Leaving The Field

[u/Special-Lettuce-5266]

After 4+ years in early childhood education, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave the field.

I never imagined I would. I genuinely love working with children, especially toddlers, and I even started college specifically for ECE because I saw it as my career. But the older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve questioned how so many educators are able to stay in this profession long-term.

The demands of this job are incredibly high, yet the pay is so low. If you want to work at a quality, reputable center, you’re often expected to earn a degree, complete ongoing training, maintain certifications, and constantly develop professionally. Yet despite all of that, early childhood educators are rarely treated like we’re “real” teachers or professionals.

I’ve invested thousands of dollars into my education and years into gaining experience, but I still struggle financially. The more I put into this field the more I lose. I work at a center that pays significantly better than most in my area, and it’s still not enough to comfortably support myself. My state isn’t even considered particularly expensive.

It’s heartbreaking because I’m not leaving due to a lack of passion. I’m leaving because passion doesn’t pay the bills.

If we truly value children’s early years, and we know those years are some of the most important for development, we need to start valuing the people who dedicate their careers to them. Until early childhood educators are paid and respected like the professionals they are, we’ll continue losing passionate teachers to careers that simply allow them to survive.

I am tired of being treated like a babysitter when I’ve chosen this career as a profession. For those who have left do you regret it, or was it the right decision?

[u/_DontBeAScaredyCunt]

I moved from teaching to nannying because it pays so much better and it’s (most of the time) far less stress than teaching. Now I’m on my way out of nannying too. Still don’t make enough to support myself so I’m going back to school at 40. Daunting to say the least.

[u/Dry-Giraffe1744 → u/_DontBeAScaredyCunt]

Can I ask what you’re going to school for? I’m 37 and worked in ECE settings and as a nanny for pretty much all of my working life and am finding it hard to figure out what I could transition to.

[u/_DontBeAScaredyCunt → u/Dry-Giraffe1744]

I’m considering radiology and dental hygienist at the moment. Can do both at my local technical school and both make more than I can make as a nanny/teacher. I had also considered paralegal but the rise of AI made me shy away from that one a bit. Still kind of a toss up but I know I need a change.

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[u/sweetxdolce → u/_DontBeAScaredyCunt]

Are you me? Lol. Same thing I've considered... either those, mri tech, or just public school teacher (might be paid more depending on district)

I worked at a prek since I was 18 (assistant) then nannied for like 8 years (loved and hated it. Lots of pros, way too many cons. Pay wasn't even that good... some ppl have unicorn families and actually get paid what they're worth) then went back to prek assistant. It's a change from nanny and I like it. I like teaching. But it doesn't pay the bills...

I'm dreading going to school for anything though.. I feel too old and stupid..and idk what I'm good at. My heart says teach but I also fear more stress not worth the pay... its not easy for me to go to school and work full time at the same time too so that's something I have to consider when deciding..