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Change of Profession

Posted by So Tired on 3/28/2023, 10:17 am

Serious Question -

Anyone ever thought about being a mailman or working for the post office?

I'm not sure I can do this much longer.

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by ex-bd on 3/31/2023, 10:06 am, in reply to "Change of Profession"

I had a bad break out of school and worked for two toxic head directors for about a decade. I now work in tech, making more money and working from home. I have unlimited PTO and my managers don't check for me as long as I do my own work, allowing me the flexibility to do chores, work out or spend time with my dog.

TRS can be rolled over into an IRA or something similar, get a financial advisor to help you outline the options.

For me, it worked out very well. FWIW, one of the toxic head directors texted me asking to help her get out of the profession

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by No such thing on 4/5/2023, 8:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Change of Profession"

There is no such thing as unlimited PTO except retirement.

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by Question? on 4/4/2023, 6:32 am, in reply to "Re: Change of Profession"

What are you doing in tech? How hard was it to break in coming from a band director background?

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by Tik on 3/30/2023, 9:14 pm, in reply to "Change of Profession"

Would you ever consider another content area? Getting another certification isn’t all that difficult, depending on the exam. Sure, there’s the exam cost and such, but some schools may let you teach while working towards passing the exam.

This is what I’ve done, and it has done wonders for my work/life balance and how I generally view my job. I actually enjoy going to work most days. Band is a really tough gig and can be really toxic at times. I’m still in electives, but not involved with competitions/contests. I can’t speak on teaching a non-elective.

Whatever you choose, I hope you find what you need.

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by tromboneteacher on 3/30/2023, 3:24 pm, in reply to "Change of Profession"

Yes, thinking about it this year. Been really stressed out with this year and have wondered how I'm physically going to be able to make it another 15 years in this profession. Actually during evening and weekends I've looked into working at the post office. Curious if anyone has done something like that?
I began my career out of state for 6 years before moving to Texas, so I'm almost 40 but only have 9 year's experience here. I get sick thinking about trying to make it another 20 years dealing with awful administrators and clueless counselors.

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by Exercise on 3/28/2023, 11:45 pm, in reply to "Change of Profession"

I left teaching and haven't regretted it. I now make more money and have a better work/life balance.

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by Joe on 3/28/2023, 7:29 pm, in reply to "Change of Profession"

Yes but it messes up TRS retirement

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by How? on 3/29/2023, 11:33 am, in reply to "Re: Change of Profession"

TRS is years of service + age = retirement "rule."

If you leave the profession 5, 10, 15 years early, you just have to wait longer to claim full benefits. If you leave so early that you can't reasonably claim full benefits (say, leave teaching in your 30s after 10 years, so you'd need to be in your 70s to meet Rule of 85) then just pull the money out of TRS and re-invest it in a 401k.

Re: Change of Profession

Posted by So Tired on 3/29/2023, 7:52 am, in reply to "Re: Change of Profession"

I'm finishing up year 11 and I'm 40. I feel like I could possibly leave and make something okay with a retirement. I don't know. TRS is one of my concerns.

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