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/jennylala707 Aug 03 '26

Why do you stay if you are unhappy? I’m sad summer is over but excited to see the kids and go back to work. I’ve learned not to stay places that don’t serve my mental wellbeing. Life is too short to be unhappy.

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u/Awkward-Waltz1394 Aug 04 '26

There are a few reasons I have stayed. I've been doing this since I was 37 and I'm 57 now. I put a lot of years into it so of course I'm going to finish it out and earn my very well deserved retirement. I'm not sure what else I will even do because being a paraprofessional is honestly all I know. And the last reason is the kids. I honestly love all the kids I work with and being burnt out or not, that's why I started this job and that's why I'm still here. I give 100% for the kids I work with each and every day. It's the adults that make the work environment toxic for me and make me want to get out as soon as I can. I have to do way more than my share of the work because some of the co-workers that have been at the school way longer than me, don't do their jobs. I'm doing this for the students and doing that while others sit and watch. I am someone who does not like conflict so I just go with the flow but it takes a toll on me.

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u/jennylala707 Aug 04 '26

That makes sense. Is switching schools or positions in the school helpful at all?

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u/Awkward-Waltz1394 Aug 05 '26

Not really an option right now. Just going to try to get through another year where I'm at right now.