Teaching Broke Me Before It Paid Me
I used to believe teaching was noble, that if I worked hard enough, poured myself into my students, it would mean something. But the truth is, every late night grading, every weekend spent planning, just chipped away at me. I watched my friends leave for better-paying jobs, while I stayed, telling myself it was about purpose, not money.
But purpose doesn’t pay rent. My bank account was always in the red, and I started resenting the job I once loved. The kids deserved more than a teacher running on fumes, but I had nothing left. I remember sitting in my car after school, staring at the dashboard, wondering how much more I could give before I broke for good.
#TeacherExhaustion #UnderpaidAndOverworked #EducationReality #Education