10 answers
McKenna
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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Should I do the career I want even if everyone says I wouldn't like it?
I want to be a teacher, but my mom and cousin were teachers and say it sucks, but I want to try it and see if I'd do it well because I'm passionate about it, but should I just find something else then?
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9 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey McKenna!
First of all, sending you a big, supportive hug because this is such a huge decision, and I know it’s tough when the people closest to you aren’t exactly cheering for the path you’re passionate about. It’s frustrating when their experiences make you question something you love, but let’s take a step back and really think about this.
Your mom and cousin had their own journey with teaching, but their experience doesn’t define what yours will be. They might have had tough schools, bad administrators, or just realized it wasn’t the right fit for them—but that doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same. The truth is, every career has challenges, and teaching is no different, but the people who truly love it are the ones who make the biggest difference.
I’ve been in a similar spot. I wasn’t always 100% sure what I wanted to do, but I knew one thing for sure—I loved helping people. I explored different paths, shadowed professionals, and gained hands-on experience in different fields before realizing how much I loved becoming a doctor. But even now, I still teach, guide, and help others because that part of me never went away. And you know what? The journey of figuring it out for myself was way more valuable than listening to what others told me.
So, here’s my advice: try it. Get into a classroom, even if it’s as a tutor, substitute teacher, or volunteer. Experience what teaching is really like for you, not just based on what others say. If you love it, amazing! If you don’t, that’s okay too—at least you’ll know because you lived it, not because someone else told you what to expect.
The best way to find your path is through your own experiences, not through the fears or opinions of others. So if teaching excites you, if it makes you light up, if it’s something you can’t stop thinking about—go for it. You owe it to yourself to see where it leads.
You got this, McKenna! Trust yourself girl because I do! All the best! 😇✨
First of all, sending you a big, supportive hug because this is such a huge decision, and I know it’s tough when the people closest to you aren’t exactly cheering for the path you’re passionate about. It’s frustrating when their experiences make you question something you love, but let’s take a step back and really think about this.
Your mom and cousin had their own journey with teaching, but their experience doesn’t define what yours will be. They might have had tough schools, bad administrators, or just realized it wasn’t the right fit for them—but that doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same. The truth is, every career has challenges, and teaching is no different, but the people who truly love it are the ones who make the biggest difference.
I’ve been in a similar spot. I wasn’t always 100% sure what I wanted to do, but I knew one thing for sure—I loved helping people. I explored different paths, shadowed professionals, and gained hands-on experience in different fields before realizing how much I loved becoming a doctor. But even now, I still teach, guide, and help others because that part of me never went away. And you know what? The journey of figuring it out for myself was way more valuable than listening to what others told me.
So, here’s my advice: try it. Get into a classroom, even if it’s as a tutor, substitute teacher, or volunteer. Experience what teaching is really like for you, not just based on what others say. If you love it, amazing! If you don’t, that’s okay too—at least you’ll know because you lived it, not because someone else told you what to expect.
The best way to find your path is through your own experiences, not through the fears or opinions of others. So if teaching excites you, if it makes you light up, if it’s something you can’t stop thinking about—go for it. You owe it to yourself to see where it leads.
You got this, McKenna! Trust yourself girl because I do! All the best! 😇✨
Jocelyn Vergara
Senior Associate
42
Answers
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jocelyn’s Answer
Hello! Don't let anyone, even family, hold you back from a career you're interested in. Everyone is unique, with their own passions and likes. Teaching might be your true calling. Try watching some "day in the life" videos of teachers to see what it's like, and check out different age groups like elementary, middle school, and high school.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1091
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi McKenna,
I would give your mom's and cousin's reservations some considerations because they speak from experience. Ask some questions like: What part of being a teacher sucked for them (workload, students, discipline or lack thereof, pay, parents, leadership, etc)? Did it suck from the start or after so and so many years? At what type of school did they teach? What grade, subject and type of student did they teach?
But if you have a passion for teaching, go for it. The kids need good passionate teachers, especially teachers who really care about them. It's your life, and you need to do what you want to do. Otherwise you'll just regret it.
You are in school and have seen a variety of teachers over the years. Would you consider any of them role models of how to be a good teacher? I think you could still benefit from shadowing a teacher to get a look behind the scenes.
Have you thought about what grade, subject, type of school you would like to teach? Shadowing teachers for different age groups might be a good idea. Have a chat with teachers about their challenges and what they love.
Also think about a backup plan if after a few years you don't like teaching any more (teachers do burn out). If you get a bachelors in a subject you want to teach, you'd always have that.
I hope this helps a bit! All the best on your path to become an awesome teacher!
KP
I would give your mom's and cousin's reservations some considerations because they speak from experience. Ask some questions like: What part of being a teacher sucked for them (workload, students, discipline or lack thereof, pay, parents, leadership, etc)? Did it suck from the start or after so and so many years? At what type of school did they teach? What grade, subject and type of student did they teach?
But if you have a passion for teaching, go for it. The kids need good passionate teachers, especially teachers who really care about them. It's your life, and you need to do what you want to do. Otherwise you'll just regret it.
You are in school and have seen a variety of teachers over the years. Would you consider any of them role models of how to be a good teacher? I think you could still benefit from shadowing a teacher to get a look behind the scenes.
Have you thought about what grade, subject, type of school you would like to teach? Shadowing teachers for different age groups might be a good idea. Have a chat with teachers about their challenges and what they love.
Also think about a backup plan if after a few years you don't like teaching any more (teachers do burn out). If you get a bachelors in a subject you want to teach, you'd always have that.
I hope this helps a bit! All the best on your path to become an awesome teacher!
KP
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, McKenna !
Yes, you should always do the career you want regardless of what other people say. The things you heard from others were their experiences, not yours, so follow your heart and mind and pursue a career in Education. You already recognize that you have a passion for it.
Advisor Betzy Scaria's advice is important and should be helpful to you. You do not have to Shadow for a career as a teacher because you are more or less Shadowing for every class you take. But it's important that you stick with your pursuit because the people really do need you, someone who can give their unique, impactful flair to teaching.
I had the same experience as you as a young acting student majoring in Theatre. Some of the things I heard from nay-sayers were, "What kind of job are you going to get with a degree in Theatre ?", "You're going to need good luck", "Don't you feel you're going to have to compromise your values ?" and my own mother was telling people that I was majoring in English Literature before she started seeing that I was doing shows and doing it. Some people just do not realize that everyone's journey is different and circumstances are different, too. It ended up that I worked as an actress through college and when I graduated I obtained a great non-acting job in professional theatre right after college with my Bachelors Degree.
In retrospect, the important thing I can take away from that is that when people would be negative out of not understanding the career, I would just shake it it off. I would ignore it and it felt like people's negative opinions didn't matter.
To start out, see if you could volunteer at a preschool and start teaching crafts. It would be a great beginning experience. There will be such a broad array of venues you can teach in and it doesn't have to be for a district school system, or it could be. There are private schools, public schools, Waldorf, Montessori, being hired as a homeschool teacher, tutoring, community adult night school, community college or University. With certain degrees and certification, you would be qualified to teach in different places.
My advice is to pursue teaching and don't let anyone or anything stop you. You already have the strong drive and know what you want and that is very special and should not be stopped. You can and will do it !
Yes, you should always do the career you want regardless of what other people say. The things you heard from others were their experiences, not yours, so follow your heart and mind and pursue a career in Education. You already recognize that you have a passion for it.
Advisor Betzy Scaria's advice is important and should be helpful to you. You do not have to Shadow for a career as a teacher because you are more or less Shadowing for every class you take. But it's important that you stick with your pursuit because the people really do need you, someone who can give their unique, impactful flair to teaching.
I had the same experience as you as a young acting student majoring in Theatre. Some of the things I heard from nay-sayers were, "What kind of job are you going to get with a degree in Theatre ?", "You're going to need good luck", "Don't you feel you're going to have to compromise your values ?" and my own mother was telling people that I was majoring in English Literature before she started seeing that I was doing shows and doing it. Some people just do not realize that everyone's journey is different and circumstances are different, too. It ended up that I worked as an actress through college and when I graduated I obtained a great non-acting job in professional theatre right after college with my Bachelors Degree.
In retrospect, the important thing I can take away from that is that when people would be negative out of not understanding the career, I would just shake it it off. I would ignore it and it felt like people's negative opinions didn't matter.
To start out, see if you could volunteer at a preschool and start teaching crafts. It would be a great beginning experience. There will be such a broad array of venues you can teach in and it doesn't have to be for a district school system, or it could be. There are private schools, public schools, Waldorf, Montessori, being hired as a homeschool teacher, tutoring, community adult night school, community college or University. With certain degrees and certification, you would be qualified to teach in different places.
My advice is to pursue teaching and don't let anyone or anything stop you. You already have the strong drive and know what you want and that is very special and should not be stopped. You can and will do it !
Betzy Scaria
CRNA
1
Answer
Broadview Heights, Ohio
Updated
Betzy’s Answer
What type of teacher do you want to become? What excites you the most? Do you prefer teaching kids, teens, or adults? Teaching is a powerful way to shape the future. Parents are a child's first teachers until they start school. Decide which age group you want to focus on and what subject you are passionate about, whether it's science, math, physiology, or psychology. Imagine where you want to be in 10 years. Consider the benefits and challenges, and listen to your heart to make a well-informed decision for your future. Good luck in making a smart choice!
Try to shadow a school teacher
Try to shadow a professor at college
Get advice from private tutors
Visit Kumon teaching centers
Betzy recommends the following next steps:
LUANN PFEIFLE
JOB COACH
2
Answers
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Updated
LUANN’s Answer
Do what you want to but first go to some schools and volunteer in the classrooms. It is not a profession like it used to be. Most of my friends that are teachers have seen a grave change in students, and can not wait until retirement.. I have been subbing in the school district for 14 years-never would I want to be a teacher. the Kids are ....unruly, unattentive. demanding, and the list goes on.
If you want to be a glorified babysitter--go for it!
I also taught at 2 different colleges and loved it because the students had a vested interest.
Go volunteer first.
If you want to be a glorified babysitter--go for it!
I also taught at 2 different colleges and loved it because the students had a vested interest.
LUANN recommends the following next steps:
Laeti Golden 📸 Lifestyle Photographer Couples and Families
Lifestyle Photographer
7
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Laeti Golden’s Answer
Hi McKenna, first off, I want to say wooooo hooo for your career choice. We need more teachers, especially teachers that are truly dedicated to teaching and teachers who actually LOVE what they do! With that being said, I want to say this IF YOU WANT TO BE A TEACHER, GO FOR IT!
Why?
Because that is what is in your heart at this very moment. If this is a dream of yours and you really want to make a difference in the world, then become a teacher.
One way to know that you truly want to become a teacher is if you think about it constantly. I mean all of the time. If you dream about it, day dream about it that is a sign that this is really what you want to do. All of us at some point dream of becoming teachers, Dr's., Attorneys etc. and in my case, a photographer & business owner. However, what happens as we get older, the dreams that you have as a child, teenager and later on into adulthood, we start to lose focus on that dream because of outside influences. This can include, friends, family members, people you work with and these days social media. We are constantly reminded of things that we CANNOT DO or SHOULDN'T DO. So what ends up happening is that with all of that outside influence, we start to think less of ourselves and start thinking we can't do it. Even if it is a passion that is pushing you forward to do what you love.
Now, I'm going to say this and some may disagree with me and that's o.k. I'm used to it so, here goes. People ( whether that's friends, family or other outside sources ) will project their fears of your career choices based on there bad experiences and in this case, it sounds like your family members had a bad experience while teaching. And, that's to bad. I feel for them however, their experiences have nothing to do with you. I'll say that again so it sinks in, their experiences with teaching has nothing to do with you.
I will say this, they're concerned because their your family and they love you however, just because they had bad experiences with teaching does not mean that you will. And that's a fact. So, if you really, really want to become a teacher, then go for it and ( this will probably upset people and maybe even your family members ) but you have to ignore what other peoples opinions about what you want to do as a career choice. Especially if this is what you really want to do.
Why?
Because as you grow, you will find that EVERYONE has an opinion and that's o.k. they have a right to their opinion however, they don't have a right to choose your career for you.
When I decided to become a photographer, I can't tell you how many times people ( including family members and friends ) told me that I can't do that, I shouldn't do that, photographers don't make any money, etc. etc. I even had someone tell me " Don't become a Photographer, I tried it once and it didn't work". And that's a prime example of other people projecting there negative experience on to you telling you that you shouldn't do that.
And guess what? I ignored him just like I ignored every, single naysayer about what I could and could not do and now, I'm a Photographer and Business owner and I've never been happier.
Now, has it been easy? Nope, did I have some obstacles along the way? Yes and, did I receive constant feedback ( and I still do to this day ) from others ( friends, family and outsiders ) telling me to give up or, that I can't do it ( even though I am ). But, this isn't about me, it's about you so, I still say, if you want to become a teacher, then become a teacher and don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't do it and you shouldn't to it because trust me, if you don't, one day, you'll wake up working in job or career that you absolutely hate wishing that you would have followed your dreams to become a teacher.
I've witnessed to many of my friends, family members and others that I've worked with in the past work hard at a job that they hate and regretting that they didn't follow their dreams. And life is way to short for that!
And even though I don't know you personally, know that I'm cheering you on! You can do it!
Why?
Because that is what is in your heart at this very moment. If this is a dream of yours and you really want to make a difference in the world, then become a teacher.
One way to know that you truly want to become a teacher is if you think about it constantly. I mean all of the time. If you dream about it, day dream about it that is a sign that this is really what you want to do. All of us at some point dream of becoming teachers, Dr's., Attorneys etc. and in my case, a photographer & business owner. However, what happens as we get older, the dreams that you have as a child, teenager and later on into adulthood, we start to lose focus on that dream because of outside influences. This can include, friends, family members, people you work with and these days social media. We are constantly reminded of things that we CANNOT DO or SHOULDN'T DO. So what ends up happening is that with all of that outside influence, we start to think less of ourselves and start thinking we can't do it. Even if it is a passion that is pushing you forward to do what you love.
Now, I'm going to say this and some may disagree with me and that's o.k. I'm used to it so, here goes. People ( whether that's friends, family or other outside sources ) will project their fears of your career choices based on there bad experiences and in this case, it sounds like your family members had a bad experience while teaching. And, that's to bad. I feel for them however, their experiences have nothing to do with you. I'll say that again so it sinks in, their experiences with teaching has nothing to do with you.
I will say this, they're concerned because their your family and they love you however, just because they had bad experiences with teaching does not mean that you will. And that's a fact. So, if you really, really want to become a teacher, then go for it and ( this will probably upset people and maybe even your family members ) but you have to ignore what other peoples opinions about what you want to do as a career choice. Especially if this is what you really want to do.
Why?
Because as you grow, you will find that EVERYONE has an opinion and that's o.k. they have a right to their opinion however, they don't have a right to choose your career for you.
When I decided to become a photographer, I can't tell you how many times people ( including family members and friends ) told me that I can't do that, I shouldn't do that, photographers don't make any money, etc. etc. I even had someone tell me " Don't become a Photographer, I tried it once and it didn't work". And that's a prime example of other people projecting there negative experience on to you telling you that you shouldn't do that.
And guess what? I ignored him just like I ignored every, single naysayer about what I could and could not do and now, I'm a Photographer and Business owner and I've never been happier.
Now, has it been easy? Nope, did I have some obstacles along the way? Yes and, did I receive constant feedback ( and I still do to this day ) from others ( friends, family and outsiders ) telling me to give up or, that I can't do it ( even though I am ). But, this isn't about me, it's about you so, I still say, if you want to become a teacher, then become a teacher and don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't do it and you shouldn't to it because trust me, if you don't, one day, you'll wake up working in job or career that you absolutely hate wishing that you would have followed your dreams to become a teacher.
I've witnessed to many of my friends, family members and others that I've worked with in the past work hard at a job that they hate and regretting that they didn't follow their dreams. And life is way to short for that!
And even though I don't know you personally, know that I'm cheering you on! You can do it!
Jeff Weber
1
Answer
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
I would follow your passion into teaching.
Then try being an educator for a few years to see if it fits
Then try being an educator for a few years to see if it fits
Marylou DiFilippo
Actor, Teacher
64
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
Lifelong teacher, whilst perusing my first love, acting. When I got to college, they didn’t have a major that interested me. So I went to the chair of the education department and the chair of the theatre department and asked them to talk to each other. I was the first person to graduate with a degree in theatre/communications education.
“Follow your bliss”. ~Joseph Campbell. (look him up. Brilliant)
“Follow your bliss”. ~Joseph Campbell. (look him up. Brilliant)