i hate my cushy bullshit job where i make obscene amounts of money. should i quit my job and become a teacher? here’s what i’m thinking so far:

pros:

  • i won’t hate my job anymore
  • my job is a real job where i actually contribute to society
  • summer vacation sounds dope

cons:

  • maybe i still hate my job
  • my job would be a real job where i do work
  • i won’t make obscene amounts of money
  • wtf grad school is expensive

alternatively, are there other jobs i should try to do instead? mind you i have no skills and would probably need to go back to school.

  • bubbalu [they/them]@hexbear.net
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    3 months ago

    How did you end up in adult ed? I am currently an early elementary teacher but would like to work in the environment you describe.

    • MuinteoirSaoirse [she/her]@hexbear.net
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      3 months ago

      I sort of fell into it by accident. I am the education coordinator for a small grassroots org, and as part of that I started volunteering as a tutor at a local nonprofit that teaches adult literacy. Then that nonprofit started piloting a programme to help adults get their high school diplomas (a thing that no other organization in the city helps with, and until recently was impossible for anyone over the age of 25 as they were considered to have aged out of the high school system). I tutored through the pilot year, and started helping with curriculum stuff, so when the educational authority approved the programme permanently and decided they wanted to roll it out everywhere, this nonprofit became the only place in the city adults can get their diplomas. They contracted me after that to help build the curriculum, and I’ve been working on that and with students ever since.

      So basically: if you’re already in education, I recommend looking into whatever organizations in your area actually provide supports for adults attempting to learn. These organizations tend to be overlooked even more than the school districts, and while early childhood education and adult education are not the same, many of the skills are transferable, and a desire to actually be there is already a huge point in your favour. Lots of schools offer certifications (distance courses, diploma additions, professional development) that you can do to bridge the gap in your credentials if necessary, though depending on the organizations needs, that is not always essential to have upfront.