Possibly a career change

Question

I have been a Spanish Teacher for 14 years now, mostly at the high school level and I no longer feel the love and passion for my job that I once had. It may have something to do with the fact that in the first 5 years of my career I was repeatedly laid off and had to start over again but I tried to never let it get me down. I spent 8 years in a position which I eventually really enjoyed but then decided to make a change because I was commuting an hour plus to get to that school and I just couldn’t do it anymore. I switched to a closer school but it came with a pay cut. During that first year last year I was able to continue to live with my parents and pay off my college loan debt (in just 13 years- I’ve had a second job my entire teaching career) and this past August I was able to move out on my own as well as continue in my current school and position. Some other drama has occurred this school year that has affected my life and has made me seriously rethink what I’m doing. I guess the question is, what could I possibly do now?? I’m 36 years old and have a BA in Spanish and don’t know what direction I should go.

obe · Answer

Seems to me that you’re still in the prime of your life with a demanding degree - bilingual as well - so you’re far ahead of someone whose world is crashing around them with no raft to stay afloat. There always will be ‘drama’  surrounding us, whether personal or public, so we either learn from it and move on or succumb to it.  Hope you realize your potential and stay strong.

Lisa Fore · Answer

have you thought of opening your own business as a translator?

Anonymous · Answer

It seems to me if you are bilingual in Spanish, I was thinking you could look for a position with a company that works in Spanish speaking companies as a translator. I am like you in that I was laid off repeatedly in my first 5 years and yes it did leave a very sour taste in my mouth. However, I did go and get a 2nd master's degree in a critical shortage area while I was working. The results were, I was never laid off again.  .To make this long story shorter, I keep on thinking what if I went and got a different master's not in education but in something else instead of the master’s I got. BUT since your degree in language- Spanish is more transferable. I would look into being a translator. This is a global economy now and companies do work with Spanish speaking companies and need someone who can translate. If I am not mistaken to get your Spanish certification- didn’t you need to live a Spanish speaking country for 6 months? That is what I would put on resume. Rewrite your resume, keep working as normal and go on these interviews until you are hired and leave.  DO NOT TELL anyone of your plans or dissatisfaction with this current position. Many people leave education because they have had enough of the BS. If you have enough sick days take them to work on your resume or go on interviews.  It sounds like you need some mental health days but watch how many you take. You need some for the interviews you will be going on. I never got to that point but I did get pretty close. I know how you feel. Since this is February, start writing your resume for industry. Find a someone who has made the transition from  school setting to business setting and talk to them.  Ask them how they changed their resume from school setting to business. Go to the library and find books on how to do this. Best of Luck!!! I sincerely hope you make the change. Another thing to consider is your retirement and health insurance. When I worked I got retirement and insurance. Today these things are not offered. I feel today's teacher' are not paid enough either for the education , treatment and incidents that occur. So yes go ahead and look. Remember to look at retirement and health insurance. I know right now, it doesn't really mean anything but believe me those years start flying by and before you now it, it will be your time to retire.

Possibly a career change

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