Ever since we found out we were pregnant with Jellybean I have hated the idea of having to work so much. At the same time I understood that I am the primary breadwinner in the family and I am providing for us so it has always been a necessary evil. Now that Jellybean is almost 5 months old – it hasn’t gotten any easier. I still despise knowing I am missing out on so much with him. I love that when I do pick him up from day care he snuggles right up to me but I wish there was a way I could spend more time with him.
Which has led me to seriously contemplate a career change.
Florida offers alternative certification for teachers. Basically if you have a bachelor’s degree you can take a test to become certified to teach in a certain area.
Summers off. A large amount of PTO. Decent benefits.
I’m very, very tempted.
It would be a pay cut initially but I could conceivably work on my master’s degree online and make up the difference rather quickly.
I haven’t even run any of this by the hubby yet but I know he would support me regardless of what I choose.
I wouldn’t be a Stay at Home Mom but I would be home more. I would have more time for him and future kids. I know it would be a career that I enjoyed.
The idea of turning everything upside down is scary though. I’ve been at my company for over five years. I’m comfortable here. I know the routine and the people.
I don’t think that’s a good enough reason to not explore the possibility of teaching though. Right now I don’t see any openings in my county but the adjoin county does have some. I need to explore this and see where it might lead me. I owe it to Jellybean.
Wish me luck.
And if this doesn’t pan out - There is that $144 million Powerball drawing tonight!
This post is linked up with Shell as part of Pour Your Heart Out Wednesdays.
10 comments:
They just laid off over 1,000 teachers in our county. Even teaching isn't stable anymore. It's sad, really. :( http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/teacher-layoffs-hit-fla.-counties-050611
Good Luck.... With whatever you decide!!
In Canada we are blessed to get a year maternity. My heart truly goes out to you for having to leave your baby so early. It is the hardest thing.
I wish you the best of luck and many prayers on this one. I know "Merit Pay" for teachers in FL has recently been passed. It's possible that your degree/level of experience will have nothing to do with your pay. Google it! "Rick Scott's Merit Pay for Teachers" or something like that. It will come up. Research a bit before you make a big move! Prayers for wisdom.
How exciting! Lots of luck!
And of course I voted for your cutie!
I voted!
I looked into getting my teaching certification after graduating - in Pennsylvania it would take me another 2 years for a certification! Crazy! I could get my Master's in that time frame.
Good luck on making this decision!
This is something I have thought about for a few years too (I am the breadwinner...)
good luck with your plans and I am sure you know this (but I am the queen of the ovious) ... do a little volunteer work in a few schools that are hiring before you commit to moving... teaching in a bad school is terrible. I know a few people who have tried it.
Some have done terrific moving to teaching(they are teaching and loving it in the middle east) and others that have crashed and burned. :-(
I know exactly how you feel. I ended up leaving my job after my son was born. It was a hard decision.
I wish you the best of luck as you make your choice!
It is definitely hard to go back to work when you're a mama. I hope that whatever you do, you feel like you're doing what's right!
I went back to work outside the home a year ago after opearting an in home day care from my home. The money was good, and the licensing wasn't hard, just a lot of paperwork and visits.
Once my youngest was in school, I returned to work in corporate American. The only issue I have now is this is the first summer I am NOT at home with my kids and its been challenging. So I understand you dilemma.
I wish you luck in whatever you do that works best for you and your family.
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