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braintree56 t1_iroykfr wrote

There are pros and cons to both. Let me give you the other side.

I've been a teacher for 20+ years. My Salary is more than it would be if I had made the same choice you are considering. I get my summers off. During that time, I've been able to spend tons of time with my kids as they grpw up - I've done things like gone camping for entire month. I have a side hustle doing small contracting jobs. I only take jobs I want - when it fits my schedule.

I also have LOTS of hobbies that make money (playing in bands for instance), but I would never want to have those things be needing to pay the bills. Teaching affords me the time to persue my passions.

I have strong union representation and job security. I'm so deep in the seniority list that I'm confident I won't get laid off.

I felt like I was making peanuts at the beginning. I feel very comfortable now. I still have 20+ years to go.

Consider moving districts to a place with a higher salary. Unfortunately some districts pay significantly more.

There are also lots of opportunities to 'move up' in education. Stay long enough and you'll start to see them.

It's hard being a new teacher.

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positivelyappositive t1_irp9v6j wrote

I think this is an important perspective. As someone with a lot of family in education, there are major non-salary benefits to the profession. If someone has no plans to ever have kids or take care of kids, that probably does knock down some of the biggest benefits.

I think the state and the union really need to reconsider the starting salary and progression schedule for new teachers given the current labor market. We're going to be in a world of shit if more people don't join and stick with the profession, and "you'll feel good about your salary in 20 years" is not a good selling point.

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braintree56 t1_irpaltt wrote

True. Each district negotiates the salary scale and I know many are.

If you do the math. The OP will be making more per hour teaching than working at BIW (based on what others are saying) in just about any district in the state starting or at least within a few years... (35k ÷ 180 ÷ 8 = 24.3)

I mean, I could see not liking the salary and going into business or something, but...

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