I am officially resigned...

I "was" a teacher in the Department of Education for almost 7 years.

I started my Childcare Leave over 8 years ago, when Nicholas was born.

Now, my youngest son (Joey) turns 5 next week...and my leave was over.

I had to call the DOE today and officially resign.

It's so bittersweet. I worked SO hard for SO many years getting my Bachelor's, Master's, and 30 above (like a double Master's degree).

I figured maybe one day I will return to teaching, but probably in a Nursery School on LI so I can be home when my children get out of school. So, in that case, I would have needed to resign from the DOE anyway.

Still...

I don't know...I'm kind of sad. I mean...I feel blessed that I can stay home, but still I feel I kinda let myself down. I wish I could do it all. Guess not.

Thanks for letting me sigh.

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That must have been tough. I don't have kids yet but I can only imagine the torn feeling. I hope your spirits get uplifted.

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You work hard every day to give the children that you have the environment that you want....THAT, in itself is a HUGE accomplishment.

One day, you will go back and kick *** at the DOE, on your terms

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you will work when you are ready to work. don't think of your degree as wasted...think of it as potential.

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Jobs will always come and go, but the experience and education you've received BELONG to you, they don't disappear due to unemployment - be it by choice or by circumstance!!!!

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I';m sure that was really hard to do - but you always have your degrees and you'll use them again when you're ready. You're a great mom!

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Bittersweet indeed.. but congratulations and onward!!

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It will always be there for you to go back to.

I too work for the DOE. And as much as I love what I do- if I could take a leave now I would. There is so much upheaval and the mayor and chancellor have zero respect for us. As much as I try not to bring it home, I do. And I put up with it at the expense of time I'd rather have with my kid. Hopefully when you are ready to go back, the climate will be better. So enjoy your kids and your life- you deserve it!

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My two older children are grown now and I do wish I was there more for them growing up. Since you have the circumstances you did the best thing. You will have no regrets later. You can be proud of yourself for all your accomplishments with your career and motherhood. And you can always go back when they are older.

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Work will always be there. Your children grow up so fast, enjoy them!

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Thanks, everybody.

I am literally sitting here with tears streaming right now.

You are all so right. I am glad I can do this for my children. And I do love being a SAHM (sometimes... ), but thinking back to when I was teaching, sometimes I truly miss it.

And thinking back to writing my thesis (110 pages on how children learn through play ); all the classes/ tests/ papers; all the $$; all the time; ugh... I know I still have my permanent certification and can one day re-enter the system. But still...I'm left with this feeling of..."now what?"

I think my DH feels I am like this that I resigned. He tells me he doesn't, and that he knows I feel bad/ sad/ sorry for myself. But deeeep inside, I think he thinks I am . Annoying.

But thank you, everyone. You all helped me to see that I made the right choice.

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As for the "what do I do now"- your kids will benefit so much from your background- that is wonderful! And if you still want to keep a toe in, try looking into your area's continuing ed programs- many of them are often looking for people to teach. You could probably design some great classes for parents OR kids. My town's CE has a few great classes for little ones- I've done a few with DD and they are a lot of fun.

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You are and always will be a teacher to your two little guys.

When people ask me who my favorite teacher was I always say my mom and dad and they still are.

Message edited 5/25/2010 2:57:10 PM.

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You are very lucky to be able to stay home with those beautiful boys of yours. Enjoy your time with them and return to work when the tiem is right. They'll always remember this time you're spending with them!

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You can always find work down the road- being with your children-
PRICELESS Still tough call to make- but I think you did the right thing.

Trust me, I am still working and wish we could move. I am done with education- 2 masters degrees later, I just can't take the cutbacks anymore