Dear Dr. Friedman:
I am a high school teacher. I love my job; but, the pay is awful. Do I really need to consider alternative professions? Or, is there a way that I can, "have my cake and eat it too"?
Happy but Hungry
Dear Happy
You raise an important issue. Many people think that they have to give
up a job that they love because it doesn't pay well. This isn't
necessarily the case. My answer here applies to anyone doing a less than
lucrative job that they love--not just teachers. You should consider a
few things before leaving your job: investments, a side business and
additional work within the school context.
I know that the first may sound bizarre. Perhaps it is difficult to
meet expenses, let alone to save. However, experts say that you should
save at least ten percent of your salary. Also, it is important that
you invest it properly. Investment strategies are beyond the scope of
my expertise, but there are a number of self-help books which may serve
as starting points. You might find Adriane G. Berg's book, Making Up
for Lost Time to be helpful. Also, you may want to read, Mark
Skousen's,Thirty-Day Plan to Financial Independence. Check out your
local bookstore, there are many good books on this important topic.
Now for your side business. You did not mention your interests or the
subject that you teach. Certainly, however, you have teaching skills.
You may want to consider teaching at the college level as a way of
gaining visibility and income. Perhaps you could teach within your
discipline or within a School of Education. Alternatively, you can make
use of discipline-related skills. For example, if you teach English,
you may want to start an editing business or a writing business.
Another option might be to start a study skills or tutoring business.
A music teacher I know, started giving music lessons. When the number
of pupils exceeded the number that he could teach, he hired other music
teachers to work for him. Finally, the last option, you may want to
approach your school with a proposal that is mutually beneficial. For
example, you may want to propose that you develop a program or teach a
course at a time when the school is not in use. Such a course should be
designed in a way that it brings positive visibility to you and to the
school.
I hope that this provides a starting point for you. I'd be very
interested in learning about the outcome of these suggestions, from you,
or any readers who find themselves a similar predicament.
Good luck.
Dr. Friedman
Write Dr. Lynn Friedman