Why I'm Leaving Teaching 

Congratulations! We are ALL quiting because of the students not having any respect for us. It's hard to even get attention of students because their parents never correct them so they are like wild animals. Yes,really. Not joking!

Teaching failed as a career when parents started to use them as child care and surrogates. The strap line on teacher’s promotional material should read ‘We care so you don’t have to’

"Sunday evenings are horrific." I feel you bro. I feel you.

Depression, sleeplessness, heavy anxiety, underlying tension -- all of the time . . . yep, that's what it feels like to be an everyday teacher. Every word is exactly, EXACTLY what I have experienced.

I went into it because I wanted to give kids a great education and ended up spending most of my day dealing with behavior problems instead of teaching a subject. so got out to preserve my mental health. Teachers are not social workers, probation officers or therapists or there to parent your child.

Teaching is an impossible job. What we feel has become epidemic. You expressed your feelings well. Congratulations in leaving the horrible stress behind.

It’s similar to an abusive relationship with the few good moments keeping you in, isn’t it? Your third reason is beautiful, as cheesy as that sounds. Thank you for this. I needed to hear it right now.

As an previous employed Secondary School Teacher, I can relate. I decided to use my skills and talents by going into Adult Education. I have found teaching Adults very rewarding as they want to be in the classroom.

I was a teacher in the U.K. and I left to teach in international schools in various Asian countries. My average net salary has been more than double what I was getting in the U.K. and I have been teaching pleasant, respectful, motivated students.

"Living on the edge of student anticipation all the time." Very true, and for male teachers, living with the fear of false accusation from young female students who know they will get away with telling lies about male teachers. The " always believe the child" policy is a real problem for male teachers in particular.

Being a teacher is the worst job ever ! Spending your whole damn youth at school just to spend the rest of your life at school ?! You teachers have a big mental strength ! I could never dream of doing that !

I quit during the pandemic best thing I ever did. I have set up my own business coaching teachers how to run their own businesses. I also have my own tutoring business. Its so much better teaching when the kids want to be there. I am earning more and so much happier. The Sunday feeling is the worst feeling ever!

I quit teaching in the west 5 years ago and moved to an Asian country. The Asian students are kind and respectful. After most classes they thank me for teaching them. The 1st time this happened I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

Thanks for your honesty. I’m a teacher in Australia and feel exactly the same way you have articulated. Every morning feels like putting on my soldiers kit and sticking my head out from the trenches.

Congrats. Great video. Everyone wants to leave teaching. Everyone. The lack of mental space, stress, lack of autonomy, politik, administrative abuses and overall toxicity in education are worse than the low pay. I've been in for 13 years and met maybe 1 person who legitimately does not want out of this nonstop penetrating migraine. Those who stay (me too) are trapped by debt and/or dependents. If you live in a country/situation where there is an option to leave, good on ya, get out. The rest of us are envious.

I live in Greece. I am 34 years old and I work as a teacher 11 years. I agree with you. I can t sleep at night. I can t enjoy my evenings. I spent a lot of time in bed. Everyday is like a living hell. But I don't have the gut to say I quit. It is taboo. Everyone think I am the most lucky guy having this job. I feel like living in prison.

When I worked for a living, it was 32 years in the public secondary school classroom. Despite a certain deterioration in the environment during the last 6-7 years, I can say that I always enjoyed the time in the classroom with the students. Playing nice with my peers and the admin- that’s another story. In the years since I’ve retired, everything I’ve seen in education has served to convince me that I could never do it today. Not an option. Good luck in your future endeavors.

I don't sleep well so I'm here. I'll be back in the classroom tomorrow trying to be positive. I've invested so much, and love many aspects of teaching, but I live on the tides of emotion. Thanks for the video.

Former male teacher here. I just resigned today. You definitely hit the nail on the head. I thought I wanted to teach since my college years but now I see that I was really doing just please my parents and extended family.

I think the workload and kids' behaviors are just too much. You really have to all but stop caring.

As a student, if I ever achieve an influential life, I'd push for more benefits for teachers. Education reform, and more respect for teachers, as well as higher pay. I've always respected teachers and understand that teaching a generation is ultimately the foundation of continuing a successful society.

When I was a kid, I really thought teaching was easy. Especially the short hours and long vacations. I don't think that any more.

I totally agree with you on your points...and I live in the United States. I had No idea teachers 'across the pond' were as unhappy as U.S. teachers. The horrible student behaviors, lack of parental & administration support, unrealistic expectations, etc, are causing teachers here to leave the profession in Droves! Good luck to you!!!❤️

as a fellow teacher, I can RELATE to you.

I worked for 3 years as a teacher in Scotland, and I can completely identify with every word you said. That awful feeling on Sunday evenings, the ruined holidays by the thought that I will have to go back, the suspense over what kind of hell could be unleashed any day any time, and that feeling of being trapped .... In the end I had to lie to the local authority that I got another job (which I had not) and I would not be coming back. I would do ANY OTHER job than go back to teaching. Picking trash from the streets would be a much better job, than fighting trash in the classroom. And to put the cherry on the cake, that self-absorbed administrative idiot, the headteacher, gave me a bad probation report for not being able to control the zoo I was supposed to teach languages. It was a very satisfying moment when I replied to his comments with a very long list of his and his school's failings, and sent it to the General Teaching Council for Scotland. A few years later the local authority decided to close down that hellhole he was running. I would like to think that this report made a small contribution to this decision. But for my sake, I brushed up my skills, got another job and had a much more sane and satisfying career in subsequent years. THE MAIN PROBLEM is that pupils and parents have all the power, all the cards, while the teachers have nothing to respond with, and still are expected to accomplish miracles from this position of absolute powerlessness. I am sure that as time goes by this hopeless model will become so unsustainable that serious reforms will be needed. In the meantime, I urge anyone in the profession to start packing their bags, and those who are thinking about a teaching career to and get a job as street sweepers if necessary. They will have a much happier life picking trash.

You’ve made an incredibly brave decision and I applaud you. I quit secondary teaching in July 2021 after 16 years, for all the reasons you mention, I was head of department too so had targets coming out if my ears and toxic SLT. I hated it from a very early stage but felt obliged to see it through and not be a failure. It took me 16 years to finally make the very brave decision to get out for good as my mental health was through the floor. The constant challenges and demands of the students , every minute of day was exhausting, but you never get a break at home either as you then have to prepare for the demands and challenges presented by parents and SLT. Living in fear constantly of unannounced observations by a three strong team of leadership, marking scrutinies, learning walks and lesson drop ins was making me ill. However I summoned up the courage to start a distance learning masters degree in July 2020 in building surveying as my escape plan and after 1 year of study I secured a well paid job with a large international business as a building surveyor. It felt like my life has restarted after being paused for 16 years. I was released and free, akin to being reborn! My simple message to anyone who wants to leave is see your goal, make a time bound plan to achieve it, stick to it and don’t get cold feet. Just having planned my exit and to know there would be an end point was an enormous boost. Teachers have a vast range of skills which are recognised in industry, one of these is incredible resilience. Use this to your advantage in achieving your goal.

Don't feel too bad, you still have your youth. I'm in my fifties and in the same boat.

I agree with everything you’ve said. I just told admin that I will not be returning next school year. I’m just counting the days !

This applies to the University I teach at. A push towards making money, like a business. A principal being a CEO. A push for research to increase rankings. 80% of our workload does not actually involve teaching. The ones who leave are the great teachers, the ones who are left are the great administrators.

History is literally repeating itself; one of the aspects that brought the Roman Empire's downfall was the degradation of the educators. In the beginning, the teachers were professional with great experience who felt they made a difference. In the end, there were literal slaves, and their students didn't care about the knowledge they were being taught. Which caused severe degradation to Roman Society, as it started to be destroyed socially.

I taught for 33 years. Once I hit the rule of 88, the point at which you can retire with a full pension in Iowa, it became difficult to continue teaching. In my state the respect from students, parents, and our legislature is at an all time low. I felt like I had no support from administration. I loved teaching most students and I miss them. It seemed that the most unruly students also had totally unreasonable parents. My wife is still teaching, God bless her. I feel so bad for those that teach these days. Our Governor and state legislators spread lies about teachers through the media. Teachers are on an island. A once respected profession is now at a very low point.

You do understand this is going on in my country, the U.S. and 🌏 Australia as well...

I make easy money working in a grocery store our managers work with us and understand our situations. Stress free and fair pay I'm happy

I'm not a teacher, but I am also leaving my career as a graphic designer. Spending hundreds of hours and putting your heart and soul into a brief and then having it shut down for no other reason than "I don't like it" or "we don't think it works" is crushing, and it led me to similar feeling!s of stress, anxiety and sweetness nights. This video makes me feel relieved that there are others out there who are brave enough to take the leap and follow their hearts toward a happier future! Thank you for sharing, and good luck to you and everyone else 😊

I'm an introvert and dealing with lots of people at once can be a real challenge. I always knew teaching wasn't for me, but I kept giving myself another chance (another semester) because the hours are nice and the commute is just 15 minutes but I just can't do it anymore. Each semester is worse than the previous one. Also I have completely lost interest in my subject. I have my resignation letter ready in drafts, I just need to hit send.

There are no expectations or consequences for anyone but the teacher. I have been teaching for 28 years and it has been in a nose dive for the last 10. It was declining before that but it's on fast downward now.

Its very brave of you to talk about this openly and make this video! Its exactly what you say, it just is a long list of things that go wrong in the organisation and schools and all together its putting to much stress and problems on the teachers. I am a teachers assistent and at the moment also really stressed, I do this job for about 10 years, with periods it was good, but also a lot of stress involved. My biggest problem i think what causes my job to be stressfull is that i dont have an own working place, like a place were i can put my stuff and stay there or go there to work with kids and to do certain administration tasks on a computer. I am all the time in the morning unsure of were i can sit and wich room or place is available , cause there are other people who need that working space too. At times it was better and i had a place, but also had to move my stuff like my bag and laptop twice or 3 times a day. Not to mention the schedule, i am assistent of 6 classes and the schedule is just to hectic and makes me feel constant on edge. I realise i didnt step up ealrier to say this is not working for me and now i pay the price for it. Just feeling super stressed and on edge cause its very morning uncertain where i can sit or work with kids that need attention outside of the classroom. Also because of i dont have an own good chair to sit on, i use other chairs and low tables but they make my back hurt when i sit on them for longer period of times. I feel like there is no place for me but i have to do the tasks that they ask me to do. It makes the job very unpossible.

I did one single semester as an intern (unpaid student teacher), and decided there and then it was not the profession for me. I was in a middle school. I feel so horrible for the kids. The system is beyond dysfunctional, top to bottom. The teachers I worked with were terrible, and the kids looked constantly on the verge of a breakdown.

I am so proud of you. Please continue to tell your story!!! Sing it from the highest mountain!!

I totally understand 🥺 I had to take a leave of absence for the rest of the school year because my mental and physical health started declining. Best wishes for you ❤💕

I left teaching over 20 years ago. It was no longer the profession I trained for, I'd hated it for some time but it took a big upheaval in my personal life to force me to quit. It was only after I left that I realised how bad things had become, so good for you for making the decision before it got too bad. It's disappointing that things haven't improved since I left though. Like you, I didn't have anything lined up to go to, but a "temporary" job turned into a very rewarding career and I hope you find something that you enjoy doing . By the way, I still have occasional nightmares where it's been discovered that I owe the eduction authority a couple of weeks in the classroom.

2 more years until retirement and I am barely holding on! Each day of the work week, I struggle to get out of bed, think about calling it quits and am filled with anxiety! Literally, tons of admin paper work, overlapping deadlines, excessive weekly staff meetings, repeated "new" teaching protocols, daily multi-page lesson plans, constant grading and assignment uploading, weekly parent conferences and phone calls, daily building duties (supervising kids), monthly required district "professional development" workshops and not to mention, monitoring of special education "legal" provisions and daily monitoring of accommodations and supports. Co-workers are tired, unhappy, unhelpful and rude! Students are mean, violent, disrespectful and feel entitled to pass under any circumstance. Teaching nowadays is beyond anyone's good sense!

And I liked your reasons. Underlying tension from knowing that the success of lessons depends on the kids (and is therefore out of your hands), and having to think about catering to different interests and abilities. Which leads to too much time planning and considering (plus marking, admin etc.), and the job always on your back. It becomes like a bad relationship - constant demand and high expectations, with no personal time. Always expected to give and to sacrifice.

Burnout feels like this in other careers too. I worked at tech startups for 18 years and got to the point where I couldn't even open my laptop because of anticipatory anxiety. It takes time and distance to get over the PTSD of burnout.

I come from a family of teachers: my mom, my sister, her daughter and her daughter's husband. Mom & sister retired, and nephew-in-law decided to quit, but my niece is still teaching. She was able to leave a city district for the suburbs where the community is wealthier and the schools are well-funded and -supplied. This has been better for her, but still very stressful, especially with the pandemic and its accompanying behavior issues. I remember when my mom was still teaching, we couldn't make family plans on a Sunday because she needed to spend the day gearing up for a new week. She worked from home A LOT to keep her nose above water. Constantly changing curricula, inept supervisors, school politics and staff pettiness all took a toll. Not to mention the disruptive, sometimes emotionally disturbed kids and their entitled parents. I am very proud of the teachers in my family, but it never appealed to me as a career. I'm coming to this video a year + later, but I truly hope you are doing well and breathing easier. Best wishes.

Brave and bold move. I wish you all the best. Mental well being comes first.

Thank you for being so honest! It's so good to know that others feel the same way as I do. Best of luck to you! ❤

Wishing you all the very best. I spent 30 years teaching in secondary schools. I wish I had had the courage to leave when it started to get me down.

After 11 years of teaching I also left in last September... Now I'm solo happy I regret not doing it before. You'll be very good too!

What did it for me when it came to wanting to leave classroom teaching two years ago (I am now an online tutor, having tutored in person for eight years prior to the pandemic) was the fact that it is a one-sided deal for teachers. The parents, students, and administrators are always right, and the teachers are always wrong no matter what the circumstances. A teacher's physical and mental health and well-being are at stake on and off the job, and the admin. and many of the parents and even students couldn't care less. Students and parents often come into school ready for battle with the teachers over stuff that the teachers had absolutely nothing whatsoever to deal with (family crises, mainly). Admin. are looking for all the "crimes" to point out that teachers allegedly committed so that they (the admin.) can have a reason not to fall asleep at their fancy office desks because their jobs are so boring and highly overpaid. Teachers are problem solvers while the other three parties are frequently instigators. What I said "no" to while teaching in the classroom is the fact that students are now guaranteed passing grades because the school administrators are: A) trying to keep the school afloat financially by not driving away families and enrollment; B) the better the test scores, letter grades, and GPAs look on transcripts, the higher the government- and other outside funding to come; and C) they are scared to death of being sued by the parents (for racial and other means of accused discrimination) anytime a teacher gives a student any grade lower than an 'A' or a 'B'. The people at the top of the ladder are mentally unstable, ignorant imbeciles. The fact that a student can miss a ton of school, never participate in class or (the parents not) respond to teachers' outreach via email, phone calls, or in-person meetings to rectify the underlying disciplinary issues; turn in all of their work late, incomplete, or even not at all; and still graduate at the same time as those students who do work hard, are organized, and deserve their accolades, is beyond irrational. Not only will those low-achieving students who are non-communicative-by-choice end up not knowing a single thing by the time they enter college, but schools are also intentionally rewarding bad behavior and promoting bad morale among the students when it comes to holding them accountable for their actions and decisions, and never ever punishing them for poor work- and moral ethics (i.e. bad-/no discipline). I could always handle the lesson planning, grading, emailing, posting assignments and other updates online, attending and participating in faculty meetings and parent-teacher conferences, recess and lunch duties, and other miscellaneous duties that teachers are expected to perform at the drop of a hat (without one single 'thank you' expressed unto them by anybody else in the process). I could even withstand unruly students by unashamedly showing them who's boss at all times no matter how exhausting that task was in and of itself. But once the powers that be required that I pass students who never lifted a finger on the work front, I said "forget it". If students are able to sleep right through their education and still move forward on paper, then teaching is an utterly pointless job now. All this new age hoopla about students "being in charge of their learning" and "choosing what they want to learn" basically says that the kids are the ones ruling the roost. Not on my or any other sound-minded teachers' or parents' watches! You can't always do or get what you want. And teaching is NOT, ABSOLUTELY NOT ADVANCED BABYSITTING! But that's pretty much how it is viewed by many people who are not teachers.

Just subbed bruh! The sky's the limit with that kind of bravery! Legend. Will be watching with great intent. Peace!

This video hits the nail on the head! I wish I had watched this when I was transitioning from teaching. It's easy to make these mistakes, but being aware of them can save a lot of time and frustration. Well done!

I've been where you are right now. I quit teaching last year to start my own business, sadly numbers were not good enough to sustain my family expenses, and by March this year, I started working on a school again. I am still running my own business putting everything to make it grow so I can, one day, finally quit teaching (in fact, it is not quitting teaching, I want to quit the schools). It is just so sad to see how the dream of being a teacher is turning into a living hell for many of us and nothing seems to stop it. I used to think that this problem was only in Colombia, where I'm from. But as far as I can see, this crisis is spread in many countries. Anyways, Bryn I wish you the best I know you can do it, you deserve it. I just watched your update on your journey and it made me happy to see that you are doing it. Thanks a lot for sharing this video.

I've been at teaching for over 25 years now and I can relate to everything you have shared. I do love my job although strangely enough, I never planned on becoming a teacher. Fortunately I have more good days than bad and I also spent time as a VP. I prefer the classroom though because I like the idea of being in control of how my day is going to go while as an admin., you don't have that control. Everything you have said is correct though and you are still young! I envy you. I wish you well and in many ways, I am envious! Just remember, you have only one life to live and you should live it as you wish. Congratulations and good luck in whatever you do!

Best of luck to you, hope all goes well, I can’t blame you in any way. A very honest video 😃👍

Thanks for this vid and your perspective! Hope it's working out well :) I only have about a month to go now until I'm out, also after 7 years of working in secondary... The whole thing needs a system change; people deserve better.

Good luck to you, I think a lot of others will be doing the same thing.

Good luck on your journey, I'll be following along with you! You've got this!

A big well done! Fully agree with your reasons. I left my job in July due to management making me a nervous wreck. Sunday nights are the absolute worst. I’ve no confidence now due to the effects of my school. It has caused a nervous breakdown. Enjoy your new chapter now!

Sorry to hear this - you were probably exactly what the students needed. Best of luck to you.

Congratulations! You are so brave!!

I think that from grade 6 and above the majority of learning should be in the context of project based education, or applied learning. Math should always be taught in application. House building, (measurements etc...)cooking and baking. (Fractions) Science, community gardens, caning the yield. Project based education uses higher order thinking and problem solving. Sewing is not only a practical skill with so many personal or career implications, it trains the brain to be able to take 2 dimensional shapes (fabric) and transform it into 3D forms. (Pre engineering) fabrication (math, science, creativity, problem solving) It could be taught within the community with contracted individuals. Students would be able to graduate when they complete the requirement under their planned program. The program would not only include skills for a career path, but life skills as well.(cooking, health, human sexuality, home and/or business financial planning, child care and development, democratic values and responsibilities. Healthy social and interpersonal relationship building, conflict resolution, retirement planning, elder care ind interaction.... There are so many non academic skills and knowledge that is essential for a successful life. Project based learning contracts would advertise skills, concepts and learning outcomes. Students would have a variety of choices on which classes they want to acquire the outcomes from. Some classes could even pay stipends to students whose projects result in some service or product being performed or created. The current system is broken! (I’m retired two years from a public school art teaching. The last few years were so brutal I have ptsd. We need more options for students. There are some kids that just do not want a traditional academic education. They would benefit from a more skills oriented approach. Students don’t realize that education is a privilege that comes from the sacrifice of tax payers. They often resist and waste the educational opportunities they have. We need to create an education that trains people to become deeper thinkers, people that are more socially responsible and aware. We need to value and encourage the development of personal integrity, and a deep seated commitment to giving back to the community through volunteerism. The old paradigm of collecting more and more material goods and the current competitive belief that personal worth is based on the amount of money you make, has to be replaced with a better view on what life is about.

Welcome to the club. Left in 2008, Happy with my decision. After 10 years it was time!

I really needed to hear these words. Thank you❤

I was a teacher for over 30 years and during this time I watched potentially great teacher's, like yourself, leave this vocation. The lifespan for most new teachers has been 5 years. At this point, one sees brownout eventually building to burnout. The foundation reason boils down to "They don't give a damn!" They being the administrators, colleagues, politicians, and even parents. Sorry to see you go but I'm sure you will find another path controlled by your passion and you will find that success you are looking for.

Found myself nodding along to everything you said here, and massively respect the courage it takes to make such a difficult decision. Like you, I left earlier this year, simply because my body said 'enough' at that point. Wishing you all the best in whatever you do next!

Good luck Bryn! Hope things have worked out for you OK. Cheers!

You articulate so well how so many of us feel! Stress and tension all of the time… so true. I should have gone years ago. I’m very good at my job but it’s not very good for me! This will be my 18th year in September and my last year. Good luck!

The part where you said Sunday evenings are horrific and you don’t enjoy a single minute .. this is me at this very moment! After five years of being in this profession and really not enjoying it at all. I am finally quitting this career and going back to do my masters in September to get into a field I really love again and work a normal job with adults around me! I really cannot express how much I dislike teaching now and I cross off each day until July. Thank you fir this video and I hope you find a job that lights you up! Your mental well being comes first.

I’m leaving the teaching profession after 24 years. I used to love my job, but times and children have definitely changed - and not for the better.

Bryn!! Thank you for making this video and making me feel normal 🥴 I couldn’t put my finger on what makes me feel so exhausted and stressed everyday, but it’s just as you said: anticipation. Like you, I don’t even feel I have a choice anymore. It’s teaching or my health. Chronic migraines to the point of being unable to cook, drive - it’s not life. Anyway, thank you for being brave! It is making me braver.

Well done mate, a brave decision, I hope things work out for you - I'm sure you will do well.

Good for you! I ignored my dislike of teaching for decades until a nervous breakdown brought me to my knees and I had to quit lest I harmed myself.

I’m in the process of enjoying my last year as much as I can and leaving the teaching profession for good. I had HORRIBLE admin in the past at a couple of schools. This school is my third and finally has a healthy positive staff, but the admin bends to the will of the tough rich parents even though we are a public school. It’s not worth it for me to stay any longer…even for $46,000 a year. Teaching is like an abusive, gaslighting ex that is desperate to keep you for it’s own gain

You express the thoughts and feelings of many very accurately. Good for you to realize this now! One life- live it the way you would like!

Thank you Sir for being so honest. This is how teachers feel but rarely are we open about this.

I hear your story! It is a necessity to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Your mental health is so important...The tension is toxic. I did 38:years and the environment has become so unattainable to be successful. I stayed because of the kids. I taught special needs students. I respect you for being strong and secure to leave while you are still young and can create a new career that brings you happiness and peace. Good luck to you.

Left teaching in 2013, never looked back or felt better! Great video and insights. Life is too short to be miserable. I hope you are doing well

I used to be a social worker but can so relate to you and the teacher in comments. I’m glad you made the leap. I hope you find your feet and do well 🥳

I’m leaving today after 12 and a half years! So I will be watching your progress and my own of course. Good luck and may God bless your new journey.

I’m on my 8th year and I love my job. I’ve learned to leave school at school. Once I shut my door, I shift my mindset to me and my family. I teach at a high poverty high school with many issues. Kids face a lot these days but they are still kids. Top down decisions are frustrating and have caused some of my friends to retire early. It’s tough but there are many great things too. Good luck to you!

I taught at a public school for 21 years I left because i just lost my passion for it, all of the symptons you experienced I had, it took a huge toll on my health and with a heavy heart i took the leap and left.

Great video. Thanks for your honesty and courage. The discussion this has sparked in the comments is quite interesting as well. What’s most interesting to me is how what you’re describing is really not peculiar to teaching (or the UK): I am from Israel, i work in pharma, and i can really identify with so much of what you are saying: the anxiety, the sleeplessness, the Sunday night melancholy (in Israel it’s Saturday night blues, ‘cuz we work on Sundays), the enormous personal price that the worker pays, the thoughts of if / how to quit and what to do next… These are all quite universal themes. I guess many (most?) jobs in this day and age are this way. Sad. we’re living in sad times, in a way.

Thank you for sharing. I’m a secondary English teacher in the US. it’s my fifth year now and I’m looking for a career change. I love the teaching part, but the rest of my responsibilities are incredibly stressful. It’s normal for me to have a panic attack or two on my way to work. Turns out that’s not normal for a lot of folks. 🤦🏻‍♀️ good luck on your post-teaching journey!

I taught public high school in the US for two years, my first job right out of college. I thought I was lucky because in teaching advanced math and most of my students were self-motivated, I just had to guide them along the path of excellence. But very early n my career, I realized that it only takes one silly, angry, thoughtless, and/or ill-mannered student to ruin everyone's day. Parents were rarely any help and most often the reason for the student's bad behavior. They constantly reminded me that as long as the kid was in school, the kid was my problem. The fallout from the school administration's analysis and second-guessing as to how such a student should be managed was the reason I left the profession. It seemed that in addition to all the work I already did (lesson planning, checking homework, and all the state required testing and administrative tasks), I was also expected to be nurse, therapist, friend, mentor, cop, snitch, and parent to a child who could not care less about me, his/her fellow students, and his/her self. At first, the decision to leave was hard (if I didn't care about the kid who needs help, who will) but by the end the decision was easy (my taxpayer funded salary and benefits was not nearly enough for me to care for and raise all these damaged childern). Twenty years later, things have only gotten worst. Technology's ability to make everything entertaining to our lowest and laziest impulses has taken cheating and bullying to a whole new level! Best to save yourself because even though there are some students and parents who do care, it is the bad apples that spoil the bunch and demand all your attention.

I have been in 20. You are correct on every point. The other issue is trivial matters always being framed as a crisis. The things are never a crisis for kids just teachers.

I admire your courage to break way. I can often relate to your feelings. I have have been teaching for 18 years and I sometimes feel like it is a life sentence.

I'm not a teacher, but in my working life I've constantly run up against many of the issues you mention in your video. Anxiety is a big one. The constant potential for ... I dunno, chaos, disappointment, even confrontation, together with a growing internal resentfulness at my inability to change direction and, as they say, 'be the change'. I think your remarks could very easily apply to a vast number of people in non-teaching jobs. Many of us feel trapped between deep professional unhappiness and the demands of economic necessity. I've walked out of jobs in the past and I know I can do it again. I'm pretty sure I will. Picking that exact moment is tricky, although often made easier by unexpected events. Good luck! You are not alone!

I taught art privately from home for the age group 6 - 18 for years and it was great. I only had one 15 year old who misbehaved and I had to tell him to leave. I don't know what subject you teach but giving private classes is sometimes an option. Then you have the control of what happens. I wish you best of luck with your future.

You said what we're all thinking.

Wish you all the best. Yes, a better life is always possible. It's a crazy workload for teachers.

Well done mate. I hope everything turned out for the best

I left teaching in the UK (secondary) too at the end of April. My experiences sound really similar to yours.. Now I have lunchtimes where I can actually switch off and relax without the fluttering tension you speak of, no anxiety about work and I don't have to worry about speaking and no one listening to me (I have literally had nightmares about this). Hope things are looking up for you and you're happier

I quit teaching in March 2021, I don´t regret it. I choose myself; my mental and physical health, the school still survives without me. I really miss teaching, but I will go back after the Pandemic is over, hopefully, things will go back to normal someday.

Good desicion. I guit safe and well paid job 2016 and it felt really hard. Looking back now it was the best thing ever. It opened so many doors in my life. Sometimes you have to close door order to see other doors that leads to better life :) Good luck bro.

Well said. COVID was the final straw for me but I was fortunate enough to have the years in to retire comfortably. Many years ago, my first teaching assignment was in an urban middle school. I began mid-year with a particularly tough group of kids, many of who would be considered "at risk" and virtually no administrative support. I had the Sunday night blues, often started feeling unwell while driving to school, and cried more than once during my (32 min) lunch breaks.

🥺🙏 I can relate to everything 😫 God bless you and all teachers in the struggle 💯🎇🌈

You have said exactly what I feel every day.

I hear you about the Sunday evening (or for me, the whole day) dread and the sense that one stays because of the perceived security of the job. Interesting to see parallels in the American school system and the UK system. I stepped out of the classroom myself in July 2021 after 10 years of teaching and 20 in education. It was a brutal decision, but I left and have not yet encountered regret. I hope you have landed in a good spot with better work/life balance, perhaps even employing the myriad of skills you learned in teaching!

This was my 18th year and the second most miserable. I enjoy the students. I love the new strategies my school implemented 5 years ago and they have made a world of difference here. But I can relate to your explanations and they're all valid reasons. Love of the children and hope for the future are my reasons for staying. I had high hopes that this shut down would change the "system" of education, but sadly for most, that was NOT the case. Lack of support all the way around for teachers, students, parents, was the tipping point for many. Then combine that with community angst... Prayers for your success.🙏💙🙏