A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:Hi there. I'm 29 an facing a dilemma which is not about dating, but thought maybe someone on here could help. I am going through a mid-life crisis (I believe). I am divorced with a 3 year old son, and have only worked part time in last few years (a demeaning and boring admin job) as I wanted flexible hours to be with my daughter. I have an English degree, but found it almost impossible to secure part-time employment in related professions. I worked previously (before my son's birth) as a report writer but left after 2 years, as the work was incredibly stressful and demanding. Hence, my self-esteem is as rock bottom, as parenting, in my experience, receives very little credit from society. I decided to re-train this year in another profession, but couldn't decide between a Grad Dip (secondary school), teaching English (1 year degree) or training as a Midwife (3 years). In the end, I decided on Midwifery, as I interested in health, and not really sure I am cut out to deal with a classroom full of teenagers every day. However, 6 months into the Midwifery course, I am having second thoughts and am tearing my hair out wondering what to do - leave and become and teacher, or stick out Midwifery for another 2.5 years and hope that I love it. The course is full-time, and although the subject matter is fascinating, the assignments etc combined with being a single mother add up to sheer exhuastion. The midwifes I have met all seem to enjoy their jobs, but so do most of the teachers! I'm sorry this isn't relationship focussed, but I'm not sure where else I can go to for advice. Any thoughts appreciated, thank you.
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male
reader, Harry Castle  +, writes (15 July 2009):
 I taught teenage boys for 20 years before I retired, and my best advice to you is - DON'T!
True, most of my intake were school-damaged failures with near-zero motivation, but without being rude, your country isn't too well known for its energetic and enthusiastic teens?
The pay isn't great, the rewards are few and you are looked upon as lazy, with all those holidays - why, goodness me, anyone can teach......or at least, that's the perception.
I won't go on and on here: if you want a more in-depth answer, mail me privately.
Harry.
A
male
reader, greg290352 +, writes (15 July 2009):
 Having spent 20 years teaching teenagers by advice would be to do almost anything else! I know the health area is very stressful too but school-teaching in general, and teenagers in particular, is an occupation to avoid at all costs.
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A
female
reader, pinktopaz  +, writes (15 July 2009):
Sometimes I have this problem too--when things get hard you want to quit or find something else. Don't underestimate yourself. Life isn't easy, but I think you should follow through with what you WANT to do and then be happy and take pride that you accomplished something. It would be nice to be able to snap your fingers and you'd have your degree or your dream job, but that's not how life is. Stick to it and finish!
As far as teaching teenagers, I couldn't do it either. They're at that age where they think that they know everything, can be defiant, and are just plain annoying. Follow your heart and finish what you started.
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