I’m a talker. I’m a sharer, as previously acknowledged. I’m an “experience the world through reliving it verbally” kind of person.

So it’s very strange, but I just haven’t really wanted to talk about my new job as a teacher very much.

Seriously. I come home from work and I tackle Jeremy and we cuddle and we laugh and I mention vaguely that my day was difficult, stressful, and exhausting with a few tremendously rewarding moments in between… and that is about as much as I want to say about it.

I think this is because I feel like I’ve hit by a train of newness and my experiences are splattered all over the concrete while my body fumbles dazedly to collect these experiences up again and piece them back together.

What’s greater than a deer in the headlights? Would describing myself as a moose in the headlights make my message clear enough? Do you understand the impact of my new job yet?

Teaching feels a little bit like a train hit a moose. But like… in a good way.

FTR: I know I’m at least not totally alone, and I am grateful for my friends who are honest enough to admit that we are taking on something quite challenging. I quote my friend Stuart who said in a recent blog, “Being a teacher is probably one of the hardest things EVER. Do people actually stay in this career for more than five years?? I believe there are few professions that are as stressful or exhausting (at least for how much teachers get paid).”

 
And then my friend Megan, who wrote, “When I tell people that teaching middle school is hard, they sometimes look shocked, as though they think I don’t respect the importance of my job. Teaching is gratifying, yes, but it would be an absolute lie to say it’s not tiring, frustrating, and disheartening. Should I not be honest when people ask how I’m liking school?”

I need you know that I feel committed to and challenged by my job in way that is giving my life purpose and direction. I have every shred of optimism that I will love everything about my job momentarily. It is likely that you will probably be very sick of hearing about my job eventually.

 But at present, I am taking a moment to simply process. 
 
Make way people. Moose Crossing.
 
 
 

  1. Sep 04, 2012
    Sierra

    I found myself nodding through this entire thing. Keep going. Just keep going.
    At least, that's what people keep telling me.

    Reply
  2. Sep 04, 2012
    Brittany

    I'm terrified of teaching, which is why I like to hear from people who are brave enough to do it. Can't wait to hear more.

    Reply
  3. Sep 05, 2012
    Kristin

    I totally understand! I'm an experience the world by reliving it out loud kind of person too – but some things are just too much to immediately regurgitate! Teaching is such a demanding, overwhelming, rewarding career – you are an inspiration! Hang in there girl…

    Reply
  4. Sep 05, 2012
    Erin

    You're doing great Sierra! I can't imagine being thrown into your own classroom your first year. Good for you for taking the challenge! Keep it up! You're amazing 🙂

    Reply