But there was a lot I didn't like. I didn't like that I had been teaching for 5 years and never got a raise (but did get a pay cut, thanks again Rick Scott). I didn't like that my job was impossible without my monetary contributions. I didn't like the politics, the women, the budget cuts, the bull. There was so much about it that I didn't like, that it completely eclipsed the small parts that I did like, and without even knowing it, I became the curmudgeon I never liked and never imagined I would become.
I decided it was time to make a change, and I ventured into a career I knew little about and was scared I would hate, but I struck gold. I got hired by one of the best companies anyone could ever work for, and, despite all my fears, despite leaving a career that I spent my whole life dreaming about, I love my job. I work at a place that believes in me. A place that respects my life outside of work (I actually have one of those now!!!). A place that sees my potential, and is willing to take risks by betting on me. When I started working with my company 2 years ago, I was making the exact same amount I was teaching. Two years later, I've gotten 4 promotions, bonuses, hundreds of dollars in prizes (just for doing my job! And no, I don't sell anything or have commission!), and $15,000 in raises. $15,000... that's a lot of money in raises in just 2 years, and they're not done with me yet. They have me in a developmental role where they're focusing on developing my skills with the intention of promoting me to the big leagues in the next 14-24 months.
Switching careers was the best decision I ever made. I'm a totally different person. I have happy stories to tell, and pleasant topics of conversation. I have the time and the money to have fun with my friends and have adventures. My entire outlook on life is different, and it's rather shocking. For a while, I felt like I was waiting for the glow to wear off. I was waiting for the lover's glow to fade, and to become the curmudgeon again. But I realize now why that hasn't happened. When you spend 40+ hours a week in complete misery, it's hard to be anything but miserable for the rest of your hours during the week. Now, no job is 100% paradise or they wouldn't pay you to go there, but when your job is 80-90% pleasant, it's a lot easier to be pleasant when you leave. And when you leave and there is still time left in your life to live, and you don't have to continue working off the clock, and you have a little extra in your pocket, it's a whole lot easier to be happy.
The craziest thing is, this happiness must be apparent because people I barely know, people who I taught with, are contacting me like crazy. They heard that I got out and actually made it. That I got out and not only survived, but thrived, and they want to know if they can too. And it's not uncommon. I know of several former teachers in my office alone. I guess the point of all this rambling is, if you're unhappy, you can fix it. You don't have to stay miserable. You are not stuck anywhere, with anyone, or doing anything. Find the source of your unhappiness and get rid of it, no matter how scary that thought may be. Take a leap because it's worth it. That one change may just change your entire outlook on life. Take a chance because happiness is worth it.
