My situation was a little different than others here. I had a GREAT job! We had amazing students, parents, good admin support, great boosters. All things considered, it was a dream job.

But I also have a family that I never saw, and after looking around at so many in our profession with (relatively) early health problems, broken marriages, and missing relationships with their own children, I made the decision that making my family my legacy was more important than it being in a band program.

That's no slight on those that have chosen to stay and make those sacrifices; they are heroes in my opinion!

5 years later, and I make over twice what I did as a 6A HD while working 50% of the hours and get to drive my kids to school. Do I miss the students, the music, and the magic? Absolutely. Has it been worth it? No question.

Just my experience.