Being a teacher is certainly no easy task. The job comes with several challenges like mediocre pay, misbehaving children, and endless assignments to grade. But for the right person, teaching can be an extremely rewarding occupation.
I’m so glad that I made the choice to be one. Sometimes I’m asked if parenting plus teaching makes my life constantly feel like work, and here’s my answer: heck no. Sure, there are tough moments with children for parents and teachers, alike, but ultimately I love both roles dearly.
When asked what a child wants to be when they grow up, a teacher is a common answer. In fact, it’s the most common dream career for 17 of the 50 U.S. states according to this new study. Of course, this changes for a lot of people as they begin to explore other career paths. It takes a special type of person to educate the future of America.
Truthfully, every job has its ups and downs. But for some jobs, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Speaking from experience, the children make everything worth it. If you are looking for extra motivation to pursue a fulfilling career path, here are five great reasons you should become a teacher.
1. You’ll never be bored. Adults complain about the tiresome day-in, day-out routine of the professional world. This boring cycle is something teachers thankfully cannot relate to. When working with children, unpredictability is an understatement. You’ll always be kept on your toes in the best way possible. Plus, each year comes with a new batch of kids to change up any sort of routine you may find yourself falling into.
2. Teachers have an ideal work schedule. Early mornings may not be ideal, but in July when you’re relaxing poolside while your friends go to their 9-to-5 office jobs, you’ll be thanking yourself. There’s also no obligation to stay at work in the late hours of the night to get everything done. You may have to do a little evening work to grade tests while you watch TV at home from time to time, but it will be worth it when spring break rolls around.
3. Other teachers make the best coworkers (and friends). Having good co-workers can make or break a job. Luckily, teachers are some of the best colleagues out there. They are as compassionate and warm-hearted as you, hence why they ended up in this occupation. You can learn a lot from your fellow teachers, both inside and outside of the classroom.
4. There’s room for growth. Whether your ultimate goal is to be a county superintendent or a professor at a university, there are multiple paths for those who don’t want to be kindergarten teachers forever. Teachers aren’t tied down to their starting positions, each year provides a new opportunity to grow.
5. You can have a real impact on the future. Ultimately the best advantage of being a teacher is the direct impact you have on the future leaders of the world. A good education is a key component of success, and being able to provide that to countless children each year is inexplicably rewarding.
Teachers have lasting effects on children that stay with them throughout the course of their life. Kids view their teachers as heroes and role models. People become successful employees, leaders, and scholars because a teacher once believed in them and instilled a love for learning in them. Our job is to wake up every day and inspire the next generation. At the end of the day, that makes everything worth it, and I’m so glad it’s the job I chose.
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