|
|
Post by mikklynn on Mar 18, 2024 12:59:38 GMT
Whine away. You have had a rough few years.
I'm sending all kinds of love your way, as well as a prayer you find a great job.
|
|
craftymom101
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,620
|
Post by craftymom101 on Mar 18, 2024 13:14:26 GMT
I am so sorry you're looking for another job (again). I have been there, and it is frustrating.
Have you looked at virtual/online schools? Florida has Florida Virtual School with a bunch of open teaching positions. I'm not sure if your state offers an online public school, but that might be an option. Also, check out charter schools in your area. The pay is often similar, and, in my area, the class sizes are smaller than the public schools (most of the time). Finally, I know a lot of teachers who make extra money on Teachers Pay Teachers. With your extensive background, does it make sense to start putting curriculum on TPT for passive income?
I hope something opens up for you soon.
|
|
|
|
Post by smasonnc on Mar 18, 2024 13:46:52 GMT
If you wonder why I’m whining, my SIL and I had a talk over breakfast, and she just has a very different attitude than I do (she’s also 15 years younger than me). 1. She doesn’t believe you need to enjoy your job. I disagree. It’s 40+ hours of our waking hours. She's right. You shouldn't work at a job you hate, but being able to feed yourself and keep the lights on is enjoyable. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. 2. She seems to think the transition from education to the corporate world is no biggie (even though she wouldn’t teach for $200,000 a year). Many of your skills cross over: time management, creative problem solving, public speaking, multi-tasking, etc. I graduated from college during a recession and took a job as an aide in an elementary school. I came from a family of teachers and gained renewed respect for the job they do. When I got a corporate job, it was easier because I didn't have as much record-keeping, my co-workers were motivated and didn't have IEPs, there were no crazy parents, and I had adequate funds for supplies so I didn't have to repurpose egg cartons and toilet paper rolls. Now I volunteer with a non-profit and the former teachers are really valuable. Bottom line, you have skills, you're not a hot mess, and there is a solution if you will 1. be nice to yourself, 2. budge off any of your deal-breakers. You're a teacher so think outside the box. It's what you're good at. You've got this! |
|
|
|
Post by allison1954 on Mar 18, 2024 14:15:39 GMT
There is nothing wrong with taking a non wonderful job to pay the bills.
You can do so while looking for other ppl.
How stressed will it make you to be bringing nothing in versus less than you would hope?
|
|
|
|
Post by Merge on Mar 18, 2024 16:06:01 GMT
My oldest daughter, right out of college with a history degree, makes more than the average teacher salary working as an HR analyst. Many of your skills would transfer to that kind of work. Visit a corporate recruiting agency to see what they might be able to do for you.
Otherwise, I agree that college admissions or academic advising positions might be worth looking into.
|
|
|
|
Post by heckofagal on Mar 18, 2024 16:49:37 GMT
I don't have any recommendations for your job search but I just wanted to tell you to go ahead and whine away. I was laid off from MCI/WorldCom in Oct 2003 (shortly after receiving a prestigious award for me work). I was laid off from Nyfix/NYSE in July 2008. I was laid off from CenturyLink/Savvis in Dec 2014. After surviving several rounds of layoffs at SunEdison, I left because I could see the writing on the wall. I now have a stable job working for a university. I was also offered a job around the same time at Charter/Spectrum for a hell of a lot more money... but I could not do another layoff and with all the mergers and instability there I did not trust them.
I don't love my job, and I don't make a lot of money. But its stable and now I get to work from home so I will probably never leave. The layoffs, periods of unemployment, interview processes and rejections and stress about money took a HUGE toll on my mental health and self-esteem. And my family is not where I'd like to be financially, but we get by.
Don't be afraid to look outside your initial parameters for your next position.
And do bus drivers really make as much (and probably more than some) teachers? WOW!
|
|
mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,017
|
Post by mimima on Mar 18, 2024 17:51:39 GMT
Hugs to you. You are an amazing teacher, but it is a rough spot to be in.
|
|
|
|
Post by snoopy on Mar 18, 2024 21:04:01 GMT
And do bus drivers really make as much (and probably more than some) teachers? WOW! I double checked with my sister, and she actually makes around 60k, but she can pick up extra routes for field trips, summer school, after school activities, etc. and make closer to 70k. She works in one of the highest paid districts in our area. My BIL is also a school bus driver, but he works for a contracted company rather than the school district. He told me that working for a contractor usually pays better than the districts. |
|
caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,446
Location: So Cal
|
Post by caangel on Mar 18, 2024 21:31:00 GMT
I know with overall decreasing enrollment teaching jobs are going to become harder and harder to find and keep. My teacher friend used this company to help her get out of the classroom. www.instagram.com/teachercareercoach?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==She now works remotely in Ed Tech at GoGuardian and is much happier. I wish you all the luck! |
|
|
|
Post by wordyphotogbabe on Mar 19, 2024 1:12:11 GMT
I think you should look into project management. Teaching skills are very PM-adjacent. While some more technical companies want you to be a certified PM, many do not require that. Bonus: you might be able to work from home. I have an English degree and have worked in grants management (another type of project management) for the last four years.
|
|
bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,520
|
Post by bethany102399 on Mar 19, 2024 15:16:27 GMT
My first non-profit job was associated with education in that it was a place where schools come for educational field trips. I helped lead the kids through the program. Now I work for a different nonprofit on the community engagement team and love it. I agree, there are several non profits who have an education arm tied to them who would love to bring a qualified teacher on board. The theatre I worked for had an education department and needed a teacher to write curriculum ties to each of the plays they produced. In addition there were summer camps and during the year camps that needed to be planned out. At another job the ed department worked to bridge the mission of our organization (Economics) with real world teachable experiences. From talking to Kindergartners about saving money to prospective college students about loans and paying for college to going into a minority community and connecting them to banks in that community where language is not a barrier. Many many places who run not for profit need qualified teachers to help them share their message with the general public. |
|
|
|
Post by busy on Mar 19, 2024 16:16:07 GMT
Be careful with career coaches... some are good and worth it, but some are total rip-offs.
When I worked in banking, most of our corporate trainers were ex-teachers. It's different, yes, but highly transferrable skill set. The start-up I work with now has exclusively former teachers on our training delivery team. They're making low six figures, so those kinds of jobs are something to consider. Sure, teaching adults is different than kids but you also tend to have a lot more freedom and budget to accomplish what you need to.
|
|
The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,917
|
Post by The Great Carpezio on Mar 19, 2024 16:31:19 GMT
I understand the negativity-even-though-I-am-not-a-very-negative-person feeling right now so much!
I don't have to look for a new job, but after 26 years of teaching, I am ready to move on. I do not like the direction our district is moving (and education as a whole), and I am planning on asking my principal for a letter of recommendation--one for a teaching and one for a non-teaching job. I actually wrote it yesterday and need to revise it.
I am also trying to figure out what I can do. In "theory" there are many things I can do and I think I would do well in many fields, but I am not sure how to market myself without a degree in the areas I am interested in exploring. Also, even though things are rough here and we are cutting (a lot) for next year, my job is secure if I stay. I have to carry the insurance, so it is hard to just quit without something in place, but I am feeling so much hopelessness about this career right now.
So, I feel ya!
|
|
anaterra
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,832
Location: Texas
Jun 29, 2014 3:04:02 GMT
|
Post by anaterra on Mar 19, 2024 21:58:26 GMT
Just some info from my perspective... i work on a production line... in a manufacturing plant... its a factory but we make medical supplies.... so not hard n dirty like making cars... but still production...
I have seen a lot of new hires (like in the last 5 years) that some of them have degrees... several were teachers... they get paid more with better benefits in my job... plus less administration drama... and less classroom drama... but a couple became supervisors or coordinators... because they have management skills and a degree...
We have an ex police officer because its not as stressful and he has a better home life work life balance.... but he recently promoted to training specialist...
So nobody really dreams of working in a factory..but it pays the bills PLUS extras... we get paid really well for our area.... we will also retire with a healthy pension based on years of service... a lot of places dont even offer a pension...
All that to say maybe look outside of what you think is all you can do... look into different areas of employment and then once in that job maybe you can work ur way into something you will like... like a trainer or coordinator...
Good luck... the stress has to be horrible... wishing you the best
|
|
_on_the_beach.jpg)
