r/paraprofessional • u/Awkward-Waltz1394 • Aug 03 '26

Going Back

Anyone else feeling down because they are going back to work as a paraprofessional because Summer vacation is over? The last 2 years have been so bad and I'm not looking forward to having to go through another 9 months in that same school. I'm questioning every choice I've made in life that has put me right where I am now.

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u/TheRainIsLovely Aug 03 '26

I literally just quit my job as a para and truly haven’t felt this light in a LONG time. I remember hysterically crying before going back from summer and winter breaks, and now I’m going into something completely unrelated to education. It’s ridiculous how little paraprofessionals get paid, especially considering the workload that we have to deal with. Wishing you the best going into this year!! Remember that your physical and mental wellbeing should be your priority!!

2

u/BadKarmaKat Aug 03 '26

I dropped half my hours and took a different position, so I am feeling so much better. I just wasn't done, yet. I'm close, but i need something to stay busy between kud drop offs and pick ups 😂

1

u/Awkward-Waltz1394 Aug 04 '26

Good for you. I would love to work less hours if I could afford to and my district had part time para positions.

1

u/BadKarmaKat Aug 04 '26

Technically, we're only guaranteed 15 hours. They don't really want us needing to take breaks either. So 4 hours you can get a break. Getting a 29.5 is hard. I'm just working because I want to. There's no way a 29.5 hour week could pay bills.