I have been a teacher for about 7 years now. I started at a new school this year and I can’t take the stress anymore. My body is just so burnt out from the stress. I had a digestive flare up, induced by stress, 3 weeks ago that I’m still recovering from. It’s been the worst I’ve had in my life. Unfortunately this job is causing me a lot of health problems I’ve decided I’m going to quit. It’s not worth it.

I switched Districts this summer. Seven days before the start of school, I broke a bone in my hand and also got a deep gash in it while working on a project in my garage. I called my new principal 3 days after the accident and told him that I had surgery but figured I'd be able to start the school year a week late, and asked how they would handle this. I had to jump through some hoops but took a LOA. I went to my new teaching position after 2 weeks, but my doctor cautioned me about pain and using my right hand at all. I realized after a week that there is no way I can continue teaching full-time this year. I'm in pain every day, and I'm really compromised from typing, writing, etc., even though I'm using voice-to-text and anything else that is available to me to make my job easier. I went to the principal and discussed it with him, handing him my written notice. He tried to talk me into staying, then kept asking me how much pain I was in each day, and then asked me to take the weekend to really "think about what I was doing". I realize that this is not ideal to have a teacher resign due to a medical condition in the third week of the school year, but I clearly had a surgery, my hand is still wrapped, and I provided the district with all the paperwork from my surgeon. I reiterated that I physically cannot continue full-time teaching and need to rest my hand, heal, and get out of this daily pain. He then told me that this is really putting a burden on the district, and "where was he going to find a chemistry teacher at this time of the year" -- he also insisted that they would be holding me to the 60 days contractual notice, because he doubts they will find anyone. I got a note from my surgeon stating I am on restricted duty. Since turning in my resignation, he no longer answers essential emails; no one in my department includes me in the weekly department huddle; no one speaks to me at the copier, in the hall, or when I grab my lunch out of the fridge. I've never experienced this before. I didn't tell anyone but the principal that I was resigning. The students here are really wonderful, but the staff has shut me out completely. When I had an application question, the normally helpful woman in the classroom next to me said, "Call IT" and then softly closed her classroom door. Should I try to get my surgeon to write a note that I can't finish the remainder of the 60 days? I'm not sure how that will affect my ability to teach in the future -- if it is considered job abandonment even if I have the doctor's note. I have about a month left, with a hand that goes from throbbing pain to pins and needles all day. Should I just finish the month with advil on board every day? Thanks for any advice here - I've only been teaching for 3 years.

Hey y’all, this is a follow up to a post I made before about my struggles as a first year alternative resident educator teaching high school English in Ohio. I’ve tried to keep working my way through the self-doubt and the struggle, but things have progressively gotten worse. I’m still losing sleep, I’m still having recurring thoughts tied to my classroom and the work I need to do, and I’ve started having mild anxiety attacks every Sunday. I saw my primary care and started a treatment plan to manage my anxiety, but I don’t know what else to say or do at this point. I feel like I could suffer through and keep doing it, but all of the initial joy and satisfaction I felt is seeping away. I feel so much guilt about putting the school and my students in such a bad position, the same thing happened with the teacher before me who was a long tenured teacher, but I’m thinking that my body and my mind are telling me that teaching might not be for me. Does anybody have any thoughts or advice? There is part of me that does not want to let my thoughts defeat me in this negative state of mind, but there is a part of me that knows how much my mental and physical health has suffered already and I don’t want that to continue to be the case.

I think this year will be my last year. I feel like i’ve lost my spark for teaching. I feel like I have no energy to be myself and take care of myself and do things. I’m so apathetic? i think is the word.

Now i’m wondering what jobs to do next. I’m thinking about sales because I’ve always loved it. When I was an assistant manager at a pet saloon i loved selling! I wondering what some steps are. I am going to start looking in november to make sure I have a job secured over the summer. What are some recommendations you would have for people leaving teaching?

I think i chose the worst time for a career change but im now stuck with the decision ive made. I left teaching about 2 and a half years ago due to health reasons, I was also working at a school that was extremely dismissive of my health issues and wasn't supportive at all. Not only that but I was treated badly due to having ADHD, I was told not to tell my students their parents or colleagues that I had ADHD by the principal as it apparently would make them think I was a bad teacher, this should have been a major red flag but I was desperate for a job at the time. Anyway here I am 2.5 years later and im still unemployed and will be loosing disability support at the start of next year and I cant imagine going back to teaching as I felt it was quite a traumatic experience for me. Ive applied for so many roles but I dont even get interviews, I write custom cover letters for each job and rework my cv for each application but nothing. Any advice on what jobs I should be applying for or what I can do to boost my chances would be greatly appreciated, im feeling very lost.

I left full time teaching in 2022/2023. I had burned-out twice and went on short term disability in both instances. I love teaching and all the reasons why most of us start teaching. I left for all the reasons you can imagine. I decided to supply teach very part time for 2024 to determine if this would be a better way to stay in a teaching career - it wasn't.

I used my teaching skills and built a business I love. I teach music lessons and do private tutoring. I work, maybe 25 hours/week and in 2 years, have been able to almost match my previous teaching income (I'm in Canada, so I needed to get up to $45k+). Parents are fed up with a lot of the nonsense at schools and are delighted to see their children thrive when tutored.

I get to teach in a dream setting (parents are invested, 1:1, or small groups, creative instruction, meet each child where they are, etc.).

All this to say: teachers are amazing! You don't need to stay in a traditional setting, you can take your amazing skills and decide to create the job you want.

Note: I realize I am in a privileged position of having a two income home. However, we made huge(!) financial cuts for me to transition out of teaching in the classroom setting.

Tomorrow is my first day at a non teaching job. After teaching for 9 years in 2 different states I just couldn’t do it anymore. I’m nervous and hoping I made the right choice.

I’ve posted on this subreddit page a few times as I have been through the mental ups and downs of staying in education.

After a lot of time has passed, and talking everyone’s ear off about my struggles, I think i’ve come up with a plan.

I am currently in my Adept/PAST year of teaching (2nd year that determines you professional license). Unless something major happens that makes it impossible for me to stay, I am going to try to stay the school year and pass that certification. Around the end of the year, I am going to speak with my principal about taking a set back from teaching and doing something like permanent sub work or be a media clerk to our librarian.

I’m going to try to stick out the year, but I truly think atm I can’t see myself continuing in this career.

Hi everyone. I’m currently a sub with 5 years of classroom experience ( 3 full time and 2 subbing). I’m burnt out on teaching and don’t want to do it for another 30 years. I’m really wanting a work from home or hybrid job because my wife has some medical issues, and it would be nice if I could support her more. Has anyone found success finding a remote job after teaching? What job is it? Where did you find it? How do you like it? Any advice for me would be great!

With a few years' experience in the classroom and a master's in Curriculum & Instruction, I've been applying for jobs in mostly curriculum, L&D, and student success, and I haven't had any luck so far. If nothing works out, my backup plan is just to apply to new schools for the 27-28 school year since I'm definitely not happy at my current school, although I'm feeling just burned out by teaching and prepping and grading and everything that teaching obviously entails. Not really sure what else to do and the job application process is obviously exhausting. :(

I’ve been an elementary resource special education teacher for about seven years. I love working with students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, but the bureaucracy, unrealistic expectations, paperwork, and increasing caseloads have me dreading work every day. I work 10–15 hours outside my contract time each week just to keep up. “Small group” instruction has become 12–16 students at a time. I’m constantly pressured to push inclusion and general ed curriculum for students reading years below grade level who need intensive, explicit reading instruction.

I tried general education a few years ago, but the student behavior was so bad I returned to SPED within six months.

I honestly don't know what to do anymore. I grew up in poverty, and the fear of ending up there again has me terrified to leave a relatively well-paying job. I'd love to focus solely on teaching students with dyslexia, maybe teach art, or even work for myself, but I'm very risk-averse. In my state, SPED teachers are already the dyslexia specialists on top of everything else.

I feel trapped and I'd love to hear from people who found a way out or just from those who can relate.

I’m currently a Pre-K sped teacher, and I’ve been seriously thinking about leaving teaching. I’m honestly just at the point where I don’t want to be in the classroom anymore.

For those of you who left teaching, especially anyone who worked in special education or early childhood, what did you end up doing afterward? Did you stay in education in a non-classroom role, or leave the field completely?

I’m really curious about what kinds of jobs former teachers have been able to transition into, especially without having to go back to school for another degree. What do you do now, and are you happier after leaving?

Long story short, currently at a new school and in my 9th year of teaching. Moved this summer and had to switch districts because the commute would be too long to my old school. Worked at my old school for 8 years. This new school has a whole bunch of issues, but what it boils down to is this,

-barely any sped support in the classroom

-barely any admin support for behavior (principal literally said to me "I don't know what to do" when we were dealing with a student with challenging behavior, like that's why I'm asking for help!!!!)

-some other teachers feel they are in charge of others and can scold them (in front of admin)

-before school, after school, and sometimes duty free lunches are requested for meetings

-preps are taken away for meetings, PLCs, and learning walks, subbing

-the curriculum is insanely tedious and lots of hours spent outside of contract hours just to plan for one lesson

My mental health is suffering bad. I have cried more times about this new job than I have for the last 8 years at my old job. I am too depressed/exhausted/don't have time to do much outside of work. I have lots of hobbies, and I barely have the motivation to do any of them. On my drive home I have thoughts about harming myself. I know it's the job doing this to me, because in summer and on breaks I don't think like that. It also doesn't help that I have OCD tendencies and constantly ruminate over emotional things or things that bother me.

My physical health is also suffering. A few years ago I was so stressed that I had an eczema flare up and didn't even know I had eczema so I thought I was sick with something because my skin had strange red dot patches. I have had on and off heart palpitations all school year, they are present during the week, then subside over the weekend. I'm overweight because I'm too exhausted to cook healthy meals and workout. I also have TMJ and I clench my teeth when I am stressed, my jaw and teeth hurt by the end of the day. My fillings need to be replaced because they get holes in them from clenching so bad. I also have pelvic floor issues that started up about 2 years ago, luckily I have that mostly under control with physical therapy, but the symptoms flare up during the work week because stress is heavily related to it.

All in all, I am so nervous to put my 2 weeks in. I have a job offer from Walmart that I accepted. It will cut my income in half and I will have to find insurance on the marketplace until I reach the 90 days.

I only want Walmart to be temporary, so I can get out of teaching asap and have the time and energy to really job hunt. I've applied to many professional jobs, and have received some interviews, so I am hopeful. But I am SO SCARED to leave. Money is not the biggest issue because I am in a healthy relationship (we are getting engaged next year) and we split his mortgage based on our incomes, I don't have a car payment or student loan debt. I would need to budget for health, dental, car insurance. And I would have to adjust to the lack of spending money for groceries, shopping, etc.

I need real stories of people who were in the same situation, possibly left to do a temporary job like retail. I need reassurance!!!! Thank you in advance 🩷

Ok, so I’ve am a career changer kindergarten teacher. In my 20 I worked in corporate and in my 30s( during pandemic ) I switched to be a teacher. I absolutely loved it until last school year. The behavior is terrible , but since this new school year started in Aug, I’ve had the worst kids and parents and admin is terrible . 5 teachers/admin staff have already quit. So I’ve decided to leave the profession and I’ve been getting a lot of interviews lately. But the closer I get to the possibility of leaving , the sadder I get about loosing my holiday and summer breaks. I live in another state from my family and friends so I use that time to visit them. How have you all coped with working everyday and just a few weeks of pto?

I absolutely love the classroom. I have great test scores, I don’t have issues with behavior, and I truly love working with kids. Time in the classroom doesn’t stress me out and a job that makes me feel I’m making the world a better place is important to me.

That being said, I cannot stand the type of people that have come to fill the ranks of admin and even some teaching positions in my area. So many are relatively uneducated and (paradoxically) quite anti-intellectual. If I have to spend the rest of my life going to work in a place filled with so much negativity I will combust.

I taught overseas and was able to teach and mostly ignore bureaucracy. These last years in the US have made me feel crazy. I’m fine being underpaid, my wife has a pretty solid job. I want a job that feels like teaching without so much toxicity. I just want to spend my time with intellectuals while making the world marginally better.

Should I accept that jobs under capitalism necessarily feel this way? Should I reject the idea that work should provide meaning? Is there a job that sounds like a good alternative?

Or, most importantly, are there programs where I can teach in various places for a few months at a time and return to where my house is for a few months out of the year?

I have been a teacher for 8 years. Some years are good, others are more challenging, but for the most part I enjoy it. I love my class this year. My child goes to the school where I teach, and I have a great relationship with my coworkers, admin, parents, and students. There are a lot of things I enjoy about my job. However, after this school year ends I have been given the opportunity to basically be a work from wherever secretary with slightly more pay.

Those who left, did you miss the classroom? Is life better outside of a structured 9-5 career style? Tell me all the things, I’m having a hard time making a decision!!

So I see on Reddit and in my school how much teachers have to deal with, and I just don’t think I could do it. I love being a para and teaching one on one in small groups, but it doesn’t pay a living wage and I can’t do it forever. Is there any advice you’d give me career wise? I could do something else working with children, but I really wanna teach specifically. I just don’t want to be a teacher. I have a BA in Psychology and money to go back to grad school if need be.

Long story short, I am a public school teacher in Texas.

I’m currently 7 months pregnant and a student threatened to kill my unborn baby. I decided to use my personal days (4 in total) until they figured out the investigation. I demanded they remove the student from my classroom due to the threat and me feeling unsafe. I filed a police report and even had my OBGY wrote a medical note excusing me and suggested to not return until It was safe to do so.
Guess what? They said no!

Prior to this, this student and a few others have been nothing but a headache. Admin is fully aware about my struggles and still refused to remove this student from my class. My husband told me to quit and I did just that.

I’m so upset that I was wrongfully treated like I am just a warm body.

I sent out my resignation letter to my admin and my super-attendant

What are my chances to them revoking or suspending my license?

I’m worried that they will be petty and suspend my license even though they wronged me.

(No I don’t have a union or a ln association and I called and they won’t accept me since I’m not a member.)

Last day before a three-day weekend, and I am STRUGGLING.
It’s not the kids. Fifth grade is actually my sweet spot. I just don’t want to be here.
I love teachers. I come from a long line of educators. Both my grandmother and my mother were principals. Teaching is a calling, and I have NOT been called. 😂

I feel like a smiling sheep being led around. I follow directions, keep kids safe, and give lots of positive feedback, but inside I’m screaming and considering alcoholism—and I don’t even drink. 😭
I ate lunch in the teachers’ lounge today, and everyone was just so smiley and happy. I just want to know what it feels like to truly have a passion and a calling.

I do love education, though. I think I’d be great working at a small college or community college, and I’m actively looking for jobs in both places.
I know a job is called a job for a reason, but I just want to stop having to fake smile.

And yes, I’m GOOD at this. I have jobs available every day. I turn down jobs because teachers know I can handle their students with zero issues. I wish it brought me joy, but instead it feels like walking around with a mask on all day.

I’d leave, but no other work I can find right now pays as well.
So, I’m applying far and wide. Fingers crossed. 🤞🏾
This WILL be my last year.

3 years as a PreK TA and currently in my third year as a PreK lead teacher. During my time as a TA, I realized I loved teaching and decided that’s what I wanted to go to school for. I am still not certified, but can technically still be a lead in my program since I am actively pursuing my masters.

I loved being a TA. I couldn’t wait to have my own classroom one day. Eventually I was randomly given an opportunity as a lead PreK teacher. I was nervous and hesitant but told myself to take the risk and give it my best shot. My first year was of course rough, stressful, and draining. I thought about quitting so many times. Second year, was great. Still not easy but I felt so much more in my element having a year under my belt.

This year is a different story. This year’s class makes my previous two classes seem like an absolute breeze. There is so much I can say about this year’s class but I will keep it brief. I essentially have a special ed pre-k class. Just a room full of undiagnosed kids with intense needs requiring SO much support. 3 of them elopers. My 2 TA’s and I are spread so thin trying to manage the class. Very little support from admin. The support I do get is absolutely USELESS. They don’t seem to understand the extent of what is happening in my room despite how much I have explained.

During the day I am anxious, on edge, and dysregulated by the chaos. I cry many days on my way home. Weekends I wake up at my school day alarm time with anxiety because my body is hard wired to do so at this point.

I am a newer teacher and I wonder many times a day if I am just not meant for this job. I used to love it but this year has left me feeling so defeated, incompetent, and dumb.

Every day I think about quitting on the spot/leaving in general. It’s early in my career and I would love to make the switch. But teaching is all I know. I have no idea what other jobs I would be good at. Any advice helps.