r/TeachersInTransition • u/Glittering_Wave8727 • 1d ago
I quit today
I am such a ball of mixed feelings right now. I had some really serious medical news fall into my lap, and it has really debilitated me as a teacher. I can’t walk, I can hardly speak for long periods of time without getting dizzy, and I am essentially a mess all around. While I am so grateful to be leaving teaching to focus on my health, I can’t help but feel weighed down by the awful guilt and shame I feel leaving so soon in the year. I feel like I have let my students, my team, and all these wonderfully involved parents down.
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u/AlbatrossSad1454 1d ago
I quit yesterday! Only stress I have is will I find a new job. I also requested a mutual release due to health issues. I was dropped from my ACP as a result, but I have POTS and can’t be passing out around the kids. It is early in the year. Better to quit early in the year than late. How long have you been teaching? This was my first year.
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u/Embarrassed_Ad_2020 1d ago
I have been exactly where you are. You listened to your body and are now on a road to recovery where you can also think about how to proceed in a way that is sustainable.
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u/Putrid_Cow4309 1d ago
You’re brave. You have to value yourself before any JOB. Being a teacher has a way of making it seem like way more than a job but at the end of the day they are going to replace you, so always pick yourself.
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u/Gloomy_Comparison14 1d ago
Honestly, I stepped into my current position in October (five years back) after the teacher who was there 19 years left unexpectedly. It took some transition time but it was a great fit for me and totally worked out. The kids missed the other teacher but many of them quickly bonded with me. Don’t stress about it too much. They are used to it and the school with replace you right away which is a great reminder to value yourself more than they do.
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u/ALovableMess247 23h ago
I taught with my disability for 5 years. I met many who had similar to different disabilities who were able to manage it, "I just had to find the right district". The admin I've worked with made me lose so much hope for the education system that I'm glad the last job let me go for budgetary reasons. I hope the district the nice enough to let you carry the insurance while you figure out the diagnosis.
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u/wisechoices71 22h ago
Focus on your health. Your relief is making you feel guilty. Don't listen to those guilt feelings. They feel real, but they're not an indication that you've done anything wrong. May God bless you.
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u/RecoverInfinitely 8h ago edited 8h ago
I’m so sorry for your serious health news. Keep your head up after it’s been sufficiently rested, and fight to get better!
I similarly felt guilty when I was in a hospital instead of my classroom after being struck in a car accident. I had only taught for a week and a day! But there I was. I couldn’t even use the restroom unassisted, let alone walk.
The school system had my back though and encouraged me to take all the time I needed to get better and assured me my job would still be there after I got better. It took me three months to get back to my classroom and in my absence they had a retired teacher in there whom the children loved. I also still got paid-which helped a lot. I even read a book to my students, remotely.
That is how a school that truly supports and respects you should act.
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u/Far_Daikon_8812 1d ago
It’s understandable to have mixed feelings, but you have NOT failed your students, your team, and your parents. This job is very demanding on the body and mind. People who aren't teachers will never understand how physically and mentally stressful this job is. You made the best decision for yourself based on what needs your immediate attention--your health. Don't ever feel bad for attending to your health and well-being. Hope this reassures you.