14 answers
Simone
Student
Richmond, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
960 views
I do not know what my career should be
Hello,
I am in college and am unsure of what my career should be. I hate math and science, so I know that the STEM field is not for me. I do like helping others and am considering education. The only issue I have with being a teacher is that the pay is low, and I am constantly told that that is a bad field to go into. What does a typical day for a teacher consist of? I am considering being an English and ESL teacher.
Thanks! #Education #College #teaching #teacher
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14 answers
stefan buschnyj
Technician
22
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
stefan’s Answer
Hi Simone,
You’re not alone. A lot of people are not sure what career to pursue. Many graduates work in fields not directly related to their major. However, what you learn in one field can often be used in another. If you like helping others, search for volunteer opportunities that may interest you. Also expand your search and try volunteer opportunities that are not what you would normally consider. As a volunteer, you are still helping. While you’re volunteering ask a lot of questions. You may discover other career options. You don’t have to pursue a STEM field but don’t feel intimidated by STEM. You probably use more technology and math than you realize.
As for the typical day of a teacher, consider what teachers did when you were a student. Also consider what they needed to do before and after class (preparing a lesson plan, grading papers/test, etc.). Pay is important to be able to provide the essential things (food, clothing, shelter). However more pay does not always equate to more happiness. We are surrounded by ads (many subtly within social media) trying to convince us that happiness can be found in buying things and experiences that aren’t essential.
Good luck and keep learning.
You’re not alone. A lot of people are not sure what career to pursue. Many graduates work in fields not directly related to their major. However, what you learn in one field can often be used in another. If you like helping others, search for volunteer opportunities that may interest you. Also expand your search and try volunteer opportunities that are not what you would normally consider. As a volunteer, you are still helping. While you’re volunteering ask a lot of questions. You may discover other career options. You don’t have to pursue a STEM field but don’t feel intimidated by STEM. You probably use more technology and math than you realize.
As for the typical day of a teacher, consider what teachers did when you were a student. Also consider what they needed to do before and after class (preparing a lesson plan, grading papers/test, etc.). Pay is important to be able to provide the essential things (food, clothing, shelter). However more pay does not always equate to more happiness. We are surrounded by ads (many subtly within social media) trying to convince us that happiness can be found in buying things and experiences that aren’t essential.
Good luck and keep learning.
Thank you so much for your advice!
Simone
Srinivas Dabbeeru
Network Consulting Engineer
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Srinivas’s Answer
Hi Simone,
This is one question a majority of us struggle to answer. You are going through a phase of self discovery. I have provided some of my inputs to a similar question on Carrier Village. I hope it helps you. You can find my answer in the following thread:
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/207454/what-job-is-best-for-me
All the best!
This is one question a majority of us struggle to answer. You are going through a phase of self discovery. I have provided some of my inputs to a similar question on Carrier Village. I hope it helps you. You can find my answer in the following thread:
https://www.careervillage.org/questions/207454/what-job-is-best-for-me
All the best!
Thank you sooo much!
Simone
Pratiksha Jain
Telecom Engineer
3
Answers
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Pratiksha’s Answer
Hi Simone
I believe everyone of us felt the same way while choosing the correct stream for carrier. Well there is no standard answer for it.
I would say explore all the things that come your way, find out your interest & follow your passion. As you mentioned that teaching people interests you, so why don't you follow your dream? If it's only about getting a lesser pay or something like that, I would say this is not at all correct.
These days teachers are getting very good salary and other than that there are other benefits which are attached to it.
I believe you can do your best in the field you want to work rather than just following others & I am sure you will see the better results.
Bring out your best!
All the best!
I believe everyone of us felt the same way while choosing the correct stream for carrier. Well there is no standard answer for it.
I would say explore all the things that come your way, find out your interest & follow your passion. As you mentioned that teaching people interests you, so why don't you follow your dream? If it's only about getting a lesser pay or something like that, I would say this is not at all correct.
These days teachers are getting very good salary and other than that there are other benefits which are attached to it.
I believe you can do your best in the field you want to work rather than just following others & I am sure you will see the better results.
Bring out your best!
All the best!
Thank you!
Simone
Nagendra Vadivoo
Technical Support Engineer
12
Answers
Attibele, KA
Updated
Nagendra’s Answer
Know yourself and your requirement and necessary that will lead you the path.
It can be anything Money , Fame , Happiness - whatever may be - set your goal and progress towards it.
It can be anything Money , Fame , Happiness - whatever may be - set your goal and progress towards it.
Thank you!
Simone
Krishna Vishwakarma
Job
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Krishna’s Answer
I think, this is very common problem with many of us, specially for them, whose are in school/college.
Please do whatever you love to do. This is one of the difficult task to find, so please don't copy others, make your own goal(that you have to do) and put your 100% to achieve that. sometime we don't know our capabilities so, please keep doing self evaluation, that thing no one will teach you, so be honest always with yourself, once we do that, i am sure, what you decide, you will get it.
Please do whatever you love to do. This is one of the difficult task to find, so please don't copy others, make your own goal(that you have to do) and put your 100% to achieve that. sometime we don't know our capabilities so, please keep doing self evaluation, that thing no one will teach you, so be honest always with yourself, once we do that, i am sure, what you decide, you will get it.
Thank you so much!
Simone
Mradul Gupta
Telecom Engineer
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Mradul’s Answer
Hi, Teaching profile is a very noble and great job, and you have to follow your passion only, You are helping others by making them literate .
As far as salary is concerned, now a days teachers are also getting highly paid. For that you have to chose your teaching subject wisely in the way which is not so common, and for that subject finding teachers is difficult.
So, go ahead, chose your unique subject, have mastery in that and then you are all set to go for the job opportunities in the field you love.
Hope to hear you soon on this.
All the Best!!!
As far as salary is concerned, now a days teachers are also getting highly paid. For that you have to chose your teaching subject wisely in the way which is not so common, and for that subject finding teachers is difficult.
So, go ahead, chose your unique subject, have mastery in that and then you are all set to go for the job opportunities in the field you love.
Hope to hear you soon on this.
All the Best!!!
Thank you!
Simone
Kelly Quicksell
Community Relations Specialist
6
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
I had very similar thoughts and interests when I was going through my four years of college. In all honesty, six years post college, I am still learning what my set career path is. It is okay to not know exactly where life will take you. My advice is to take your time in college and explore what opportunities are available in your interests - through volunteering, internships, mock interviews, job shadowing, etc. Look into the nonprofit or higher education sectors for these opportunities. You are likely to find numerous opportunities to help people in these fields.
It is true that teachers and others in nonprofit sector are not paid the absolute best. However my favorite jobs and where I learned the most as a professional were the ones I was paid the least at. Look for a career that makes you happy, not necessarily the most money.
It is true that teachers and others in nonprofit sector are not paid the absolute best. However my favorite jobs and where I learned the most as a professional were the ones I was paid the least at. Look for a career that makes you happy, not necessarily the most money.
Thank you for your advice!
Simone
Keith Langenberg
IT DevOps
5
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Keith’s Answer
To be quite honest, you are not alone if you have not made a decision of your life long career while in college. I was in the same situation & honestly, I changed my career path four times, finally deciding on Computer Engineering. When the dust cleared, I had been in college 6 yrs fulltime and 4 years part time. I loved math & computer science & have been in software engineering my entire career.
Before you base your entire decision of a career on what someone says, do the research to find out for yourself. Yes, while teachers in education make on average a lower salary than other occupations, you should not base your decision on your life work based on pay. You need to base it on your passion and availability of work. Teaching English & ESL classes will ALWAYS be in demand, especially in our multi-cultural society.
Find an English teacher either thru the college or thru personal friends and spend a typical day at their school to experience a typical day in the life of a teacher. You may also want to find ESL classes in your community and reach out to the organization and/or nonprofit for more information.
Your college most also has a department trained in career counciling. Make an appointment with a guidance counselor, take some aptitude tests, discuss your interests and get professional feedback on the direction you should proceed.
Find that career that drives your passion and gives you gratitude helping others. :)
Before you base your entire decision of a career on what someone says, do the research to find out for yourself. Yes, while teachers in education make on average a lower salary than other occupations, you should not base your decision on your life work based on pay. You need to base it on your passion and availability of work. Teaching English & ESL classes will ALWAYS be in demand, especially in our multi-cultural society.
Keith recommends the following next steps:
Pushkaraj Lahankar
Network Consultant Engineer
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Pushkaraj’s Answer
Hi Simone,
Teaching is a very noble profession. I agree with Pradeep's answer, do what you are interested in doing, do not think about pay at start of your career. There are ample examples of people choosing high paying jobs but are not satisfied at all. If you really like teaching and helping others, it would be a great career choice for you.
Advantages of being a teacher :
1) you get to shape young minds and future generation
2) you get around 2 months as vacation
3) you are always caught up with latest trends as you are surrounded by youth
You will have to do some preparations daily, for what part of syllabus you will be covering for that day. You might have to prepare some questions and conduct class tests on a regular basis. You will have to assess the tests as an addition to teaching.
Teaching is a very noble profession. I agree with Pradeep's answer, do what you are interested in doing, do not think about pay at start of your career. There are ample examples of people choosing high paying jobs but are not satisfied at all. If you really like teaching and helping others, it would be a great career choice for you.
Advantages of being a teacher :
1) you get to shape young minds and future generation
2) you get around 2 months as vacation
3) you are always caught up with latest trends as you are surrounded by youth
You will have to do some preparations daily, for what part of syllabus you will be covering for that day. You might have to prepare some questions and conduct class tests on a regular basis. You will have to assess the tests as an addition to teaching.
Thank you!!!!
Simone
Shikha Singh
Netowork Consulting engineer
4
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Shikha’s Answer
Hi Simone,
You are in a phase of life where everything looks out of place but do what you like the most. At your age don't think which profession will pay you more money. According to me if you are good at what you do or enjoy your work you will reach great heights.
Shikha :)
You are in a phase of life where everything looks out of place but do what you like the most. At your age don't think which profession will pay you more money. According to me if you are good at what you do or enjoy your work you will reach great heights.
Shikha :)
Thank you!
Simone
Nina Bailey
PreK-12 Educator, 30+ years
14
Answers
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Updated
Nina’s Answer
Hi! I still remember thinking about which type of teaching field to go into, although that was 30 years ago! :) One thing that may help you answer that question is , "What am I truly passionate about and wish to help others with?" If it is helping students's emotions, it may be guidance or school social work; if you love helping others learn to read, you may want to consider a job in the literacy field; you mentioned ESL, which is high need area in which you will always have job opportunities. Teaching is a rewarding career if you really love working with people day in and day out; being a teacher can literally change someone's life, and it is so rewarding when that happens! To me, there is nothing quite like the thrill of helping children feel good about themselves and helping them believe they can become anything they wish to be. I hope that helps!
Pradeep Kumar Yadav
7
Answers
India
Updated
Pradeep Kumar’s Answer
Hello Simone
Go ahead with your area of interest. At this moment,Don't think that pay is more or less but make sure that you really want to be teacher. Sometimes we like some field as it seems to be an easy option. So first come out of comfort zone of easy or tough. Teaching doesn't mean that you have just one option - to teach students. Its about literature. If you opt this field i mean to teach English, In parallel think about other creative option in this field itself. Think about the way which will help student to learn better capture those ideas and start writing books and in fact you can try writing novels if you want to explore further. So in short it's not going to restrict your learning. You just need to identify your area of interest and master in that field.
Go ahead with your area of interest. At this moment,Don't think that pay is more or less but make sure that you really want to be teacher. Sometimes we like some field as it seems to be an easy option. So first come out of comfort zone of easy or tough. Teaching doesn't mean that you have just one option - to teach students. Its about literature. If you opt this field i mean to teach English, In parallel think about other creative option in this field itself. Think about the way which will help student to learn better capture those ideas and start writing books and in fact you can try writing novels if you want to explore further. So in short it's not going to restrict your learning. You just need to identify your area of interest and master in that field.
Hannah Dreibelbis
Technical Support Specialist
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Hannah’s Answer
Hi Simone,
Let me fill you in on a little secret - many adults are still unsure about their career, including me!
I was a teacher for 6 years and it was a great experience! There is nothing quite like helping students learn and grow. ESL teachers are so important and make an incredible impact on their students. There are definitely some pitfalls to this career, but you will learn many "people skills" as a teacher. You must be prepared, organized, patient, have great time management, etc..
If you decide you want to try something else (and that's okay) know that the skills you gain from teaching are invaluable. You will have a better understanding of how to work with people, manage your time, and stay organized. Many companies hire people who have these special skills.
Good luck! Remember, it's okay to change your mind and do what makes you happy.
Let me fill you in on a little secret - many adults are still unsure about their career, including me!
I was a teacher for 6 years and it was a great experience! There is nothing quite like helping students learn and grow. ESL teachers are so important and make an incredible impact on their students. There are definitely some pitfalls to this career, but you will learn many "people skills" as a teacher. You must be prepared, organized, patient, have great time management, etc..
If you decide you want to try something else (and that's okay) know that the skills you gain from teaching are invaluable. You will have a better understanding of how to work with people, manage your time, and stay organized. Many companies hire people who have these special skills.
Good luck! Remember, it's okay to change your mind and do what makes you happy.
David Loi
Casino Marketing Executive Host
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
David’s Answer
Well, the teaching career benefit is you only work about 9 to 10 months a years, the the remaining 2 months are vacation and addition to the teaching career is when student in school you are as well, when they are off technically you are as well. I see you are from Virginia so I google and this is what I found, the average Public School Teacher salary in Virginia is $57,500 as of year 2020, but the range typically falls between $50,000 and $66,500 depend on year of experiences plus the location or district you are teaching in.
If you are considering teach in a higher grade or level, you can start out as doing tutoring and gradually move into becoming a full time teacher.
A typical day for a teacher are first they should have a daily, weekly, and/or monthly teaching syllabus plan out for the school year, each daily day they teach something either from the textbook, self-made/plan, and etc. Some teacher would make things fun by creating or adding something to the teaching or grabbing the attention of the student.
If you are considering teach in a higher grade or level, you can start out as doing tutoring and gradually move into becoming a full time teacher.
A typical day for a teacher are first they should have a daily, weekly, and/or monthly teaching syllabus plan out for the school year, each daily day they teach something either from the textbook, self-made/plan, and etc. Some teacher would make things fun by creating or adding something to the teaching or grabbing the attention of the student.
Thank you!
Simone