Education

I see far more teachers running ragged meeting all of the requirements because their jobs have been threatened than I see people doing it out of some martyr or guilt complex. We're repeatedly reminded that we're easily replaceable by a young thing out of college (who's cheaper but has a 50% of quitting in less than 5 years), and our supt. even told us on day one to look around and that some of our neighbors wouldn't be back next year.

It took me three years to find a salaried teaching job--and if I didn't get child support, my kids and I would qualify for food stamps. Still, it's a job I love, despite the rat race of doing more and more and more and more with less time/sleep/support.