I 100% understand where you are coming from. I left the classroom this year after 17 years of teaching. I'm still working in the district, but am having a midlife crisis because my "personality" is now gone.
Thanks for sharing that Rachel, it's very odd/interesting how much of ourselves we attach to work. I was chatting to a male friend recently and he was saying how he sought validation from his job (also a teacher), but didn't realise the extent to which until he had some family/health related issues. It then dawned on him how weird that was - why was he seeking so much validation of who he was a person from his job?!
I am now a technology specialist for the district, basically in charge of tech for all students. I was doing that role at my school as well as teaching, but was able to transition into it full time once my predecessor moved out of state. I can't quite let go of education, yet, but can see a future for myself in tech. We'll see.
I hear what you're saying about not quite being able to let go of education entirely. And that's great that you were able to move into a role in a school that you already knew.
I am currently doing some supply/substitute teaching, and may look at a permanent teaching role again in the future. I miss being in the classroom, but I am not sure it's enough at the moment to want to be in one school every day of the week!
So much of what you’ve written resonates, Sarah. Covid was such a big catalyst for realising what else was out there, for me.
‘I had developed some twisted logic in my mind about how quitting would mean that I was a failure because I had been doing it for so long.’
Interestingly, I bet you’ve found that the opposite has been true with people telling you that you’re “brave” for quitting? Quitting without a job to go to is brave and forces you into a different way of thinking which is exciting. I’m really excited to hear about your next steps and the process of that!
Oh yes - the 'You're brave!' comment! Certainly, when I was still working (but had already handed my notice in), I found myself becoming incredibly defensive when people would say that, as if they knew something I didn't. But now, I realise that my response was more emotional because I was still in the thick of things. It was a brave decision (and perhaps a bit crazy too!). Funny how time and hindsight can provide you with a better/different perspective. Thanks again for checking out my newsletter, and I am looking forward to reading and hearing more about your career change/updates.
I 100% understand where you are coming from. I left the classroom this year after 17 years of teaching. I'm still working in the district, but am having a midlife crisis because my "personality" is now gone.
Thanks for sharing that Rachel, it's very odd/interesting how much of ourselves we attach to work. I was chatting to a male friend recently and he was saying how he sought validation from his job (also a teacher), but didn't realise the extent to which until he had some family/health related issues. It then dawned on him how weird that was - why was he seeking so much validation of who he was a person from his job?!
I am curious, what role are you doing now?
I am now a technology specialist for the district, basically in charge of tech for all students. I was doing that role at my school as well as teaching, but was able to transition into it full time once my predecessor moved out of state. I can't quite let go of education, yet, but can see a future for myself in tech. We'll see.
I hear what you're saying about not quite being able to let go of education entirely. And that's great that you were able to move into a role in a school that you already knew.
I am currently doing some supply/substitute teaching, and may look at a permanent teaching role again in the future. I miss being in the classroom, but I am not sure it's enough at the moment to want to be in one school every day of the week!
So much of what you’ve written resonates, Sarah. Covid was such a big catalyst for realising what else was out there, for me.
‘I had developed some twisted logic in my mind about how quitting would mean that I was a failure because I had been doing it for so long.’
Interestingly, I bet you’ve found that the opposite has been true with people telling you that you’re “brave” for quitting? Quitting without a job to go to is brave and forces you into a different way of thinking which is exciting. I’m really excited to hear about your next steps and the process of that!
Oh yes - the 'You're brave!' comment! Certainly, when I was still working (but had already handed my notice in), I found myself becoming incredibly defensive when people would say that, as if they knew something I didn't. But now, I realise that my response was more emotional because I was still in the thick of things. It was a brave decision (and perhaps a bit crazy too!). Funny how time and hindsight can provide you with a better/different perspective. Thanks again for checking out my newsletter, and I am looking forward to reading and hearing more about your career change/updates.
I had that too. I think lots of people were envious because they couldn’t see their own pathway out.
Likewise! Really happy to have connected 😊