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Why did you go into teaching when welding pays so well?
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Patricia’s Answer
Jorge, I had no interest in construction skills or in welding but I was interested in teaching. You have to choose a job in the career field you are interested in. Otherwise, when you are hired, you will be miserable ---on a daily basis...and who wants that? That will make your life miserable. Choose a job you are interested in, one that matches your values and abilities, and you will be more content when you go to work every day. I especially chose education so I could try to make a difference in children's lives. I did not choose education for the vacation days or holidays ...and thank goodness! There is so much work that needs to be done in education...so much work you need to do on a daily basis. So, in summary, I chose education because money did not matter to me...or maybe I would have chosen welding!
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Kelly’s Answer
This is a great question! There are many reasons, all of which I think are important things to consider whether you are a student or teacher.
1) There was no one in my environment and no examples in school (K-12 and then college) that led me to know about or be curious about welding. In graduate school, however, I made a film with a Career and Technical Education school that had a welding program and it was fascinating! I could even imagine wanting to do it myself, but at the time, I already had fallen in love with the career and science of teaching.
2) I have spent a lot of time introspecting on what I like about teaching since I was in elementary school. My heart and mind are aligned in believing that I love working in education, with students, with families, with teachers, with coaches and guidance counselors, with administrators, with researchers and with policymakers. I love the community work and all the creative aspects of the work. Given the introspection that I have done and practical experiences I used to test my intuitions, I know that it is a good fit.
So, from these two points, I can recommend that: 1) You explore as many work options as possible before choosing and even look for possible career options outside of your comfort zone or known ideas about the world; 2) Consider volunteering, an internship, or on-the-job visits (if you can) so you see whether something fits your personality, interests and learning style well.
Nowadays internet searches and youtube can help you look up and take a glimpse into different occupations. Are you considering welding?
1) There was no one in my environment and no examples in school (K-12 and then college) that led me to know about or be curious about welding. In graduate school, however, I made a film with a Career and Technical Education school that had a welding program and it was fascinating! I could even imagine wanting to do it myself, but at the time, I already had fallen in love with the career and science of teaching.
2) I have spent a lot of time introspecting on what I like about teaching since I was in elementary school. My heart and mind are aligned in believing that I love working in education, with students, with families, with teachers, with coaches and guidance counselors, with administrators, with researchers and with policymakers. I love the community work and all the creative aspects of the work. Given the introspection that I have done and practical experiences I used to test my intuitions, I know that it is a good fit.
So, from these two points, I can recommend that: 1) You explore as many work options as possible before choosing and even look for possible career options outside of your comfort zone or known ideas about the world; 2) Consider volunteering, an internship, or on-the-job visits (if you can) so you see whether something fits your personality, interests and learning style well.
Nowadays internet searches and youtube can help you look up and take a glimpse into different occupations. Are you considering welding?
Updated
Nisha’s Answer
Hi Jose',
I am a woman. Although women are entitled to careers in welding, I don't think that welding would be a good fit for me. In terms of salary, teachers make the same and, in some cases, more pay than welders. Therefore, I don't think that salary is a good determining factor for choosing between teaching and welding.
A difference that I see is the level of education required for each. Welding is a trade and the skill and certification can be acquired in less time than earning a college degree.
After teaching for 8 years, I went to trade school and learned IT Network Engineering. My salary is double what I made as a teacher and it required less schooling/education. However, in IT we are on a continuous learning path because technology is constantly evolving. Therefore, as I T person you have to make a commitment to be a life-long learner.
One final note about Teachers. Teachers don't go into teaching for the money. Teachers choose this career path because they love making a difference and touching lives in the process.
Advice: Choose a career that you enjoy and love. Money isn't everything and it doesn't necessarily bring you happiness.
I am a woman. Although women are entitled to careers in welding, I don't think that welding would be a good fit for me. In terms of salary, teachers make the same and, in some cases, more pay than welders. Therefore, I don't think that salary is a good determining factor for choosing between teaching and welding.
A difference that I see is the level of education required for each. Welding is a trade and the skill and certification can be acquired in less time than earning a college degree.
After teaching for 8 years, I went to trade school and learned IT Network Engineering. My salary is double what I made as a teacher and it required less schooling/education. However, in IT we are on a continuous learning path because technology is constantly evolving. Therefore, as I T person you have to make a commitment to be a life-long learner.
One final note about Teachers. Teachers don't go into teaching for the money. Teachers choose this career path because they love making a difference and touching lives in the process.
Advice: Choose a career that you enjoy and love. Money isn't everything and it doesn't necessarily bring you happiness.