For one, "not that far off" is still unequal pay. If a first year person in HR is making $57k and a first year teacher is making $52k, it's "not that far off" but $5k is about $350 a month after taxes.

Plus, NEARLY ALL private companies that offer insurance have equal or better insurance rates than us. We also would gain Social Security annuitization which we don't as teachers.

Finally, your assumption that "salary doesn't get overtime regardless of field" is flat-out incorrect. Salary EXEMPT employees don't. There are a list of things that MUST be met for your job title to classify as salary exempt. See the link here for what qualifies you as exempt or not. MANY salaried positions are non-exempt salary positions and would qualify for overtime.

Wage theft is THE MOST COMMON FORM OF THEFT IN THE UNITED STATES. Know your rights, and know the law. If anyone chooses to leave education, do your research.