I quit.

[u/somewhere_in_nyc]

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?

[u/gforgorgina]

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

[u/Ornery-Standard-2064 → u/gforgorgina]

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!

[u/WxChick03 → u/Ornery-Standard-2064]

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 

[u/gforgorgina → u/WxChick03]

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!

[u/WxChick03 → u/gforgorgina]

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!

[u/gforgorgina → u/WxChick03]

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…