Hey everybody!  How's it going?  I've been doing a lot of reflecting and soul searching lately... and I thought it might be a good idea to ask you guys here for some advice.  I really appreciate you guys and value your opinions. 

Most of you know that I'm a high school teacher.  This is my 4th year doing this.  I teach English as a Second Language at a French school (grades 8-12).  Things are going really well right now, but I had a pretty rough first semester (Sept. to January).  I was stressed out beyond belief... almost to the point that I felt like I was heading towards a burnout right before Christmas Break.  I had a couple of really challenging classes... and luckily, I don't have them anymore at the moment.  Things have improved considerably... in fact, I'd even say that this is the best semester I've had since I started teaching... which makes this decision all the more difficult. 

You see... back in January, I applied for another job.  I saw an ad in the paper for a 'Court Stenographer' in Miramichi (where I live).  I didn't hear back for a few weeks and then all of a sudden, I got an email in February asking me to go for some testing.  So I went.  I had to do transcription tests in both French and English.  They told me it would probably be another month before I got my results.  Then I got a call telling me that I scored 93% on both tests and they invited for an interview, which was yesterday. 

The interview lasted almost 2 hours.  I received the questions ahead of time so I could prepare my answers.  That's the first time I experience something like that.  Anyway, I'd say the interview went really well overall.  They asked me when I'd be available to start... and I didn't really know how to answer that one... so I was honest.  I told them that ideally I would like to finish the school year but that if that wasn't possible, I could request a leave without pay. 

So there you have it.  I'm sort of at a crossroads... trying to decide what to do if I get offered the job.  It pays a little bit less than what I'm currently making (not a substantial difference though).  It seems like I'd be taking a step backwards, in a sense... but then I think of the money I'd save on gas and it pretty much evens out.  The job would be a 10 minute drive from my house; whereas at the moment I travel about 500 kms a week to work. 

The level of stress as a teacher has been a factor in my decision... although I know that being a court stenographer might be almost as stressfull.  It's hard to say though.  I'd probably witness some pretty horrible things in Court.  I think it also might be a very interesting job.  Who knows eh? 

Teaching is an extremely rewarding profession.  The relationship you form with the students is, simply put, AMAZING.  But having to deal with the adminisration and the parents, is another story.  It's a job where the highs are really high, and the lows are really low... if you know what I mean.  This year, I'm also the faculty advisor of the student council which is very demanding.  I know that most jobs have their share of ups and downs, but being a teacher is different.  It's not a Monday to Friday 9-5 kind of job.  There are so many other obligations and responsibilites.  Sometimes I just get so overwhelmed/tired.  You know? 

Anyway... I guess I'm just asking you guys for your feedback.  If you were in my position, what would you do?

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"I'm just a soul whose intentions are good...
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."

For the first couple years of high school I wanted to become a teacher, that all changed in grade 11 when we got a new administration.  The teachers hate it because they have to enforce a lot of rules they dont agree with and their feedback is almost never considered.  That combined with the work load, some pretty bad students and dealing with parents changed my mind completely. I dont know what the money is like in New Brunswick but I know here teachers dont get paid nearly enough for what they have to put up with.  So if I were you I would go with the stenographer position if available.  But thats just me.

Well Allison, you go with the "Go big or go home" way of thinking, eh? Awe, you do have some tough decisions to make. My sister taught for 35 years and the last 10 were spent teaching ESL. Very, very demanding. It sure seemed to suck the life right out of her. She loved the kids and just like you said, it's the parents and the administration and sadly a great deal of other teachers. All that to say that, while I don't know first hand, I do understand what you are talking about having watched my sister over the years.

I am thinking that you must be leaning towards the new job since you went to all the interviews. And, wow! They must be quite the inerviews! And, while nobody can tell you what to do, I am thinking that a change can be just what the doctor ordered. You do sound like you could use a little less stress in your life. And, it would sure be a nice change to leave work..........and really get to leave work! No papers to mark, no report cards to do..........I do not know how teachers do it. Yes, people say that they get all the best perks but I would not thank you to be in a classroom in this day and age. I think that I would end up in jail.....choking is frowned on in the school, isn't it?? Ha ha.

I guess that another way of looking at it is that you can always go back to teaching. Teachers take breaks and then go back. My sister actually took some time off and she was very happy working at the Sears store, in the "Men's Underwear" dept. She was so different then. She smiled more and just seemed so relaxed. So, if you were to take a leave without pay, you still have the option of going back if you hated the new job............I guess you should do the old Pros and Cons list, it is a tried and true way of seeing it all written out, right in front of you. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it won't come easy. And, if you just can't make up your mind, there's always "rock, paper, scissors"...... I wish you the very best for a bright future.

What kind of "steno" are we talking about here? There's steno that's mostly transcribing tapes. Then there's live steno that requires a fancy-pants, expensive machine and a lot of training.

I hear you about the highs and the lows and the relationships you build with the students. It's something I think about constantly myself whenever I contemplate pursuing a teaching certification.

I don't know what to tell you, but good luck either way.

 

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borderline useless from hanging around

Wow....that's a tough crossroads. I think workig in a court room could be stressful as well as interesting. Depending on what type of things occur in your town and how often....I suppose, like around here...I couldn't handle it, there are just too many violent crimes that occur too often and I try to avoid knowing about it as much as possible, but I think you probably wouldn't be faced with that too often.

I suppose also a level of frustration would occur too working in a courtroom when you see how very minimal punishments are for offenders and I think that's pretty true anywhere you go.

But I think you need to do pro's and cons and be completely honest with yourself and if you really want the change....then go for it!!! You won't ever know unless you try and you might find that you really miss teaching and then you will know that's where you need to be...or you may find that some other type of career is what you are more geared to, and if that is the case....well in either situation....its best to find out sooner than later.

I wish you the best of luck too, go with your gut feeling.....and keep us posted on what you decide and how it goes!!!

 

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"There's one in every crowd, for crying out loud,
why was it always turning out be me"

Elvis was not only the King, but a really awesome person as well!

I'm sure you already know many of the major pros and cons... my biggest being the shorter vacation.

Teaching is a very challenging position, and it takes a certain type of person to do the job well.

Have you considered the benefits package of the new job?

Naturally, you can try it out over the summer months to get a feel for it, and you should have a good idea of what the job entails before the next semester is ready to start.

That said, I'm on a "destiny" kick right now in that no matter what you go with, it happens for a reason - whether it helps you, helps someone else, or simply teaches you something important

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"Even though you tried so hard, you couldn't hide your smile"

The Sparkster's Myspace Music Page

Alli, I don't know what to say that will make you MAKE UP YOUR MIND, that is strictly up to you.

A teacher is a wonderful profession, just think of all the kids you helped in life, all the benefits they take away just by YOU being their teacher. I know it's a very stressful job cause there are a few teachers in my family, however, it's different all the time, some semesters better than others. You have to know in your heart if you need a break. It's no use being in a job you're not enjoying. I know that this opportunity might not come around again, but you have to give it some serious thought.

Plus, how do you know that you'll like this job? Do you know anyone who has done it before? It might sound great right now, cause you know, something new is always exciting, but give yourself some time and you might wonder what made you think of changing careers. You have some major thinking to do over the weekend.

Another thing, look at all the students that have become your friends. Look at all the way you've been involved with them all. I know that they respect you and you respect them. I know that you enjoy playing badminton with them, I know that you enjoy going on trips with them, all this would STOP. 

You are the only one that can make this decision, but maybe hearing what we all have to say, will make the decision somewhat easier.  It would be GOOD to change jobs if you weren't happy, if it was always stressful, if you didn't get along with your other teachers and if the drive was getting to you...then sure, you have some valid points. But like Sparkster said, you have the whole summer off to forget about what you didn't like about that particular year.

GOOD luck, and remember, you can always go back to teaching if you do leave, just that you might not get back to that same school------hmmmm maybe if you don't like the administration, that's something that you can do too----another school.  I'll be thinking of you and anxious to hear what you will do.

Wow!  Huge decision to face, Allison...

I suspect you wouldn't have gone this far if you were not convinced your teaching position was making you unhappy.

Is there stability in the court position - do you feel the same job will be there for you in five or ten years? 

Also, not many jobs come with pension plans and such these days - how important is that to you?

I don't like to give advice on something so important, so I will just advise you to not jump too quickly, if that's possible here. 

It's not a step back if you think it's right for you, but I think it's very important that you can rely on having some job security.

Best of luck with your decision.

Larry

Thank you all so much for your comments.  You all make some really valid points.  Giving up summers off would probably be the worst thing about switching jobs if I'm honest.  haha!  Also, we were really spoiled this winter and got 13 days off (snow days).  That is definitely a nice bonus as well... oh and March Break and Christmas Break... haha!  Man... I don't know what to do. 

I forgot to mention that I also applied for a transfer to the French high school in Miramichi (École Carrefour Beausoleil).  I should find out in the next few weeks whether or not they have a position available or not.  I think it would be really nice teaching there.  It's almost like a private school.  It's a community centre/school from kindergarden to grade 12 and they only have about 400 students.  It would be really small classes which is definitely nice for a teacher.  But because it's such a small school, I'd probably end up having to teach many different subjects; whereas where I am now, I only teach English. 

Anyway... I guess in the end, I'll just have to wait and see.  I don't even have the job yet.  It's good to start thinking about it ahead of time though... to weigh out the pros and cons, as you guys mentioned.  Ideally, if I do get the job, I could start as soon as the school year ends.  At least then, I could try it out this summer to see if I'd like it or not.  Plus I'd still be getting my teacher's salary during the summer... so I'd be making some good money during the summer. 

Thanks again everyone and I will keep you all posted! 

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"I'm just a soul whose intentions are good...
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."

Hi Allison,

I hope that you find peace in whatever decision you make.  Things do happen for a reason, even if only to make you think about your current situation. 

The steno job sounds like a nice change, less driving etc. Maybe a postion will become available for you at the French school. In the meantime, collecting your teachers salary for the summer while trying out the new job doesn't sound so bad. (Except you are working your summer).

I will be praying for you that you will feel 'right' about whichever job you find yourself doing in the coming months.

L-A

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Compassion is Love in action.

Allison, my first reaction to your post was "NO you can't quit!!" but that is because whenever you talk about your classes and/or students I think your students are so lucky to have a teacher who is so engaged & interested.  I think teaching would be an enormously stressful job especially if you are a teacher who cares which clearly you are.

I work in the court system so I am curious about the job.  Would you be in the courtroom or transcribing from a tape?  In BC these days there is only a court clerk in the courtroom.  They are responsible for the recording & then someone else transcribes it. 

If you're in the courtroom there is something that may surprise you & that is that most clerks struggle far more with boring civil cases than they do with awful criminal cases.  Some civil cases can be less exciting than watching paint dry.  When I started working everyone had to train as a clerk & I knew I was in trouble when I was still at the stage of being terrified in the courtroom & yet I was barely able to stay awake one afternoon.  Court can be extremely interesting, heartbreaking, sickening, heartwarming, humourous & boring as hell & sometimes all in one day.

Do you know what level of court you would be working in?  That will determine the sorts of cases you are likely to hear. 

I think this job would be less stressful than being a teacher but I doubt it would be anywhere near as rewarding.  You probably wouldn't have much people contact if you're transcribing outside of the courtroom.  If you're in the courtroom you're around people a lot but there would probably not be much interaction.

I wish you the best in making your decision.  The great thing is you have your teaching degree so if you try something different & decide you want to go back you always have that option.  Good luck with your decision.

If you have any questions that I could answer you know where to find me.

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Greg Keelor met Jim Cuddy and then I met you people. Serendipity is a marvellous thing.


"I guess I don't know if I believe in God but
I know a song can make you feel good once
in a while." ~Greg Keelor~

Well I don't know that this will help much, but 'they' do say that most people will change careers 5 or 6 times during their working life. So perhaps instead of viewing this as a choice between two things, it might help to see it as a (possible) next step in your overall working career. Phase 1 - teacher; phase 2 - recorder or teacher?; phase 3 - ???

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No way that I can fake it
this times got to be real - JC

I somehow missed this thread... Haven't been on the board much lately, so sorry for the late reply!

I really don't know what to tell you in terms of helping you make a decision... It seems like you're really weighing out the pros and cons. You're thinking this through, which is great!

All I know in my heart is that you're one of those teachers who are few and far between. You truly care about your students and I don't have to be there in your classroom to know that you make a difference in those kids' lives each and every day in so many ways. I would have loved to have a teacher like you!!

That said, I also realize how much you've been struggling and if you're not happy, then maybe it's time to try something different. The great thing about teaching is that you can always go back. Also, who knows? You might get a position at the school closer to your home and that'll make a big difference too!

OR

You could just move to Ottawa! There's a lot of schools here who would love to have you!

You know I support whatever decision you make in the end.

Best of luck, my friend!! ♥ 

Hi Allison... First I'd like to say that I have nothing but admiration for teachers. And I can't stand it when teachers are bad-mouthed, which sometimes happens here in Ontario. The only advice I have is to buy yourself a copy of "What Colour Is Your Parachute?". This is a career advice book that was published many years ago and is still widely used today. I'm recommending the book because you seem to be thinking of a different career, but not working away from teenagers. You seem to enjoy the interaction with teens very much, it's all the other b.s. peripheral to teaching that is getting to you. Back to the book... it could help you find your new direction. My one concern about your court stenographer decision is that you will regret it, and then you will look for something else, and then you will go from job to job, and not have a profession that you really love. Work with the book and see what comes out of it BTW, my oldest sister (she's now 60) was a grade-school teacher close to 40 years ago. She only lasted one or two years, not more than that. She then found a life-long career as a civil servant in Ottawa. I'm not saying that's where you should go, Alli, I'm just saying that your education and skills in teaching can be put to good use in another career. Good luck to you!! "What should I do with the rest of my life" is one of the toughest challenges a person can wrestle with.

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The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach.

Thanks Lori and Granolagirl.  I have heard of that book... I had a guest speaker come to my grade 12 class this year and he talked about that book.  I'll have to check it out.  It sounds really cool.  It made me think of something funny though... I remember when I was in high school, I took an aptitude test.  The results came back and it said that I would make a good car salesman or a banker.  hahahahaha!  Not quite!! 

I haven't heard back about the job yet.  My interview was in late April... and they said it would take about a month before I hear anything.  I'm thinking I'll probably find out sometime this week.  I will let you guys know what happens.  Thanks again!

Oh and Lori... moving to Ottawa does sound tempting!  I love the place...

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"I'm just a soul whose intentions are good...
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."