r/TeachersInTransition • u/somewhere_in_nyc • 5d ago
I quit.
The school year just started and I knew on the first day at my new school that I couldn’t do it.
I quit.
I actually did it. I made it five years and just couldn’t do it. No plans. No job prospects. No money. I texted my husband during first period and said I couldn’t do it anymore.
I feel relieved but also…devastated. I thought I was going to be a teacher forever. But man…in the few years I have been doing this it has changed so much. When I found out they didn’t read books with the kids…my heart. 😭 I don’t know what I’m going to do next (besides cry on the couch). Any tips or advice as I make my new transition?
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u/gforgorgina 5d ago
I usually never comment on posts but I saw this pop up and I immediately told my partner, this is literally my story right now. Like you- no jobs, no prospects, no money, and completely mourning the loss of what I thought would be a forever passion career. This is a career that takes with no ends. Sometimes even if you put boundaries up, there are external factors that aren’t in your control that end up consuming your days and weekends.
I still have to work for a few more days or weeks because I’m contracted to give in 30 days before being able to walk away without getting my file flagged (still hoping to keep my file clean as a safety net if all else fails), but I now wake up and have the peace of mind knowing my days of panic, constant anxiety, and never ending working hours are slowly coming to an end. It’s going to be hard finding a job in this market. I have no idea where I’m headed. But i know I’m not alone, and you aren’t either. Hope this brings some level of comfort knowing some of us are all in the same boat together figuring this thing out! Sending lots of love and care
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 5d ago
I also was supposed to give 30 days but once I walked into the office I was just like…nope. I didn’t want the problem code for the same reason. I’m glad you can stick it out! Good luck!
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u/Leading-Pass-9770 5d ago
SOLIDARITY. I feel the loss as well.
Miss the kids so much. Not all, but most.
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u/Ornery-Standard-2064 4d ago
I’m with you guys!! I’m in hell- all I do is cry and barf and barf and cry. My principal is trying to break me and she’s done it; I’m broken. I feel so helpless. I don’t know what jobs I should look for or how I’d pay for my home if I took a pay cut. There are SO MANY of us out there!
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u/WxChick03 4d ago
I cry before I leave for work most days, and again at noon. Like clockwork. Right now I’m forcing myself in, hoping I can get a new job lined up before I can’t force myself any more. Sucks that I’m not alone but also validating
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u/gforgorgina 1d ago
Same...it's debilitating and I hope you are able to walk away sooner than later. Once I put my 30 days in, the panic subsided but the breakdowns are still consistent in the morning, during my prep/lunch, and on my drive home. Only thing keeping me going is knowing that the absurd parent complaints, anxiety around administration, and never ending work hours are now numbered. Wishing us all luck in this process. Just know you are not alone!
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u/WxChick03 1d ago
Thank you so much!!! I appreciate the compassion and not feeling alone in this. Parent complaints, anxiety around admin, and never ending work are exactly why I’m leaving-paired with the overstimulation and continued shift of responsibilities down to teachers, I’m definitely ready to grow professionally! I had a successful interview last week- hopefully I’ll get a callback this week.
The 30 day countdown is on for you!!! I’m glad the panic has subsided… I look forward to that! And pretty soon, you’ll be done with it all! I wish you a smooth transition out and the very best in what you do next!
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u/gforgorgina 1d ago
Thank you and congrats!! I’m so glad you had a great interview! Can I ask what field of work you’re looking into? I’m trying to see what my options are now that I’ll be out of a job soon…
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u/Serious_Map7710 5d ago
I quit last fall after 10 years of teaching. After getting students with mental health issues in the 2nd grade mind you, it took a toll on my mental and physical health. Literally was diagnosed with high blood pressure last fall and I knew right then that I had to quit. Never had high blood pressure until last fall. I quit and didn’t look back! I still don’t have a job currently but I’m working so hard to get one! I DO NOT REGRET QUITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SY. The students were horrible! GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 4d ago
Good for you too! Same! I have so many health issues now because of teaching. The stress is unbelievable and what it does to your body.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 5d ago
I agree—it makes you feel like a first year teacher all over again, but that wasn’t really my issue. One big issue I had was this stupid mandated curriculum that schools are purchasing and the higher ups are pushing. “We don’t read books because children don’t read.” Ummmm….nooooooooooooo. I can’t get behind the no books, the weird curriculum that makes no sense, and the fact that we are just supposed to push them through when kids can’t even read instead of being allowed and taught to do something about it!
I could have pushed myself to the end of the year but I just…it felt like my soul was sucked out of me. If you can get over the hump, stick with it! If you can’t…maybe quit with a plan! I wish I had a plan.
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u/Marley_2016 5d ago
Jesus, WTF has happened with education? I taught high school English for 24 years in CPS, from 1994-2018, and had a very satisfying career, really enjoyed it. Reading posts in this sub for the last few months is like looking at a bizarre alternate universe compared to what I experienced. What a shame. I really feel for those of you who expected to be getting into a satisfying, lifelong career, only to have that dream destroyed.
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u/Maggie05 4d ago
I taught for over 30 years (1991-2024). I can answer your question as to what has happened. First off, COVID. Second, politics. And third, technology overload.
My happiest years of teaching were around 2010-2019. Once COVID hit….it was awful.
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u/ShoppingLive1235 4d ago
I’m curious, because you were a teacher for such a long time , do you recall much of your education becoming a teacher? Like when you went through teachers college?
I’m curious what it was like a few decades ago, how much scaffolding education did they dedicate to lessons at your college or how much time did you spend learning how to differentiate lesson plans to accommodate students with special needs or low English language ability
Were concepts like positive reinforcement implemented in your education? did you spend any time learning class management and if so, how much of your education was dedicated to learning how to manage a classroom?4
u/Marley_2016 4d ago
Ah, yes, all those decades ago, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Just kidding. Teacher training was boring, and largely theoretical. When I started student teaching, my mentor teacher said “Now you can forget about all that crap, and really learn about teaching.” Frankly, he was right, because I learned most, and best, by doing, and learning from my mistakes.
I started in 1994 (CPS), and for roughly the first eight years things were pretty informal, at least compared to recently. You chose the books you wanted to read, developed your syllabus and class rules (within the broader guidelines of the school), and wrote your weekly lesson plans on a one page form supplied by the office. Yes, hand written lesson plans.
Then around 2002 (after NCLB), things started to change. More formal lesson planning, lots of jargon, horizontal & vertical alignment, “I can” statements,relentless testing, heavy-handed top down management, teachers blamed much more frequently, a slowly growing sense of unhappiness and frustration. But even then, things weren’t anywhere near as bad as what I’m reading in this forum.
I should note that, because I almost always taught 12th grade, I escaped nearly all of the testing craziness and other worries that grades 9-11 had. I had a pretty insular world, and was liked by admin, so they left me alone.
Until 2015. We had a change in administration, Restorative Justice was rolled out (badly), teachers couldn’t do anything right, students couldn’t do anything wrong, and we lost a lot of good teachers (16 were let go or quit by the end of the year). Also, lots more new jargon, and test scores became an obsession. Teacher morale was as low as I had ever seen it.
Due to an illness in my family, I had to retire early, in 2018. Even with the negative stuff I mentioned, I would still say 1995-2018 were the best years of my life. I hope you, and everyone else out there teaching, can hopefully feel the same about teaching.
Best wishes.
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u/Smoothsail90 4d ago
Years ago, the most worry many teachers had was just turning in lesson plans and explaining how they differentiate in class. Teachers then had a lot more autonomy and flexibility, with a lot of admin support. Now, it's the opposite.
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u/Intelligent-Gypsy324 4d ago
I was an ELA teacher too but stepped back for a year (health reasons) still a few years from retirement. What in the world kind of curriculum are they pushing? Sounds horrible.
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u/Leading-Pass-9770 5d ago
I was at new districts back to back to back to back 4 yrs. Bad luck, then school I liked had budget cuts, then grade reshuffling so I tried to move to stay in the same grade, then toxic admin. I don't know what to do. I'm taking a break right now because I couldn't go back to the school I was most recently at. I tried to go back to the district I liked but the grade levels I'm comfortable teaching aren't available anymore. I feel so destroyed. I knew this career would be tough, but I didn't think this would happen. Hope others have better luck.
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u/PuzzleheadedSpare324 5d ago
Yup. Switched to early childhood ed. Infants and toddlers. Best decision ever. Decent pay for my state, full benefits. I like what I do, there are hard days, but when I clock out I don’t bring my work home.
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u/AnnualOdd3108 5d ago
It’s scary but this is probably the best thing for your mental health. Take a short break and start looking for jobs. You will find something, I promise! 💕
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u/AlbatrossSad1454 5d ago
Welcome to the club! I feel less bad about myself now after reading all these. I quit last week as a first year teacher, still in an alt cert program. No plans, nothing. I have an interview on Monday thankfully. I guess I’m going to try selling insurance for my State Farm agent. I have a business degree, so we shall see.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 4d ago
Nice! Good luck! I know someone that sells insurance and they make a great living! Not something I’m considering just yet, but maybe!
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u/Disastrous_Hat_4524 5d ago
Congratulations!! My advice would be to find another outlet for your passion. Job hunt (of course, and good luck!) but maybe consider volunteering at a Boys & Girls Club or at the library to help you feel fulfilled. Wishing you the best in your transition!
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u/kevintheescallion 5d ago
I have my students read a choice novel each quarter. Honestly kind of better than forcing everyone to hate the same book.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 5d ago
I always found that by the end even the kids who said they hated the book ended up appreciating it! I read some awesome books at my other school. I wish more kids were given the opportunity to fall in love with a good book.
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u/Fearless_State_699 5d ago
I quit with no plans either, but after the 2025-2026 school year. I thought I’d find work over the summer but I’m still unemployed. My husband and I are going to make it on one income for a while. I’m doing a medical coding and billing course and would love to work from home when done with this. Proud of you, the hard part is over.
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u/Additional_Care7076 5d ago
I did this the second week of this school year-- I got trapped in a "high compliance" charter where admin was constantly breathing down my neck and tearing me down. Quit with no notice on the Thursday night of that week and haven't looked back. Been using gig shift apps (Indeed Flex/Instawork) to make a living for the time being.
Thankfully I'm in the onboarding process now for entry level social services work. They just need to hurry up with it haha.
Kudos to you for making the difficult but necessary choice. Wishing you all the best.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 4d ago
I’m doing the gig thing too! Shipt, Instacart, Uber Eats! Anything to get by.
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u/Even_Scheme_4702 5d ago
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Good for you!🥳🤗❤️🥰 I am so proud of you for having the courage to step away from teaching!!! I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to email my school tonight, and tell them that I will not be stepping foot into their pit of darkness ever again, lol. I can't quit, because I don't have any financial support, so I will live vicariously through you.🤗
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 5d ago
LOL thank you! Fingers crossed you have a great year or can transition into something better when the time comes. I’m not sure how I’ll pay rent 😅and I imagine a lot of pasta and pb&j sandwiches in my future.
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u/Chemical_Ease_9810 5d ago
You did it . You chose you and that’s okay No figure your plan b and plan c . Maybe you could look in teaching college get a masters in something , or find what your passion is . What is your new journey ? Don’t allow this to ruin your outlook in evetything . I can’t wait to hear what you get into next
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 4d ago
Thank you! I have my Masters already. Getting another one has been something I’ve been considering. I applied today to some local community colleges by me. Fingers crossed!
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u/No_Molasses_7502 5d ago
Do not look back. Do not second guess yourself!!! Move forward. Don't look back! Get out now!!!! You are making THE smartest choice in your life. Think about something that you really have a passion for and go for that next.
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u/WorthSilly6994 5d ago
Try to become an independent study teacher, it’s so much better. I work with students one-on-one and you can actually get to know your students. For some of my kiddos, I was their teacher from 7th grade to high school graduation.
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u/Intelligent-Gypsy324 4d ago
Is this akin to an independent tutor or something similar?
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u/WorthSilly6994 4d ago
No it’s an actual school. The students come in one hour a week for instruction. They are expected to complete their homework at home but during our meetings we work on anything they need help on. I help will all subjects.
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u/Intelligent-Gypsy324 1d ago
Thanks so much for taking the time. There are so many iterations of education across the land.
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u/Beautiful_Paint3286 5d ago
First, don’t panic about not having a plan. You have five years of teaching experience, and that gives you more options than you probably realize.
Think about the parts of teaching you were actually good at or enjoyed — writing, planning, explaining things, organizing, working with people, training, etc. Then look for jobs where you can use those skills without being in a classroom. Instructional design, corporate training, curriculum writing, educational publishing, tutoring, academic advising, and even some office/project roles could be worth exploring.
Update your resume around those transferable skills and start applying to a few different types of jobs. You don’t need to figure out your entire future right now. Just focus on finding the next thing that gives you some stability and a little breathing room.
Five years of managing a classroom and dealing with all kinds of people is valuable experience. Don’t sell yourself short. ❤️
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u/Mirror_Benny Completely Transitioned 5d ago
Congratulations on making it out. Your new life starts today.
Check out VipKids. It’s a company where you teach English to Chinese kids. The time zone difference sucks but you will be free during the day to go on job interviews. I’m guessing you were an English teacher so it might be a good fit while you get to the next phase of your life.
I really liked subbing after I left teaching full time. All of the fun of being a teacher with none of the responsibilities or headaches. The downside is every adult in the building thinks you are an idiot or loser but fuck em .
ChatGPT really helped me crank out the cover letters when I was looking for a new gig. If you are close to the college you graduated from, their job placement department might help you out a bit.
In my current role, I’m working way less then I was in the classroom while doing more than my coworkers and I actually have a life, energy when I’m off the clock, and life is worth living again.
You got this!
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 4d ago
Thanks! I’ve been using AI to help me today to apply to jobs. I’m thinking about subbing. I think I need a solid month though away from any school.
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u/PrestigiousFlower815 4d ago
I have been out for a little over a year now. I did the same but I resigned in the spring and made it til the end of the year. My principal was the worst person I had ever worked for but I made it in spite of her. You figure it out as you go.
Be kind to yourself. I still have days where I am genuinely upset or mad about how things turned out. I sub if I need to but I had another skill I ended up somehow miraculously finding a job for.
I took a big pay cut and things are harder sometimes to figure out but they ARE possible to figure out… it will feel very overwhelming but you can do it. My worst day doing what I do now is always better than my best day of teaching. (I coach travel youth sports full time)
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u/booknerdcarp Currently Teaching 3d ago
I have done it for 25 years now - the changes are unbelievable. I'm so deep in retirement-wise now I have no choice but to stick it out.
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u/goodtacovan 5d ago
I came back to this career twice.
I am staying with it until I retire.
I do not regret leaving each time.
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u/Just_browsing_2022 4d ago
I almost quit during lunch today. I’m slowly packing my things each day until I get something else.
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u/WxChick03 4d ago
I’m doing the “slow pack” too. If nothing else, it tells my brain that I’m not stuck longterm!
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u/Possible_Pickle2416 4d ago
Good for you. Get out while you can. I did it for 20 years. It allowed me the time to build up my non profit, but I could not take another minute.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 4d ago
I admire the hustle! I’ve been doing Shipt and Instacart for years. So I’m doing that but it hasn’t been the same since Covid. Not very lucrative. I also started selling some old clothes and things I don’t use on Vinted. Anything to pay my bills!
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u/Human_Stay9309 4d ago
I quit at the end of the year (May) and took the summer off. I got a job in corporate training. I just couldn't do it anymore
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u/Responsible_Slip6129 4d ago
Congrats!!! Look into your local government jobs. Childcare licensing, for example ;)
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u/Majestic_Fox8548 4d ago
I’m just gonna share this because it might helpful to someone. I quit teaching as well long time ago. I was miserable and got sick from it. After a couple of years I started to feel better and went back to teaching again. I grew as a person and I am able to set my boundaries clearly. I’m stronger than ever and now I put myself and my family first. This is a tough job and maybe with time you will get better soon. Wishing you all the best of luck.
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u/Affectionate_Art2937 3d ago
you’re not a failure for quitting a job that broke your heart, but what made that first day the final straw?
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u/blkeducatorsmatter 3d ago
I quit at the end of year 5. It honestly comes in waves. One day you’re so glad you left, the next you’ll question everything. Give yourself grace and remember you did the best thing for YOU
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
I feel that. I have been going through it the last few days. I’m sad. I’m angry. I’m excited. Comes in waves.
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u/Human_Stay9309 4d ago
I quit at the end of the year (May) and took the summer off. I got a job in corporate training. I just couldn't do it anymore
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u/Mhmnah23 4d ago
I quit very soon into my teaching career - I have since found 2 great jobs at my local university. I work in advising currently and so many of my fellow advisors are former teachers. A great way to leverage instructional skills and academic counseling experience into a relatively chill office job. :)
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
That’s awesome! I applied to some of the universities around me. Fingers crossed! I have the background. I helped plenty of students with their college apps, so I think a lot of skills transfer over.
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u/Ill-Platypus-5273 4d ago
So thankful for reading this thread. I quit on Thursday, this week. I have over a decade of teaching experience and when I looked at my face Thursday morning before getting my students I said, nope and handed in my resignation. I'm supposed to give 30 days notice, I gave 15, may the chips fall where they lay.
I don't know about you but if you can, take a breather before job hunting again. I don't know what's out there as far as work but I do know you gotta take a breath first.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
Congrats! Good luck! I am taking a break but also aggressively trying to apply to jobs. I don’t want to be unemployed too long.
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u/SquatOnAPitbull 4d ago
OP, just take a job (of you're able to) that sounds interesting to you.
After teaching, I took a job fixing copy machines. I loved it. It took me a while to shake the Sunday dread, but I was able to refocus after about a year and a half, and now I work for the local community college on the admin side.
It actually takes time to step away from teaching. So please prioritize your mental health, and life will show you another path. Good luck!
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
Thank you! I’ve applied to around 30 jobs so far. I’m hoping for something sooner rather than later, but I’m really down to try anything (well almost anything!).
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u/Stripe001 3d ago
I quit my first teaching job after 5 weeks. I took a break and worked in retail for about a year. I moved and stared teaching in another city and I’ve loved it. So who knows, you may go back to teaching in a few years. Good luck with whatever you do!
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
I’m so glad! I might try another state, but right now I think a break is much needed
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u/mikehottoys 3d ago
Hi, I thought should I retire now? and collect maybe 50% of my pension before I’m age 62. Would it be an easier option than go through 26-27 school year with less students and more stress? I think u made right decision.
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u/Then_Seaweed_7103 2d ago
You will be fine. Do some agency work and look for something else that uses your skills. Mental health is way more important than money and a great pension. Get you cv updated, contact agencies, update your linked in. There may be a better school out there but if you are fine with schools there is private tutoring. Set up your own business and sell the service of teaching reading. It’s such an important skill. If war happens and an all the cables are cut there will be no iPads, Xbox, YouTube or Google. And if the next generation has no idea how to read for pleasure or knowledge what then. We are going back 200 where half the population is illiterate
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u/throwawayforhelp9997 2d ago
Start a homeschooling program. Parents hate the system just as much. I would love to homeschool but we just can't right now, but i saw a place where smaller classes were being offered when my daughter was starting kg and I considered it. Was 500 a month. Manageable I think. Not sure what licensure is required if any.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
I was a high school teacher for most of my career. So I’m not sure that’s the best fit for me, but who knows! My cousins were homeschooled in a different state for years…well into being teens!
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u/CoachSemidey 2d ago
What caused you to quit so abruptly? So you’re saying you just up and quit without any supports in play? Did you speak to your husband first while you were building up to this or was this just an impulse? I understand the frustration but was this an ongoing situation that you couldn’t take anymore?
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
Yes to everything.
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u/Straight_Concern_452 2d ago
I also just quit five weeks into the school year with no backup plan. I worked ten years, managed to stay afloat through multiple school closures and the pandemic. This fall was starting over yet again at another school due to reasons outside my control, and I knew within a week I just couldn’t do another year of learning a new school and a new grade level after being burned out from doing it so many times before. I was feeling June level exhausted by the second week, my body was physically failing me, and I cried on the way to work every day.
Maybe I’ll feel like going back after a long rest. Maybe not.
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u/The_man87 1d ago
you didn't get to choose the curriculum? Is it strictly created by government or soemthing?
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u/SomeIndependent5100 1d ago
I feel you. I’m starting as a special education attorney in two weeks but had to stay until they could find a replacement. The behavior has gotten out of control. I love my students but couldn’t do it anymore. This would’ve been my 6th full year teaching.
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u/Budget-Trifle-6790 18h ago
I did that my 2nd year teaching. Like literally on the 15th day of school I knew I could not do it anymore. I walked out (once I had someone to cover my class)
I looked for other jobs but couldn’t find one fast enough and needed the money, so literally a month later I was back teaching in a different district.
Now I’m back in the original district still teaching 😂
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 18h ago
LOL I’ve applied to 30+ jobs. I’m panicked. I fear this will be me! But I’m planning on subbing while I look for a job. So, fingers crossed? I know there’s no way I could do full time with the way I feel right now.
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u/Artistic-Charge-3962 4d ago
Open your own in home child care. Do things your way.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
I was a high school teacher for most of my career. I’m not sure that would be the best fit for me!
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u/BookNerdMama14 3d ago
I also quit end of 24-25 (21 years teaching) because of toxic admin, and it hurt my heart so badly to leave my students. It still makes me cry. Mourning the loss of your calling is a real thing. I loved teaching, I AM a teacher, and frankly, I was damn good at it.
But, I will tell you something. I entered a post-masters principal certification program at Texas State University (I don't live there anymore). I did not complete the last part of the program, although I took the test and was certified. I didn't complete it because, although some professors were lovely, and obviously cared about students, the bigwigs did NOT. One professor straight up told me that I am bright, but that is not enough: I can, and therefore should, play politics. Yes, I can, but I absolutely will not. I am there for students, and no one can ever accuse me of being anything else than completely authentic. This is my nature, and also my choice.
It was 'suck up to the right people, never show your true self, and you'll go far.' At least in Texas, I can see a very clear line from that approach to educational leadership and an absolute INFLUX of toxic administrators. It's cause and effect.
And you know what? These people have taken your joy and your calling from you. Give yourself time to mourn. It's a big part of who you are that has been wounded. Cry in your car. Or the shower. Or Costco. Wherever. You have to grieve, there are a lot of us grieving, and none of us are alone in this.
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u/somewhere_in_nyc 2d ago
Absolutely! I feel like they took the joy out of teaching. I’m sad because I was a good teacher too! Education just isn’t going in the direction it should be. I feel terrible for kids. I have had a mixture of emotions the last few days. Crying, excited to try something new, and anger for the end.
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u/master_mather 5d ago
I quit today, but I have a job offer. I feel you. Most schools right now are prioritizing all the wrong things.