December 2015 Moms
racheldelacruz
member
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Thinking about quitting my job
racheldelacruz
member
Is it the hormones?!
I'm a teacher. I honestly love what I do. I can't think of a more rewarding or fulfilling job!
Here's the problem - stress.
Before getting pregnant, there was still stress but it only effected me. It didn't even get to the point where it effected my husband because he always encouraged me to leave work at work. Everything was fine!
Now that I'm pregnant, though, you quickly realize that your own stress is a major factor in the development of your baby. YOUR CHILD!! How can I even justify that?! How can I give up so much family time?! It has trickled down to my husband too now because he is obviously wanting everything to be alright with baby girl as well. He has enough to worry about with his own job.
I talked to my brother yesterday, he sells insurance for a big local company over the phone. He makes $20,000 more than me!!! And he gets to truly be done with work at the end of the day and not take anything home.
Sure, I get some time off in the summer. And by time off I mean the weeks in between the weeks of professional development and preparing for the next year. I won't do summer school now that baby girl will be here.
I'm having a crisis of sorts. My husband says I should quit after this year, that if I'm even considering it that I really don't want to do it. That's not true entirely. I really do love it, but I love my family more and I want what's best for them. I refuse to talk to my parents or anything about it because I fear they'll pretty much tell me to buck up and blah blah blah. Maybe the won't but until I'm more sure I don't even want to broach the topic.
I've also thought about changing positions within the school. I have an ESL license to teach English as a secon language... That's really small group work and less stress than a whole classroom teacher has.
Anyone have these thoughts with pregnancy? Will they go away once my hormones regulate? I don't know what to do!!!
I'm a teacher. I honestly love what I do. I can't think of a more rewarding or fulfilling job!
Here's the problem - stress.
Before getting pregnant, there was still stress but it only effected me. It didn't even get to the point where it effected my husband because he always encouraged me to leave work at work. Everything was fine!
Now that I'm pregnant, though, you quickly realize that your own stress is a major factor in the development of your baby. YOUR CHILD!! How can I even justify that?! How can I give up so much family time?! It has trickled down to my husband too now because he is obviously wanting everything to be alright with baby girl as well. He has enough to worry about with his own job.
I talked to my brother yesterday, he sells insurance for a big local company over the phone. He makes $20,000 more than me!!! And he gets to truly be done with work at the end of the day and not take anything home.
Sure, I get some time off in the summer. And by time off I mean the weeks in between the weeks of professional development and preparing for the next year. I won't do summer school now that baby girl will be here.
I'm having a crisis of sorts. My husband says I should quit after this year, that if I'm even considering it that I really don't want to do it. That's not true entirely. I really do love it, but I love my family more and I want what's best for them. I refuse to talk to my parents or anything about it because I fear they'll pretty much tell me to buck up and blah blah blah. Maybe the won't but until I'm more sure I don't even want to broach the topic.
I've also thought about changing positions within the school. I have an ESL license to teach English as a secon language... That's really small group work and less stress than a whole classroom teacher has.
Anyone have these thoughts with pregnancy? Will they go away once my hormones regulate? I don't know what to do!!!
Re: Thinking about quitting my job
Would that be an option?
Sales can be very stressful but has flexibility.
You are almost there! I know for me the last month before maternity leave (just started yesterday) was a battle to get through everyday so your Def not alone.
(Prior to finding out I was pregnant) While having a heart to heart with my Principal last year about my feelings toward teaching she encouraged me to take some time with the decision. She even mentioned applying for a leave of absence (unpaid), or sabbatical (paid, with requirements). These were both contractual options for me as I have been there 10+ years. She didn't want to loose me, but was very understanding. You may be able to give yourself more time to decide. Look at your contract, a leave of absence and sabbatical must be applied for, submitted and approved by certain deadlines.
I am feeling very lucky to have some time and flexibility to make decisions that are best for our family and health.
Oh! I don't think it's your hormones... About 6 weeks into a new school year the struggle/stress really hits hard. October and November are the toughest months to get through (no matter how many years you've been at it).
However, my maternity leave is probably a lot longer than yours and I am not planning on returning to work at my current job. If teaching ESL is something you are interested in, then do it!
Good luck!!
I'm feeling very blessed that my husband will support me no matter what I decide. I've never considered leaving the position before being pregnant and seeing how tough it is on my physical well being and my family.
And I didn't necessarily mean I was going into sales... I just meant that there are far less stressful jobs that would provide much better for my family. I know what he does and even he admits that once he leaves work the stress is gone at the end of the day.
I'll keep thinking on it. I'm only 26 - I never imagined a career change this early in life!
I had my son in Dec 2013 and took the rest of the school year off. When I went back the following August, I was miserable. I wanted nothing more than to stay at home with my son. With my dh's job, I didn't have to work but we didn't really talk about me staying at home. It was the most miserable school year of my life. I hated everything. I would never quit in the middle of the year so I stuck it out. I am now staying at home and could not be happier. Going back to work after having my son is my one true regret. I feel like that year was taken from me.
Do what will make you happy. And don't feel badly about it. Teaching is hard and there is a ton of stress. It's not worth the stress.
Everyday I am so grateful I cut back. It's cliche but you can't get those early years back and they are so precious. I love the 5 days a week I'm home with DD and with time I may cut back even more after LO is born if we can afford it.
If it makes financial sense for you I'd say go for it. I think subbing is a great option and I know many new moms/teachers who have gone that route when kids are young and are so glad they did it! Good luck!
Since then I have switched to a district level job. I totally miss the kids, and having my own classroom, but the stress level is much different. What it came down to for me was I felt like when I was a classroom teacher I gave of myself all day, and when I finally got home I had nothing left to give to my family.