gregorygarver.com

ismeltarat · Joined: 21 Nov 2005 Posts: 2

I have a degree in Music Education, and am completely burned out by teaching. My previous job was eliminated due to enrollment issues (elementary school), and I am starting to despise teaching at the middle school level - no, teaching in general. I have no heart left to give to this profession, but I have no other options since my degree is so specific. I have two young children I would love to spend more time with, so I need something that is also flexible. I took a real estate course, but the market for that right now is extremely volatile. Any ideas?For those who are curious, I have a strong desire to get out of any kind of teaching, whether it be a traditional classroom, such as what I am doing now, or tutoring. My first year of teaching was in a parochial school, which was the worst experience I have ever had. I have been in a public school system for the past several years. My major was music, and my minor was education; hence the degree in music education.

boscowood · Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

Start Learning !!!!

arlanymor · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Posts: 5

A driving instructor

ENIGMAVSMYTH · Joined: 28 Nov 2005 Posts: 6

JOIN THE ARMY!

cowboysfan · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Posts: 3

Since your degree is in music, can you give private lessons?

JoeC · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 5

Try to start a business with low start-up costs, of some sort, perhaps some sort of service you could perform. Also, you might consider sales of some type, perhaps with a salary and commission.You might want to use your credentials to start some local or online courses or classes of your own, and possibly get some teachers in other areas to help out for various, different subjects.I believe that if you play your cards right, you could get your own enterprise going. Think about this and let your ideas flow.Ultimately, most people should strive to have their own business as opposed to working at jobs.

lillybreeze · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Posts: 2

That's really sad that you are so burned out on a profession that used to be, I assume, something that you loved. Talk with a career counselor at the local college, or think about working with autistic children (unless you are truly too burned out). Or give private lessons at home.

TheShekinah · Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 4

Hmm, could you give private music lessons? I know that would still be teaching, but it would be a bit different since it's one-on-one. Also, you could have your students come to your house, and that way you could spend more time with your children. I took private piano lessons for about eight years, and it really had a positive impact on me Smile

Good luck!

mommanuke · Joined: 10 Dec 2005 Posts: 3

First, I would ask if you have tried teaching in a private school. The whole experience can often be totally different from public schools. But if that's not an option, I'm afraid your opportunities are kind of limited. You might try getting on at a university that has a music library. And I don't know what your minor was, but would that open any doors to you? Sometimes the best way to find something is by networking. Sometimes, if you read the want ads in sections you would not normally consider, you'll see something you could fit into. If you can think of something your previous education and experience would make you qualified for, you can try signing up with an employment agency or putting your resume on job sites like Monster.com. Good luck!

Zig · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 4

You should tutor. You can set your own hours. Get real business minded. Combine business with the skills that you already have. Get creative. Maybe tutor groups up to 8 to 10 at a time, a mini band or orchestra or something. Charge each kid $9 to $10 / hour for large groups. For one on one charge $30 to $40+.

Deb · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 4

You are not alone. I have friends who also decided that they didn't want to teach and that was soon after getting their diploma. I suggest that you do a bit of brain-storming and write a list of activities and interests that you enjoy and then look up careers on the internet and see if there is anything there that could use what is on your list. You could also speak to a career counsellor. They are trained in that sort of thing. Perhaps you could even be a career counsellor if that interests you. Ultimately, though, the final decision has to be yours.

Nicky · Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 3

Do you think you could handle teaching in a one on one setting? You can always tutor. Otherwise maybe moving up to adult learning level would help the issue. My mother in-law is a English teacher living in Israel. She was teaching elementary and was close to losing it. Finished her masters and stated teaching at college level and is much much happier. The only other thing I can think of using your background would be in Occupational therapy maybe, not sure what further educational requirements you'd need. Once again a very specific field but having more skills never hurt anyone.

carly · Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 2

Many teachers have your same dilemna . Some go to private schools. The money isn't as good but often times the hours are more flexibile and there aren't as many restraints as offered by the state regulated public school sysytem. Don't rule out big business. You have a degree and most have training programs now before you actually begin work. So, think about an employment agency. Sit down with a counselor there and see what's out there . It might just be time to ditch music altogether and be trained in another entirely new field. One of my neighbors was a school counselor and is now a computer programmer. Good luck.

flossiedots · Joined: 22 Dec 2005 Posts: 5

Start a band.Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.Yes, I am a teacher (though I also DO)

MizD · Joined: 24 Dec 2005 Posts: 4

Do you live in the USA? Have you thought about working for your state government? Try the Texas Health and Human Services job search. You might be surprised at the jobs available. Or look at the OKDHS.org/careers site for state jobs in Oklahoma. You would still be working full-time but vacation time and sick leave time is generous for working parents. The pay isn't that great benefits make up for it. I recently retired from a state government job. I was personally acquainted with several ex-teachers who became social workers, did music therapy for the developmentally disabled or did something entirely different from what they had received a degree.