Is it worth being a teacher?
That’s a very common question from those in the early childhood field, those considering the job, and those already teaching.
With how things are these days, you can only wonder if something is worth your time and effort, and that’s what we get with teaching.
Within this post, I want to show you why I think it’s worth being a teacher and why I don’t think it’s worth it.
Is it Worth Being a Teacher?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of things, I want you to know that I am not a professional in giving advice.
Take what I say with a grain of salt and use it as an opinion rather than facts.
At least for the more factual parts of this post.
I am not even a teacher, but I don’t think knowing if being a teacher is worth it is a requirement.
I do run a home-based business online, which most people will never do.
And that’s okay.
And I have been a student in many parts of my life.
Whether through grade school, college, or even learning to make money online, I’ve seen all kinds of teachers.
My wife is also in early childhood development and has done her share of teaching, so I know more than I should about the job.
So, is being a teacher worth it?
Let’s go over some of the good that comes with teaching.
Pros of Being a Teacher
Several things make teaching worth it.
Whatever your reasons may be, I’m sure you have your reasons.
And that’s okay too.
If you plan on becoming a teacher or feel like it’s something you would consider, here are some reasons why becoming a teacher might just be worth it.
1. Giving Back to The Community
As a parent, citizen, and PTO president, I can say that teaching is great.
You are teaching future leaders, and you are trying to make a difference in this crazy world we live in.
Teaching the youngsters of today is a great feeling when you know you made a difference in a child’s life.
Not all teachers are created equal, and the job is beyond worth it if you have that natural ability.
I’ve dealt with my four kids, and I’ve coached soccer, and let me tell you, it is not easy.
For you teachers out there, great job!
2. You Have a J-O-B
Sometimes we take our jobs for granted, as not everyone has one.
Finding a decent job is already a challenge, and sometimes we can’t be picky.
Either you don’t have the qualifications are you’re overqualified.
Things aren’t always going to go our way and sometimes we need to settle for whatever we have at the moment.
If you can get a job as a teacher, you might want to go for it and consider changing professions later.
For now, be thankful you have a job.
3. Benefits
All jobs come with their benefits, and teachers are no different.
Entering the workforce, whether for the government or the private sector, allows you to reap some benefits.
Some offer health insurance, dental insurance, and other perks like maternal and paternal leave.
Although the pay for a teacher won’t make you get that Ferrari you always wanted, at least you get access to some of the costlier expenses in life.
Don’t forget that sometimes you can get childcare and gym memberships, so consider those things when deciding on becoming a teacher.
4. Salary Pay
I think it’s pretty awesome to get paid even when you’re not working.
It makes up for those late hours of grading papers, and it can also take away the stress you accumulated throughout the year.
As a teacher, you get paid a salary and not hourly as other jobs offer.
Knowing you’ll be getting paid while you’re on vacation is pretty sweet if you ask me, and it’s one of the better reasons to become a teacher.
5. Long Breaks
Following the schedule of your kids is pretty awesome.
You get to work while they’re in school and take a break when they’re on a break.
Holidays are yours, summers are yours, and you will still get paid.
If you’re still wondering if being a teacher is worth it, I hope these benefits have helped you.
Now that that’s out of the way let’s see the other side of the coin.
Cons of Being a Teacher
With every good comes the bad.
With everything that goes up, it must come down.
Unless you’re headed straight into outer space, that’s a different story.
The same thing holds true with being a teacher.
You can have all the good that comes with the job, but there is also a downside that you should also consider.
Here are some reasons why teaching might not be worth it.
1. Not the Greatest Pay
For some, making money is all you’re trying to do.
I take that back.
For most these days, making money is a must and doing so isn’t that easy anymore.
Gas prices are ridiculous, groceries are no different, and we still have to pay those crazy bills.
What more to go through college and all the certifications so that you can “give back” to the community?
What about your financial issues?
These days, the average teacher’s salary is less than $60k/year.
These days that isn’t much, and is why this is the biggest reason teaching isn’t worth it.
Teachers don’t get paid enough.
At least for the work they do, the pay sucks.
2. Kids Are Not the Same
Teaching is no walk in the park.
Especially if you’re dealing with young children.
These days, kids have no filter, and studies have shown that “today’s children are quantifiably different from previous generations and are more badly behaved too.”
With that statistic alone, you can only wonder what you will encounter when you enter your new classroom as a teacher.
I have a hard enough time dealing with my own kids.
Imagine how hard it would be to discipline one that wasn’t mine.
For me, this is the biggest reason why I think being a teacher is not worth it.
3. Dealing With Kids That Aren’t Yours
Dealing with other people’s kids is not the greatest thing in the world.
You are limited in what you can say and do, which only stresses you out that much more.
Having a kid that misbehaves is one thing, but having a parent that isn’t on your side is an even bigger problem.
Do you bite your tongue?
What do you even say to a kid that’s misbehaving?
Although these things are taught in college, and there are entire books on the matter, dealing with it in real life is a different story.
More reason not to be a teacher.
4. Limitations
Moving up the ladder is not easy, especially when there isn’t much space on that ladder.
This leaves you accepting what you make and probably stuck with the career regardless of what you feel you can do.
“I’ll just retire and then try something else.”
You can try to devise a plan, but if you’re comfortable, chances aren’t likely, and you will most likely keep that job forever.
Not to say it’s terrible, but that’s just how the cookie crumbles.
5. No Recognition
As a teacher, parents will have the worst understanding.
Not all, but some.
And all it takes is one parent to not appreciate what you do, and you will lose sleep.
They know how their kids are, but they still try to put you on a guilt trip for something you did or didn’t do.
It’s not cool or fair, and sometimes it just comes with the territory.
Is it Worth Being a Teacher?
Yes, and no.
From a parent’s perspective, I think teaching is excellent.
More power to you for dealing with the many kids you face every week, and thanks for what you do.
From a financial point of view, I have to say that teaching is not worth it.
The stress and backlash from parents are not worth the $50k annual salary.
Heck, you might be better off joining an MLM or something.
I would never consider being a teacher, but that’s just me.
If you want more freedom and a more flexible income, consider starting a blog or becoming a flight attendant.
Again, I want to thank all of you teachers out there.
If you have any experience with teaching or would like to add your two cents, feel free to do so in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading!
