Hey there folks,

Here's the deal:

I usually don't get too into the NFR stuff but I'd really like to get some feedback from you guys/gals about an issue going on in my life now. Please don't turn this into a teacher bashing thread as I am in no way complaining in the following post.
I've been teaching the fifth grade for a few years now and I am seriously debating a career change. Don't get me wrong, I love being in the classroom. I love my students - greatly. That's why I went into teaching in the first place. That love is taking a back seat now unfortunately. I'm not complaining about salary or benefits or any of that stuff that many people typically associate teachers with. I am simply tired of the federal statewide requirements that take the true joy out of teaching. What was once a calling has turned out to be a game of politics and covering your behind.

I am asking all of you, as people from various professions, about other options I have that would make me a happier person. I've got six years of schooling (BA from WAZZU and a Masters from Grand Canyon University). With these credentials (being only in education though) what options do I have? HELP PLEASE as I need to get this figured out. My in-laws work for state farm in Dupont and insist that there are numerous professions in their building that would work for me. I don't want to lose the stability I have now and really don't want to go back to school. Any bosses out there that would hire me?
Once again, I'm not crying or complaining just looking for advice. Many of you are extremely educated and I know can help me in this search for an answer.
I look forward to getting some feedback

Thanks a million

Cuttie

Even though you have that cougar thing going for you it is great to hear from a teacher that seems to care for the kids.

Perhaps you could check with some private schools.

Perhaps Training would be satisfying to you since you like teaching so much. Do you want to work exclusively with kids or adults too? I think Papaslaps idea is a good one.

I know there is some opportunity available for training in a corporate atmosphere. Then there ar eplaces like Franklin Covery and the like. Make sure you get your resume and credentials out on Monster.com.

Justin,

I dont think you belong int the Office.

Maybe law enforcement is for you. You could go a long way with your education quickly especially if you worked for a larger agency. work hours can also be better for fishing. Many places work 4 ten hour shifts or 3 twelve hour shifts giving them 3 or 4 days off a week.

Being a teacher already shows me you want a job that just isnt a job, you want to make an impact on society and just working in the office for a pay check making someone else look good isnt for you.

I hear and feel your pain.... check your email.

Yes it's possible and it really depends how you approach it.
I have hired near 1000 people in my career all of them with a BA/BS or better. One thing that stood out more than anything was how poorly their resume was written. It's a marketing piece that sells you. Second you can post on Monster, careerbuilder etc. but 80+ % of the jobs you want are not posted. even more important your lack of training and exp. in any given field hurts you on a paper comparison. If you are going to find something you want you will neeed to network and sell yourself. Pick up some books on selling. Why? you have to sell yourself effectively. I like SPIN selling for the basics as it is someone scientific in its break down of how people buy. I would invest in a resume writer and not just a run of the mill back office type a good one. I paid $5000 for a service to " Package me". I switched careers 1n 1996 when I decided I wanted out of the family business and the 80 hour work weeks. I knew I wanted to do something in the internet space and told I was to old or it was impossible. I had been running a $30 million a year business for 15 years and was over qualified to just be a salesman. I wanted to work from home and not travel too much and never work more than 40 hours a week making 6 figures or more. . My kids were and are a bigger priority. I did it but it took almost a year. it's like any thing if you paln well and work at it anything is possible. Enjoy the jorney!

FBI , Homeland security, Mentor?

Fishing guide, Beer taster, Oiler for the Swedish Bikini team, ................

Ive been looking for a job(career) for a while now. Ive finally came to the conclusion that you will not get rich being a steelhead bum. lol

Cutts, i like Rich's idea. Law enforcement like a warden job would be killer! Maybe not the safest job in the world but you would protect something you loved...

how about teching at university of Pheonix, I hear that they pay well. and you could do a lot from your lap top

For great salary, security, benefits out the ying yang and retirement at an early age and minimum work load the State of Washington is your promised land....State government wants you....You may not be able to work 9 months for 12 months pay but you can work a 3 hour day and get paid for 8...You won't have to pass any competency tests and you probably can't get fired without an act of congress.

You sound more qualified than 99% of state employees I have seen so you should shoot right to the top fast...OOPS....no such luck....The Peter Principle is in effect in this state ....you rise to the level of your incompetence...so sorry you have to much competency to be management...maybe you could get a job at DSHS ..their offices are chock full of students.

You had a job??? I thought all you did was fish. There are people that i work with that have teaching degree's.

Fromcutthoattosteelhead:

This is a tough call to make. I lucked out, have all the education you do plus more. Started teaching "in the old days" 1968. When teachers were backed by admin., parents, and others. Retirement system was pro teacher, TRS1......then in middle of my career....change.....adimin on 1 side, teachers on the other, parents believed most of what thier kids told them, new federal laws......more do, do, do........paper work...ugh!!!!

My youngest is a teacher in CA.....don't don't for how much longer.

Tough to guess future....teaching is so rewarding but I sure understand your thoughts.

I hate being retired........have to decide where to fish.......day after day!!!!

"Worse day fishing, still better than the best day working"

Aunty,

True about the pay in some cases, im feeling that now.

I am trying to get back to the west side now and you dont have to worry about that as much.

The average on the west side is 45,000 to 65,000 a year or so which wont get you rich but should get you by just fine with some wiggle room. You do get overtime on top of that.

The 3 years before I made it over to the E side I averaged 46,000 a year which is enough for me but not nearly enough for some. And that was in LaPush

I'm not a teacher, but have found for myself that living where you love to be is the key to enjoyment. If I were giving advise, which I am not, it would be to move to where ever you would just love to live.....the rest will take care of itself. Best of Luck to You!!

cuttosteel,
Sorry to hear about the situation your in.Unfortunately it sounds like a lot of great teachers might be joining you.I hate to see our children and our future take such a hard hit.

My sons mother-in-law is seriousley contemplating leaving a 15 year career in education because of some new tests or schooling that is being required.Sounds like maybe the same dilemna your going through.Not sure though.
My son put in 2 years at Pacific University (ouch!)a private college.pursuing a career in teaching.When he finally realized what his education was costing him.And the starting pay scale for a teacher is.He changed his mind.The decision making process was totally stressing him out.Worried about paying student loans etc.Feeling like he wasted his time and our $.I know that giving up his education was the hardest decision he ever had to make.

Well,he got into a union electrical apprenticeship.Plus is coaching football,and his true love,wrestling.So he still gets to be involved with,and be a great mentor to the kids.Maybe not how he really wanted things to work out.But he's happy with how they turned out.

So I do have a small understanding of what your going through.I just want to wish you luck,and provide a little encouragement to you that things will be o.k. and hopefully you can find a career that is as rewarding to you as your teaching career is.

Frankly I'm relieved,that my son got into a different career,And I'm saddened that there are a lot of high quality teachers out there that arent being supported in the way they should be.
Good luck to you in your search'
Rick

To all of you that took the time to respond,

Thanks so much. It's great to hear such positive feedback and encouragement. I'll be just fine, but as of late this has really been weighing on me heavily. Once again thank you......
Cuttie