Community
Yesterday, I witnessed yet another coworker leave the profession. This has become commonplace in recent years.
“It’s not worth it anymore.” “I’m willing to try ANYTHING else.” “Teaching isn’t what I thought it would be.”
I’ve heard these things from fellow teachers again and again. And trust me, I get it. I’ve thought about leaving this job more than once. The thought of never having to deal with a disgruntled parent, or discipline an angsty preteen, or attend another staff meeting ever again — it’s very tempting. I often think my stress levels would be lower and my work-life balance would be better elsewhere.
However, as someone who’s worked in quite a few other professions besides teaching, I also know that the grass is often greener on the other side. Plus, it may be an unpopular opinion — but I do love my teaching job.
Why I Continue Teaching
My #1 reason to continue teaching, even when it gets tough?
My work matters.
Not every profession has the same feeling of fulfillment. Carrying the pressure and weight of my students’ educational well-being can be heavy, BUT I also know that what I’m doing carries a lifelong impact. As someone who often questions my purpose, THIS is what keeps me going on the hard days. My work as a teacher will always matter.
If you’re looking, there are a million and one reasons that make teaching a difficult profession — especially in 2026. I’ve been teaching for 10+ years, and certain parts of the job have only gotten more challenging as the years pass. The teacher workload is greater than ever. Student behavior has declined and our ability to discipline is lessening. There are new demands each year with growing technology and a push for more challenging curriculum.
Even then, I’d still argue that the pros outweigh the cons in my eyes.
I get to be creative every day.
Besides making a difference, there are so many other reasons that keep me in the classroom. Where else can I tap into this level of creativity? There’s not much I love more than a freshly decorated classroom, or a cute teacher outfit. Have you ever orchestrated a group art project? Or published a class book of poetry and illustrations? These are the things that set my heart for teaching on fire. I love channeling my inner creativity while also showing my students just HOW to cultivate theirs.
My coworkers and I are truly a TEAM.
Then there’s the community. My coworkers and I are truly a TEAM. I’ve got their backs and they’ve got mine. There’s a special bond between teachers and anyone who works in education. We share a common goal and have the power to uplift each other daily. That sense of community in the workplace is irreplaceable. I know every teaching environment isn’t created equally, but once you’ve found supportive admin and good-as-gold teacher friends, it’s hard to let go.
Witnessing students grow and thrive is MAGIC.
Then there’s the students. Witnessing students grow and thrive within the span of a year is magic. Getting to know these students and ultimately help them find their “thing” and hone their strengths is so very special. Their individuality is what makes my job different every day; no two school years will ever be the same. The students bring the variety to the classroom, and it keeps my job interesting. They are, in my opinion, the best reason to keep teaching.
Having the summer, winter, spring breaks and holidays is AMAZING.
Moving on to the practical side of things — I love having the summer, winter, spring breaks and holidays. The schedule is a huge plus for me as a teacher-mom who doesn’t have to find childcare when my kids are out of school. Aside from professional development days, we get to spend that time together. Plus, the schedule is *mostly* predictable. In a world full of shift work, “on-call” jobs, and commission pay — I am thankful for my same-ole Monday-Friday grind & consistent paycheck. I’d be lying if I said the schedule wasn’t a huge flex that keeps my feet firmly planted in the classroom.
There’s job security and stability.
This may sound boring — but I find comfort in the job security. There’s a high demand for educators just about everywhere. I know this isn’t the cool, risky advice of “follow your wild dreams, life is too short, quit your day job, etc,” BUT teaching provides me with a level of security that allows me to explore, adventure, and take risks in OTHER areas of my life instead. For that stability, I am grateful.
There will always be space to complain about and challenge the realities of teaching in this day and age. Those who choose to leave this profession in hopes of something better are valid in their decision, and I wish them the best. I can’t say whether my decision to continue teaching is the wisest life path for myself, or if I’m missing out. However, I KNOW what I have where I’m at — and I’m content.
I’m a teacher who plans to continue teaching; I won’t get rich, or be stress-free, or become famous…but I know that, without a doubt, I will surely make a difference.
