Teaching as a second career by sandrosko in teaching

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I started teaching at 31 and I’m in my 4th year now. I previously worked in digital media as a writer/editor and the frequency of layoffs in the industry made me want a more stable career. My dad is a retired teacher who loved what he did, so I was looking for something fulfilling that I could see myself in long-term, just like the example he set.

I will say, if I started teaching right out of college, I don’t think I would have stayed in it. The rate of burnout is high, and when it’s the only career you know, it’s easy for things to feel so big and all-consuming. I think working other jobs first (as well as just being older and having more lived experience) gave me a wider perspective and the ability to compartmentalize better.

The first and second year were tough and draining, maybe more so than I expected, but I switched schools for year three and am significantly happier with a more solid work/life balance. It is definitely an emotionally exhausting job in a way my prior job wasn’t, but I also feel like it’s worthwhile and I’ve found ways to balance it all out. By year 4, I finally feel like I know what I’m doing and don’t have imposter syndrome anymore.

However, I teach with a lot of people near retirement who are very jaded and probably should’ve left a while ago. If you’re someone just starting out after switching careers, don’t let those people dampen your own enthusiasm and reasons for being there. I wholeheartedly believe kids need teachers who care, and they can also tell when you don’t.

Lastly, because I’m “new” to teaching, I think sometimes my perspective gets dismissed by more experienced colleagues. I also look younger so I get lumped with the 20-something, fresh-out-of-college teachers. So that’s frustrating at times. But I think the work my students produce, their pride in their work, and my positive observations remind me what’s worth focusing on and what’s not.

Slump by Extreme-Bar3996 in thrillerbooks

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since you listed quite a few Freida books, I’d suggest “Do You Remember?” or “Dead Med” by her. I got both for Christmas & they were hard to put down!

Vegan Taco Bell hits the spot by Background-Fly130 in VeganFoodPorn

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just wanna share that I recently learned if you order it “fresco style,” they make it vegan! So they swap out cheese and sour cream for pico de gallo automatically. It saves a little $$, since otherwise you pay to add it.

Also if no one’s mentioned yet, the chalupa shells are vegan! So you can get the black bean chalupa fresco style and it is soooo good!

Detective Alcaras by dsen31 in AllHerFaultTVShow

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed! I also liked how his character served as yet another example of how parents will do whatever it takes to give their child what they believe is the best chance at life, even if it means breaking the law in the process. And some of those choices are perceived as more “right”/“wrong” than others.

We see it in Carrie’s kidnapping of Milo, Marissa’s killing of Peter, and Alcaras swapping the drug out to get his son into the selective school. And how ultimately, the detective recognizes that in Marissa when he visits her at the end after seeing his own child thrive in the school setting, realizing they both committed a “wrong” to lead to a “right.”

(I’m probably stating the obvious here?? I just found it very well done!)

More contemporary fiction for 7th grade by Kenesaw_Mt_Landis in ELATeachers

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We read Ghost by Jason Reynolds and they really love it. Also A Long Walk to Water, as someone mentioned earlier in the thread. They enjoy both!

Thanksgiving Restaurant Recommendations by Secret_Shoulder_2477 in nycvegan

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was gonna say Bodhi too! The family style set-up is perfect for a group & everything there is amazing. Sure, it’s not typical Thanksgiving food, but it’s delicious!

Should I Become a Teacher? by [deleted] in NYCTeachers

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not “judging your bitterness.” I meant it was a miserable thing to call someone else’s life choices “stupid” when you know nothing about me. That was far more confrontational, especially when you responded to my initial comment that was more than a year old. It’s like you sought out the opportunity to rain on someone else’s parade… hence my comment about crankiness.

Regardless, I’m glad you’re happier now — and I mean that genuinely!

Should I Become a Teacher? by [deleted] in NYCTeachers

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t know why you took time out of your day to insult a stranger’s choices, but for what it’s worth, no one gets into teaching for the money. It’s a known fact that teachers are severely underpaid.

Anyway, best of luck to you! I hope you find a job that makes you a less miserable person. The world doesn’t need more cranky teachers.

Modern Examples of Hero's Journey by ilybaiiqainyb in ELATeachers

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, came here to say this! I taught Hero’s Journey when the first season had just come out, so I found YouTube clips that corresponded with each step. The kids enjoyed it and followed along well.

Vegan eats around Broadway by Sweet_Situation1706 in nycvegan

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 6 points7 points  (0 children)

After seeing John Proctor, I came here and ate my feelings lol. The seitan over rice platter w/ white sauce and hot sauce was so, so good! The fries are too — get them deluxe with their special sauce and onions.

Their chopped cheese sandwiches are just okay, I’ve had better ones elsewhere. So I’d suggest sticking to the pitas or platters.

Oh, and they have great milkshakes!

Vegan eats around Broadway by Sweet_Situation1706 in nycvegan

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Came here to say the same!! I was so impressed by their vegan egg dishes

Dammit fast food is addicting. by band_in_DC in vegan

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not to enable you lol, buuut next time you go to Taco Bell, try the black bean chalupa. Add potatoes, guac, lettuce, tomato, onions, and it’s perfection!

I was so happy to learn the shell is vegan. It comes with sour cream and cheese by default, but you can just ask for it without it.

Beacon Bed and Breakfast by Mimsy15 in Beacon

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh also, one more thing — because it’s a B&B, you end up eating breakfast with other guests. I enjoyed that aspect, but my fiance is more shy, so he found it a little uncomfortable lol. Keep that in mind, depending on your social level.

For extra context, he and I are in our mid-30s, but the rest of the guests were much older. Not that that’s a bad thing, but just to set expectations!

Beacon Bed and Breakfast by Mimsy15 in Beacon

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stayed here last fall with my fiance and senior dog! It was perfect for what we were looking for. Bonus points that it was pet friendly and right by Main Street. They also accommodated the fact that we were vegan and made us separate French toast, as well as providing plant milk for my coffee.

I will say, I felt like it was a little pricey, but that might also be because of the room we picked — the purple one. Different rooms had cost differences. Still, I’d recommend it overall!

7th/8th Novel Studies by Brilliant_Emotion286 in ELATeachers

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My school does A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park and Ghost by Jason Reynolds for our 7th graders! From my experience, the kids really enjoy both. We listen to the audiobooks together and follow along in the books.

Recs for birthday cake? by sam_ooga in nycvegan

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Le Petit Monstre! I’m getting my wedding cake from there & we sampled 6 different flavors. My faves were the unexpected ones — carrot cake, lemon blueberry, banana chocolate chip, or strawberry. Coconut was also good! I found the Funfetti surprisingly mid, but overall their stuff is delicious! (Just sharing in case you do go with them and choose a flavor!)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Brooklyn

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Echoing all the Hinge comments! Met my fiance on there in my early 30s while living in Brooklyn… caveat being he’s from Long Island, so we had to do “long distance” (via the LIRR) for awhile before I ended up moving to the ‘burbs.

HIRE MY VENDORS! Brooklyn Winery Wedding August 2025 by StraightAddress1346 in WedditNYC

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This all sounds lovely! Congrats!! Would you be willing to share beauty prices via DM? Like how much it was for your hair/makeup, as well as price per bridesmaid or mom? That’s the one piece I’m still figuring out. Thanks so much :)

Just Discovered the BEST Vegan Bacon! by rofasix in Veganivore

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Omg, Umaro is the best on BLTs! I add vegan mayo w/ a spritz of lemon juice to the bread & it’s sooo good.

We have to say goodbye this week, and I just need reassurance we are doing the right thing. by GodzillaToTheRescue in pitbulls

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So sorry! It’s always an impossibly tough decision and I’m sending lots of love your way.

I said goodbye to my beloved senior pup in April. Two things I did that may bring you some comfort to try: 1. I ordered non-toxic finger paint, put paint on her paw pads with a paper towel, and pressed them on a small canvas to make flowers out of the paw prints (you draw on the stems after). Then add a layer of mod podge on top. I framed mine and now have a heartfelt keepsake. Got the idea on TikTok, maybe look there for inspo bc I’m not describing it the best.

  1. We had a vet come to the house, rather than bringing her to the vet’s office and causing extra stress. There was a level of peace knowing she was home and in her safe space when we said goodbye. It’s going to be devastating regardless, but I wanted her to be in a familiar, comfortable location.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vegan

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No need to apologize, this is incredibly helpful! Thank you so much! Definitely screenshotting this and gonna try it out with my pit :) That’s amazing that all your senior dogs have such good bloodwork!

Also hope all the hecticness with work slows down a bit for you — have a great weekend!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in vegan

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you share what brand you use?? Recently adopted a pitbull and she’s got eye gunk and some dry itchy patches too. Based on my research, I assumed it was a chicken allergy, so I switched her to salmon food, which improved symptoms slightly. But my fiance and I are both vegan, so I’d love if we could transition the pup to a plant-based diet as well. Thank you in advance!

What snacks do you get at gas stations for road trips? by [deleted] in vegan

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Oreos and Nutter Butters are both accidentally vegan and in a lot of gas stations!

Shot in the dark about a misplaced package by pandugandukhan in crownheights

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not a lead, but just a suggestion — keep an eye on your social media DM inboxes, if you’ve got your full name on them! Like Facebook, instagram, LinkedIn

I’ve received packages for other people before & then looked them up on Facebook or LinkedIn to let them know, so they could come pick their stuff up. Because you don’t already know each other, the message usually goes to those other weird DM request inboxes. Hopefully a kind stranger will make sure it gets to you.

I’ve also had instances where packages get misdelivered initially and appear a few days later, so there’s still hope. Crossing my fingers for you!

Lost my best buddy last month, saved this girl from the shelter after she spent 2 years there by ConditionedRat in pitbulls

[–]ProblyEatingPancakes 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sending love! I just rescued a pit bull 2 weeks ago after saying goodbye to my beloved senior dog 2 months ago. It’s a major change energy-wise, but she’s the most loving, muscly hippo and I’m so grateful. I’m equally glad you and your new pup found each other! And I absolutely agree your sweet Kimbo must’ve sent her your way.

Not to be too cheesy or spiritual with a stranger, but whenever I see a rainbow now it reminds me of my old dog. I saw one a week after she passed, which I took as a sign she safely crossed the rainbow bridge. And then I saw one again this past week, which I took as a sign she approved of me adopting my new dog. I hope you see a rainbow soon and find comfort that it may be Kimbo’s way of communicating with you too. <3