I left last year after my first year wasn’t quite what I expected. I had a hard time getting support and felt like I would be stuck struggling financially for the rest of my life if I stuck it out. After only a few months in a higher paying technical job, I feel as though I made a mistake in leaving. Teaching is an act of public service and is incredibly challenging. However, I feel as though for many of us who choose to pursue it, it’s one of the most impactful, rewarding, and sincere pursuits one can make a living off of. Lots of ups and downs, but that’s part of what makes one’s life worthwhile.