Comments on: The Truth About Quitting and other winners

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:54:17 +0000

I earned a BA in English because I liked reading and discussing books, essays, and the like, and I said to myself, “If I like reading and discussion, I will certainly like teaching English or language arts.” Of course, I was wrong – being a student of English is NOTHING like being a teacher of English.

I finished my Master’s Degree in Education, including a semester of student teaching, a little over a year ago. I enjoyed the college coursework tremendously, but student teaching had me stressed to the hilt.

This was my schedule: Teach during the school day; take a quick after-school nap; plan lessons and grade papers in the evening; plan lessons and grade papers during dinner; coffee; plan lessons and grade papers before bed; coffee; plan lessons and grade papers a little more before bed; plan lessons and grade papers while watching time on clock radio pass 2:00 am; hastily finish lessons while wondering why anyone does this for any extended period of time; pass out tired and wake up tired; prep coffee; shower and dress; eat “breakfast” and pack things for school; coffee; drive to school while sipping coffee and mentally tweaking already planned lessons; arrive at school; coffee; sit in car for ten minutes, re-tweaking lessons and pondering quitting; enter school, enter classroom, sit; coffee; sit and look at lessons; look at clock; go to door and heard students into room; bell; pledge; roll call; ask Ryan to be quiet; tell Ryan to be quiet; collect thoughts and begin tap dancing.

It should be clear that I did not pursue teaching as a profession. I did finish student teaching, however, and I managed to ace the only college course I had that semester as well. I graduated and meandered around finding a suitable teaching job until, one day, I was called in to interview – later the same day – at a local school. At that point, I came clean to myself and my parents. I was not going to teach, ever. No, I did not know what I would do at that point. I took a year off and here I am. I managed to get an offer for a low-pay and low-stress job at a non-profit community center. The hourly wage offer comes in tomorrow, and I think I’m going to take it.

By: Nick Atnite

Nick Atnite — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:57:01 +0000

What ever happened to Mr. Howard? Where is he now? Call him! Awesome essay. Thanks for the balm.

By: Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:59:03 +0000

300 entries! That’s incredible. To me, that is an insane (in a good way) success on its own. I hope you’ll write more about that soon.

All the best,

Chris

By: Joan

Joan — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:19:14 +0000

Congrats to Theresa Collins, WAY TO GO! I nearly cried as I read her work, as I completely identified with her feelings which she expressed so eloquently about quitting. It’s so difficult to ignore the pessimists when you are stumbling around in the dark. Pessimists come in many forms. It makes you so angry because you know down deep you are going to do your thing come hell or high water.

For instance, I have logged in endless hours of writing, yet when I tell some people I’m a writer, they stare blankly and not even bother asking about who I write for or what project I’m currently working on. Theresa so completely addressed this outer, indifferent world, and what really struck a chord was when she said: “…for me, happiness hasn’t come from achieving my goals, it’s come from revising them, from lovingly sorting through them and discarding the ones that don’t work, the labels that don’t describe me anymore.” I hope she keeps inspiring people who need it most. I know I’m one of them.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:25:14 +0000

I worked briefly as a teacher and hated it. I wasn’t as committed to the profession as Theresa, but still I felt like a loser for quitting. You really bring up a good point, not just for teachers, but for anyone struggling to find their career.

By: Sara at On Simplicity

Sara at On Simplicity — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:24:32 +0000

Wow. This is so similar to my story story, right down to the grade. I also found that I was defining myself in terms of whether my career made me a “good” or “bad” person, which is completely ridiculous in retrospect.

Struggle can make us stronger, wiser, better. But when every day is a struggle, it can just be a sign that you’re not catering to your natural talents and skills. I feel twinges of guilt about not teaching anymore when it comes up, but in all honesty, I also feel a sense of relief.

This was really moving for me. I almost wish more of us could have quitting mentors.