Do this Before Leaving your Teaching Job
Figure out your Money Flow (Untangle Post #2)
You are thinking of leaving the classroom but something is stopping you. Money. Financial responsibilities. Retirement and medical benefits. Did I forget anything else? These might be controlling your decision but I have news: you can control how you think about it. It took me a while to figure this out. Once I did, it opened up more options for me.
Should I go back to the classroom and teach? I tackled this question twice. I said yes during SY 2017-18 and no this coming SY 2023-24. During both times, it helped to see the bigger picture.
Focusing only on money and benefits limits your options. You also have to zoom out and see the bigger picture. When I decided to go back, I knew that having a regular paycheck will boost my financial status; I teach in an urban area where some veteran teachers can earn up to low 6-figures. But this coming SY, I decided not to go back. I looked at my cash flow and asked myself:
What do I need to pay for?
What expenses are necessary?
What expenses can I take out or limit?
Can I live somewhere else to slash housing and other expenses?
What is my total monthly expense?
What is my monthly income?
Can I get or earn money from somewhere or someone else that will cover more than my monthly expenses?
Pouring out all my answers to those questions helped me decide what to do.
If you are thinking about leaving your job, it is best to look at where you are financially before making any decision. I took control of my money issues, not the other way around. Money and benefits did not control my decision. I dug deep on what I wanted by pouring it out through writing. Then I processed it and deliberately choose my path. Once I made a decision, I felt free. It was a leap of faith either way for teaching is hazardous to your health these days.
My Gift for You
To help you process your decision, I made a guided journal and simple expense tracker that you can download for free at this link - just put $0 in the price. Note that I am not a financial advisor. I am just sharing what worked for me.
Coming Next
Next Sunday, I will post what happened when I went back even though I had some reservations about it and how I used the same Zoom In/Out strategy to stay on course. Subscribe for free so you’ll not miss any posts.
