Career change to a high school teacher?
Asked by pink_flavored_nerds
I'm having trouble on whether or not I want to become a teacher. A bit about me, I hold a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and have five years of engineering experience. The money is EXCELLENT, but I'm starting to wonder if the high stress, corporate politics, and the time away from my kid is all worth it. I just recently quit my job and am looking for something new but I'm hesitant to go back into the enviroment I was before, you know, the back-stabbing, the butt-kissing, the competition, the bringing work home both physically and mentally, sometimes not able to sleep because of work... I've always thought about teaching (did it part time in college as a teachers aide) and I feel I would be great at it! But it would be a HUGE pay cut. And if I changed my mind, it would be hard to get back into the engineering field. As far as teaching job availability, there's a "critical shortage" of teachers, especially in math and science which is right up my alley... So what do I do?

Best Answer:
I have been a high school teacher (chemistry) for 20 years. I love it, but if you think it is going to be less work you are in for a surprise. In addition to being in the building for 8-9 hours each day, including tutoring of students most afternoons, I have a couple of hours of paper work awaiting me still at home. I usually am either grading or planning on weekends as well. I spend my planning time at work setting up and taking down labs and I might get to actually grade papers if I am lucky. I recently had an intern that had worked in the chemical industry for 5 years and then pursued other areas. He said he had never worked so hard as he had then when he was teaching. For people that believe that teaching is easy they haven't been there. I do realize that some subjects taught that the teachers actually leave at the bell and don't take any work home, but chemistry and other core subject areas are definitely not in that group. In order to be a teacher, you have to approach it as a vocation, not an occupation. If you love working with students and your subject matter then it may be for you.

Give a new career a try. If it does not work out, you can always fall back on your old one.
Answered by W

I mean, if teaching is what you want to do, then you shouold do it. Follow your heart. It would give yo u more time to spend with your child...weekends and holidays and the summer off. Not as much money though. You have to trust your instincts, dont do what people tell you to do!
Answered by 123465lol

Have a go at it. It is a really rewarding job, but keep in mind you' ll find high stress levels in teaching as well, but for less money. Now, on a personal level, it will be far more fulfilling.
Answered by dyl

There is a lot to this question and I can't really answer it for you. Some things to consider: Are all Chemical engineering jobs the same (stress, politics, etc.)? Can you handle the pay cut? this includes mentally? Can you talk to some teachers and find out about their stress and politics? It is there also. Since it sounds like you are fairly young, I would say weigh these answers and go with passion over the dollars.
Answered by kabod66