Confused and need help!!!

[CofusEd]

I am just having an all out problem and I don't know who to turn to. I want to be a 1st grade teacher and I am in the process of going through all of my general education requirements, but I am having second thoughts because of the money that teachers make, or atleast where I live there is a lack of money. Many of the schools don't even have enough money for books!!! The other profession that has come up is Nursing, the only problem is I am not sure I can handle the blood and guts part of it, but they make good money!!! I am afraid I won't be able to make a good living, heck my husband of 2 years only works in a factory so I am scared!!! Any advice or opionions? I know I should not be so focused on the money, but I have been also reading through many posts and have seen that some people have had difficulty finding jobs; how difficult is it really, would it be harder to find a job as a teacher or as a nurse in your opionions. Please let me know!!! Thanks.

 

[E Jean]

k/1 teacher

I undersand your confusion. Teachers don't make a lot of money but they do make enough to live on. I have two teachers in my family who have taught in several different states and all are doing fine in regards to money. As with any profession make and stick to a budget. My sister is a nurse and decided on nursing because she can handle the blood and guts but she also loves helping people in this way. I chose teaching because I love to teach and enjoy helping people in this way. My advice to you would be to create a t-chart that has postives and negatives about both career options. Spend some time truly thinking about both options. Go with your instincts and remember the choice you make is what you will do everyday. I don't know if this will help and I'm sure you have probably done several of these things. These are things that have helped me and others in my family in the past in regards to making career decisions.

 

[Kerrigan]

I say do it!

I'm a first grade teacher and I understand your concerns. It is a hard job and we need people who really want to do it. I make enough money to meet my expenses every month, save, and invest. Of course, I'm single so that's part of it. But the insurance and benefits are great. As far as the job market goes, that just depends on your area. There are tons of jobs here in Tennessee and Alabama. Good luck. Trust yourself to make the right decision.

 

[Tiffany]

Advice

You really need to ask yourself why you want to be a teacher. If your first answer isn't because you love kids and you want to make a difference, then you shouldn't be a teacher. You should truly get into teaching because you love kids and want to work with them. The money isn't great compared to people with similar number of education years in school but I do make enough money to pay my bills and live in a nice house. The benefits are excellent - I doubt you'll find a job with benefits as well as teachers' benefits. The retirement package is excellent. Don't let the fear of not finding a job keep you from teaching. There are jobs out there - you just need to keep an open mind and be willing to do whatever to get your foot in the door. Some of the teachers in our school started in the permanent sub position then got the teacher job when a teacher retired the next year. Don't limit yourself to first grade - take a job where you find one. You might be surprised to find you enjoy 5th or K just as much as 1st.

Good luck!

 

[Eydie]

Follow your heart!

Those were my two top job choices when I was ready to start school. I did choose to teach because I thought that I would not be able to do blood and guts. Now that I have kids of my own ( and a lot of classroom kids too!) I learned that vomit, open wounds and broken bones are not upsetting to me like I had imagined they would be. When you work as a nurse those conditions are also occuring in a controlled, monitered environment with profesionals who are trained to handle it. So, I think it would be less stressful to me than I had thought .

I like being a teacher but I know that teaching is at times VERY difficult. Just read the vent and class management boards!
In the area I teach it just seems to get worse each year. The home life of children today just doesn't seem to be as structured and disciplined as when I began 15 years ago. The children I teach are lacking respect and basic academic knowledge. Kindergarten is not required here so I get first grades who have never written their name, don't know colors. Numbers and Letters are a mystery to them.
If they are 6 before Sept. 30th they can not be placed back in Kindergarten so I have several from the get go I know are on the two year program! ( Funny though, if they went to kindergarten then the parent has the choice to retain them if they are not ready for first!)

Anyway, I get very envious now when I take my own children to the pediatricians office and that nurse does the height, weight and pre-check of the child's condition. She gets to talk , laugh, and ENJOY the children.

I teach some sweet kids but I can't truly enjoy them any more because of the various emotional and behavior and parent issues.

If I had to choose again, knowing what I know now about my own ability to handle the "Yuck" side of nursing, and how the classroom enivironment can be..... I would choose nursing. (yea, the extra pay would be good too!)

Maybe you could spend some time observing and volunteering in both areas before you make a solid decision

 

[teacherish]

my opinion

Hi, I've been teaching for 15 years. Don't get me wrong, I love the children even though many days are frustrating. I put everything I've got into the job! I have taught all grades but done 5 years in Grade 1.

When I was at College, if I knew then what I know now, I would have STAYED AWAY from Teaching!!!! Your salary is capped unlike most other professions! Thats so [*bleep*]. I am a single girl and I blame my job making me not want my own children.

Now, I'd contemplate going into another field altogether, but I need the income coming in to pay mortgages.

Teaching is hard. It gets into your soul and it has rewards and I love the cuddles but you ALWAYS WILL put up with too much BS coming at you from all angles. If you teach, you must grow a thick skin.

It does NOT get easier, just more manageable. Paperwork is often a nightmare. Admin use you and Parents are unpridictable, not to mention your class make-up.

I'd go for Nursing. Friends of mine are already there and are making more money than I will EVER make being a Teacher. My holidays are for mental health and recovering (especially after having 30+ little kids to teach in a class) My other friends see all the preparation that I do at home and they quiz me as to why I would do this. Sometimes I can't help but also wonder. :-)

Good luck with your decision, it's all yours to make.

 

[brooke]

check other boards

I agree with the other posters about checking other boards. Loving kids is wonderful but the work is relentless. You go home with work, have work on the weekends, live with the student's social issues, see you're compensating for parent's shortcomings, etc. We get emotionally worn out. Even though you love them you'll quickly notice that they take you for granted on most days. Every September I'm always amazed at how little I hear the word thank you. However, my husband doesn't get emotionally drained, and he can remind me of the financial benefits, I'll try to do the same for you.

The money is good. You do get health benefits. When you have children the vacations will be the same.

You will be taking money from your own pocket for supplies, extras etc. I think all teachers do, but many can discipline themselves to control the amount. The range of spending per teacher will be based on their own point of view about how to spend the money. For example, I don't do a prize box. I don't want to spend my money to motivate good behavior. I do spend money at teacher stores, from catalogues and to get supplies some of my kids won't have if I don't buy it. Best wishes with your decision. You've found an honest place where teachers voice their concerns. Please read some of the other boards to hear what you won't hear in college.

 

[kyteacher1]

Nursing vs. Teaching

My very good friend is a nurse. I of course am a teacher. We discuss our careers often and I'm envious of hers and she's sometimes envious of mine. I have to work a lot at home and she gets to leave her job at the door when she clocks out. She makes more than me, but I get every major holiday off including extended breaks for Christmas and summer (she is very envious about this!) but she only has to work 3 night shifts a week and gets 4 days off. People can die if she doesnt do her job correctly -- teachers are vitally important but someone doesnt die if we mess up from time to time!

Think about what would truly make you happy in your life. Dont just do it for the money because in the long run you may find yourself very unhappy. good luck

 

[CofusEd]

It is still difficult...

I am still having trouble deciding... For as long as I can remember I wanted to be an elementary school teacher...then my dad talked to me; he told me about the lack of money, etc. It was his idea to do Nursing and my mom's, I wanted to do teaching becuase yes I LOVE CHILDREN... I love working with them, it brought me great joy when I taught my 5 year old cousin how to spell; BUT the money is a big issue and the lack of jobs where I live. I want to be a teacher, but I need to be a nurse; the only problem I have is that I cringe when it comes to blood and I can't even kill a spider with a napkin..I am a wuss. Plus, I didn't want the responsiblility of someone elses life being in my hands in that way. I am so stuck!! See another thing is that I want to have children soon...I am 21, my husband is 23. We are afraid that by the time I graduate we will be too old!!! I am so confused at what to do...nursing is so hard, but it will only take 3 semesters to complete and teaching takes longer and they get paid less. I hate to look at it that way, but I need the money and the less time that I have to wait to have babies! I will probably do nursing, I just hope I can get over my fear of all things gory!!! Oh dear....

 

[kyteacher1]

Now that I have more info about you

I really think you should consider teaching as opposed to nursing. You may think that you can "get through" the program in 3 semester's and be ready to take a job as a nurse making great money but in reality how do you really plan to get through this degree when it seems obvious you dont want to be a nurse. From having 2 good friends that are nurses - it is NOT an easy degree to get - it requires a lot of studying of complicated things and you have to go through clinicals and do care plans and take the state boards nursing exam which I've heard is a doozy. You must be able to handle vomit, blood, open wounds, poop, and all kinds of gross things on a regular basis. Do you really want to do this? A teaching degree is time consuming and you have to want to really want to be a teacher to make it through it but I wouldnt say it was hard. If you are going to have children then remember this -- you will be required to work most holidays - both my friends are working christmas eve this year. Teaching is a great profession - do not let your dad talk you out of doing what you want to do. Money is important but you shouldnt do a job you dont want to do just because it pays well. And to be honest nursing doesnt pay THAT much more than teaching does. Good luck

 

[CofusEd]

Need some more feedback

Since most of you that responded are teachers already I would like to ask just by your own personal experiances (sp), What are some Pros to being a teacher and what are some cons; you can either tell me a few of each or what you consider the biggest Pro and the biggest Con...this would help me alot because then I can add my own to your lists and make my decision from that Also, like I said my big issue is jobs, being able to find one...people say it is hard to find one, I can't wait a year or two after college to get a job, I need one atleast 6 months after because I have to start paying back my loans...and the whole family thing with children...is it difficult to have or be trying to have a child while working do you wait to have them or do you have them when you want even if it is into your first year as a teacher....these are some big issues for me. I really want a family soon and so I value what can allow that sooner. Help me please!!??!!

 

[teacherish]

again

Hi,
I tried to help you before and both myself and other posters have given you plenty of pros and cons. I forgot though to mention that most of us (me included) spend $$ big bucks $$ on supply materials to have as resources. That is a necessary evil but it costs you big time. I have too often been given classrooms that had NOTHING and so I am forced to buy my own stuff and books etc to suit what I want to teach. Teaching material is NOT laid out for you on a plate. It's up to YOU to organise EVERY tiny detail.

Also, remember, you are on a Teacher Board-- most of us are going to say "teach- it's great!" If that's what you want to hear then you've made up your mind already.

BUT as I said before... you need to decide. There's a lot more to Nursing than blood and gore- you have to love people and offer the same type of nurturing aspect as Teachers would. (I can't bear to kill a spider either so that made me smile.)

Why would you have to decide between the two occupations anyway??

Here's my thing- I would have done Tourism, Beauty or Journalism/ Media if I had my time over again. Forget what any relatives have done- RESEARCH other jobs. My friends are in Finance and even though that wouldn't be me- pushing numbers etc all day, they find it good and opportunities for advancement are almost endless.

It might not be the same for everyone, but having a family young was not for me at all and now I've taught for a long time it's still not on my agenda and I am afraid that honestly, Teaching has truly spoilt that for me (and I'm actually annoyed at that ).

Good luck, keep posting.

 

[CR]

Don't rush your decision

All of my life I knew I wanted to work with children. When I graduated 24 years ago, it was very difficult to find a job teaching. I started out in a factory working on an assembly line. From there I got a job with Head Start as a home visitor--talk about low pay!! Next I worked in a day care center until I had my first child. I quit and started driving a school van so I could keep my child with me and not pay for childcare. When my second child was 2, I left the bus company to do home daycare. When the youngest was in school full day, I went back to school to get re-certified and started substituting. Seven years ago, I was hired by the school district where I live. I will have to work as a teacher until I am 61 just to get the minimum retirement from my state. Yet, here I am. I have very frustrating days, and yes the pay is not as good as many other jobs. But, there are many, many benefits---even if they are not monetary. My husband does not make much more than I do, but somehow, over the years we have found a way to make it work. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you really want to teach, you can find a way to make it work for you. I don't think I've ever met a teacher who said they went into teaching for the money. What IS nice is that I'm on vacation every time my children are and that is something I can't put a price on. And, with winter here, it's nice to know that on bad snowy days, school will be cancelled...hospitals don't close down due to bad weather. At any rate your real decision seems to be financial versus heart's desire. Maybe you can combine your choices....how about being a school nurse? I don't know what the income is, but you'd get a lot of the benefits the teachers get (days off, etc.)
Good luck---just don't rush your decision.

 

[Eydie]

Best of Both Worlds

Have you thought about being an occupational therapist or a physical therapist? I watch them work with the children at school and get very jealous! The OT and PT get to take children out of the regular classroom in small groups or individually. They get to play games with the kids that develop their muscles or increase their coordination. The OT even gets to help with language and math skills as she helps them improve their handwriting. They get the same holidays and benfits as the teachers since they work for the school board and they are payed MUCH better! A good friend of mine just became an OT in the school system. She works at two different schools so she can go through a drive through at lunch between schools if she wants to and her starting salary is $65,000. Even with my higher degree I'll NEVER see that unless I was to go into the administation end of things. ( NO WAY!)
Anyway there's another choice for you to consider and the "gory" is gone!

 

[Tounces]

confused

I agree with your dad. If I was at a point where I was choosing, I'd go into something else besides teaching. It is very hard to find a job at the grade you want and the pay is low. If you can't stand the "blood and guts" choose something else. There's a lot more out there besides teaching and nursing. I'd look into what I else could do if I were you. Maybe your college could help you decide. For example, there are other medical jobs such as working in the labs, x-rays administration. Keep looking. Teaching might look interesting from the "outside" but its not what it is in reality.

 

[cyraeus]

Dear Confused

I thought I would add my 2 bits here. I have been teaching for only 6 years (plus 2 years of practicums in university) and if I had to do it over again, I would do the same thing, teach. In my opinion there is nothing more enjoyable and rewarding than teaching. I love getting up every single morning to see my students. I love staying late and decorating the room and thinking of new ways to reach the kids. Nursing would be a hoot too, but I sure love working with the kids.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[CofusEd]

I am still struggling

I am still having a problem...everytime I turn around I want the opposite career!!! I honestly do not know what to do!!! It is mainly over money and schooling...to go so long and make so little. I need reassurance that teaching is the best way to go. I hate blood and guts and the life a person in my hands in a way that can determine if they live or die...that is a big responsibility; I don't know if I can handle that!!! I just want to be able to provide well for my kids and to buy a new car, house, and pay back my college bills...can you do that with a teachers salary? Approx. how much do you make an hour? or a Year? Just give me an estimate, so I can see if the pay is worth the college bills.
Thanks for all your help!!!

 

[CR]

What state do you live in?

In my state, CT, teachers make a decent salary amount. Next year, in my district, beginning teachers will make about $38,000 with a Bachelor's degree.That's already up $8,000 from when I started 7 years ago. If you consider that you have summers off plus vacation weeks during the year, the pay is pretty good. Also, the medical benefits are very good in our district and that is worth a LOT! I understand the pay is much lower in other areas of the country. (Although I have heard that the NEA would like to see the starting salary be set at 40,000 nationwide....that would be nice!) You need to check the salaries in your area---they should be on public record at the town hall. Take into consideration that you work about 180-185 days a year (depends on area). (yes, I know that teachers work WAY more than those actual school days, but at least you can figure out a rough hourly or weekly pay.) Plus, teachers can do tutoring on the side, which can be very profitable. To me, it sounds like you really don't want to go into nursing. Would you really plan your schooling for a job that you really don't want to do?

 

[CofusEd]

I know

I am really struggling here; I am choosing a job for the money and not for what I really want. I am not sure I can handle either really; but I hate the fact that teachers go to school longer to make less.... Plus when can I start a family of my own, I am so confused. I want to make my dad proud of me, because I struggle for his approval!! I need some serious career counciling!!! I want to do teaching, but hate the pay and I am conscerned (sp) wether I should focus on that or not.

 

[Jazy]

1st Grade Teacher

How can you compare the 2 professions? They are so different. Both are a lot of work. Nurses don't have to take work home, teachers do. There is a lot of work after school and in the evening. That is if you want to be a good teacher. At least with teaching you would have the summer off. That's 8 weeks. When you have children you would be able to be with them and not have to pay for day care. Both require continued schooling. A teacher's pay depends on your education degree, number of years in the district, and district policy. As with any career you must have priorties. You must be willing to work. Nothing comes easy.

 

[PaulaR.]

Those were my 2 job choices too!!

I've actually been a nurse for 14 years and believe it or not....
I made the switch to elementary education.....and I'm graduating in May!
I loved my nursing career, but really discovered that teaching and children are my thing just a little more. I've always wanted to make a difference.....and now my direction is entirely with the children!

Follow your heart....Don't let money be your major factor.....
Why don't you volunteer at a school and observe and interview with a nurse. I can say that nursing is a more "powerful" and "adrenaline" type of a career. Teaching is challenging in an entirely different way!!

Best Wishes with your decision!
PaulaR.