I followed my dreams in my career to be a teacher, and now I'm very miserable and unhappy. What should I do from here?

Hi there!

i can empathise a bit with your situation because I have been working as a teacher for almost all my working life.

i say almost because after working for 7 years as a teacher, I called it quits and ventured out into the media industry as a PR executive at the ripe old age of 33. I love writing and thought writing press releases and feature articles would be my cup of tea.

i quickly realised that while I love writing, writing on demand in front of the laptop is an entirely different beast. Really missed the interactivity of teaching and went back to teaching after my probation.

i never regretted taking this detour because it helped me appreciate teaching more

the only thing to find out if CS is for you is to take a risk and give it a shot. What’s 2-3 years of your life if it really leads you to something else you are passionate about? If it doesn’t work out, well you now know better and can return to teaching in some capacity or other. Life is less irreversible than we think.

if you have decided to stay on in teaching, read this book called designing your work life. It’s the sequel to designing your life as recommended by Vincy. Lotsa good insights and makes you feel that you are in control

all the best!

When you are burnt out, you will think anything else is better.

My suggestion is to take a small holiday (can be anything off from work, not necessarilyust be going overseas etc). What is the main reason why you love teaching?

Find the reason back. Think of whether it's able to be done by alternatives. Not necessarily must be from MOE. Tutoring? Etc? Or even under training and development?

I would say to capitliase whatever skills set you have learnt and continue to transfer them to your new job. That would help you to stay competitive in the market with less experience needed.

Read also http://limpehft.blogspot.com/ for inspiration.

Read this book. https://designingyour.life/the-book/

" I studied computer science in the past, because it was believed to be profitable, but dropped out after one year to pursue my passion: teaching. "

I think you made the right choice towards teaching.

Find out what is burning you out and try to resolve it.

Is usually all in your mind.

Time vs Money.

Unless your next option is really life changing, high chance the profitable dream from CS will not materialise and will make things worst for you.

Always embrace what is good around you (teaching is not a bad choice because good students will appreciate you) rather then chasing what you believe is good but in reality, CS is really tough.

Hope this helps in anyway. You know yourself Best!