Time To Smell The Flowers



It is that time of the year again, the time when abused senior teachers must weigh the maltreatment against the feelings of accomplishment and success derived from being In the classroom. I know that feeling well. It took me too many years to make the move, a move I will be eternally grateful to the miserable AP who was my supervisor.

There are no words to describe the wonder of rolling over at 5:30 and going back to sleep after the cat woke you up by dropping toys on your head. Going to the theater in the middle of the week is another plus. There is no more rushing home after school to quickly prepare the following days lesson before going out. It is wonderful to be able to take advantage of cheap air flights and rental cars by traveling during non peak times. Supermarkets have lighter lines. Best sellers can be read before they become classics and it is easy so much easier to get doctor appointments when the day is yours. 

The city is full of museums and parks.  There are wonderful courses to take.  There are even other jobs, jobs where abuse is not something one must endure.  The best part for all you Tier I teachers (others benefit too, but we do the best) is that there is more money in retirement check than in a pay check.

Leaving is hard.  I cried handing in my papers but I have no regrets. Teaching, especially when you have been doing it for more than half your life is a big part of who you are, but it is not all you are.

If you are torn, make a list of pros and cons for staying.  Sleep on it.  Give it careful thought and then follow your heart.  If you decide to stay, enjoy your last years.  Do the job you know you do well and let the administrators be damned.  They can't hurt you anymore so don't let them bother you.  And, if you decide to leave, go knowing there is a whole new world waiting for you.  It is okay to feel sad.  I did.  I promise you will get over it sooner than you think possible.