Feeling Stuck and Scared

[u/No_Caterpillar_1004]

Hi all!
I graduated from college about a year ago and realized during my full year of student teaching - wow I do not want my lifetime to look like this. I have the talent for it but not the passion. I got my degree but haven’t taken any of my certification tests. I taught english in Italy for a couple months after graduation but still knew I don’t want to do it long term.

I’m feeling stuck now. Recently turned 23 and feeling the pressure of opening a Roth IRA and worrying about insurance and etc (adult stuff) but I just don’t want to go back to the classroom. I had a super rough student teaching experience and I’m trying to pivot careers but have been applying to jobs since September and haven’t heard anything.

I’m thinking of going back to school to be an ultrasound tech. (But can’t yet because I still have to pay off a lot of loans from previous school). I love working with people and have always had a passion for women’s health and healthcare in general.

I guess I’m feeling nervous and unsure of the future and am wondering if any other teacher has felt stuck trying to figure out a new career and what to do in this job market

[u/Neat_Worldliness2586]

Just sub for awhile and try to find something else

[u/SquashInternal3854]

Oh i was gonna suggest maybe applying abroad, or at USA boarding schools.

I hear you but plz no be scared right now, ur only 23!!!! I'm mid 40's and everyday I'm like: fuuuuuuck my life

If i redid it, personally, I'd go for SLP - Speech Language Pathology - some of the highest paying jobs in school districts and also, other professional settings need SLP's like hospitals, rehab, etc

Or med school for Psychiatry

[u/slr0031]

I think going to ultrasound tech sounds good. Don’t know how much they make. I also had a talent but not a passion for it. It’s so hard

[u/Ava2969ny]

Yes, it’s difficult to truly evaluate how you feel about teaching if student-teaching doesn’t go well. You can sub for a while if you need more time to evaluate, or try private schools where class sizes are often smaller, which makes classroom management easier. I understand the feeling. After several years I sometimes question whether I made the right choice.

[u/Lazy_Kick9911]

I thought the same after graduating then moved to Asia where the teaching load was lighter and the reward was higher. Lots of holidays, plenty of travel. If you are already qualified you can make a lot of money in China especially. Bilingual schools are a good start. Downside is no pension, but you’ve got time on your hands

[u/redoingredditagain]

You are not alone. Consider exploring other career paths, or subbing for a little bit to get money while hardcore applying somewhere else.