I stepped into the world of teaching at the young age of 22. Education is my passion, and I have devoted countless hours to this profession. So, making the choice to take a break from my career has been a challenge on many levels—mentally, financially, and emotionally.
Many parents express frustration over their children, describing them as difficult or challenging. They often mourn their lost freedom and voice their complaints about tantrums, poor grades, and untidy rooms. I completely understand. Each parent has their own threshold, and perhaps mine is quite low, or my expectations of myself are set too high. All I can do is give my best with the resources I have.
After much deliberation, I’ve decided to step away from education once more to better address my children’s social and emotional needs. This isn’t the first time I’ve made this decision, and it likely won’t be the last. Each time, the choice weighs heavily on my heart.
Raising a daughter with learning challenges and social skill deficits is no easy feat. Add to that a second daughter who is highly empathetic and sensitive, and you have a unique set of challenges. These two girls, who are so different, often struggle to understand one another. Sibling conflicts become a reality, and it’s our duty to ensure both are adequately supported in their growth.
For the third time, I’ve left my teaching role to provide the necessary support for my daughters. This entails giving them explicit social coaching, being incredibly patient with homework, and sometimes retreating to the bathroom for a quick mental health break.
As parents, we get what we get. We love our children, yet they can undoubtedly push us to our limits. It’s important to acknowledge feelings of overwhelm and frustration. It’s perfectly okay to admit that parenting can be exhausting, demanding our money, time, patience, and even our energy.
I grant myself permission to embrace these feelings. I feel anger, sadness, and annoyance at having to pause my career—one in which I find fulfillment and success—because I prioritize my children. I want to choose my kids, even as I wrestle with the absurdity of yet another debate over something trivial.
It’s not just the emotional struggle that makes this decision hard; it’s also the financial impact. I realize I’ll need to work longer to secure my retirement and that we will have to forego lavish vacations and nicer furnishings. It’s a tough balance between my children’s well-being and our financial security as we approach our 40s.
Additionally, there’s the hit to my ego when I have to start over each time I leave a job. Proving myself repeatedly is exhausting, especially when I receive calls about my children’s difficulties at school or with caregivers, reminding me of my responsibility to be home with them.
I acknowledge these feelings. The loss of income and the hit to my pride are part of the sacrifices I make as a mother. I may not like it, but I accept it.
I know I’m not alone in this decision. Many mothers face similar challenges, and in many ways, my family is fortunate. I have the choice to stay home with my kids and cater to their needs full-time. My husband supports us financially and shares parenting duties after his long workdays. We collaborate to nurture our daughters.
We are indeed fortunate. Despite the difficulties and the freedom to feel overwhelmed, there are silver linings to my new role. Although I’m stepping back from teaching, I’m not abandoning my passion or the skills I’ve developed over the years.
As an educator and now a writer, I still focus on advocating for educational reform through my words. I remain engaged with the educational field, staying updated through professional networks, writing about my experiences, and connecting with former colleagues.
Taking a break from my career doesn’t mean I’m quitting; it allows me to explore different avenues to express my love for education. I plan to pursue a PhD in Educational Policy and Leadership, using the next few years to solidify my commitment to transforming teacher education.
While my children are in school, I can dedicate time to research, writing, and expanding my network of educators. Stepping away from a career doesn’t mean halting my learning. My brain thrives on knowledge, and now I have the opportunity to enhance my intellectual growth.
For parents who work full-time, finding the time to manage school updates, extracurricular activities, and special days can be overwhelming. Now, I can engage in school events that I previously missed. I can help my daughters prepare for school, ease their anxieties about quizzes, and be a listening ear for their friendship disputes.
Instead of rushing off to teach other children, I can spend quality time with my own.
Deciding to step back from a career is never easy; it’s an emotional and exhausting journey. For my family, however, it’s the right choice. We’ve made this decision to balance our contributions to society with our commitment to raising our children.
Ultimately, it’s not just about me, my husband, or even our kids; it’s about our family unit. We will do what it takes to support each other, every single time.
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Summary
The author reflects on her decision to leave her teaching career to better support her daughters’ social and emotional needs. While acknowledging the emotional and financial challenges, she emphasizes the importance of family and personal fulfillment. The article also highlights the opportunity for continued professional development through research and writing, as well as the joy of being more present in her children’s lives.
Keyphrase: leaving teaching for family
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