5 Reasons Teachers Should Quit Their Jobs
by Guy E. White on 22 October, 2014
Should you quit your job as a public school teacher?
Teachers are quitting their jobs in droves, but are they doing it for the right reasons? Have you ever considered leaving the teaching profession? I have! Here is how I decided to know when it’s time to call it quits.
Regardless of the claims of naïve people, teaching is an exceedingly difficult career. It’s filled with constant challenge and hardship. The challenge – helping those we serve claim better lives – is why many of us stay in the career.
However, when is the time to call it quits? I’ve considered quitting this career on a few occasions in my long career. In the end, here is how I have resolved when I will have to quit.
1. You’re Not Adding Value
If you are not bringing gains to the lives of others, then it’s time to quit. The whole purpose of teaching is to make the lives of those we serve better. If that is not happening, then it’s time to leave. That includes you: if your life is not improving, it’s time for a change.
Think about where in your life you could add the most value to others. How could you get more value for yourself?
2. You’re Unwilling to Change
Learning involves change. To resist change is to resist the very thing that creates growth, learning, and happiness. You don’t have to accept every change that is shoved in your direction, but to resist the important changes that bring value to you and your students’ lives should be embraced.
Where are some places in your life you WOULD like to see a change? What’s preventing you from making that change
3. You’re Not Sure Why You’re Doing This Work
Nearly all teachers go through a mid-career crisis of some kind where they question what they are doing as a teacher – and if this is the right career for them. This is completely normal and natural. However, if in the long term this question persists, it could be a sign that it’s time to move on.
Why are you doing what you are doing? For the love of it? For the money? Because you’re stuck?
4. You’re Not Happy
By far, the most important point: If you are not happy, you can’t be a great teacher. Misery breeds misery. Living an unhappy life is hell. Why would you continue down a path that could not result in your happiness? Could living an unhappy life impact those students you serve? You and your students deserve your best.
Do you deserve to be happy in the work that you do? How much unhappiness is allowable in your world? What are some changes you could make to ensure you enjoy more happiness at and around work?
5. You’re Destroying the Happiness of Others
Your unhappiness rubs off on others. Have you ever been inside a toxic meeting (or school, for that matter)? The emotional state of everyone involved stews together in this poisonous soup. Everything suffers.
Others deserve YOU to be happier, because a happy you is more likely to be of service to them.
Look at this list. What is missing? What are some other reasons that a teacher should throw in the towel?
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