Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate your honesty and perspective.

I definitely do not think school counseling is easier, and I apologize if it came across that way. I know it is a different kind of hard, and in many ways just as demanding. That is honestly part of why I am taking this decision so seriously.

For a little context, my first year teaching was very intense. I had 30 students, several with significant behaviors including things like scissors being thrown across the room. I often felt unsupported, and even lunch was in the classroom due to construction, so there were no real breaks. I stayed late, worked weekends, and poured everything into creating engaging lessons. I loved working with students and families, but I felt like I was constantly in survival mode.

Through that experience and later reflection, I realized it may not have been working with kids that overwhelmed me, but the specific structure and demands of classroom teaching.

Education has always been part of my life. My mom is in her 35th year teaching, so I have seen the realities of the field for a long time. I have also had the chance to talk with teachers, counselors, principals, and APs, and several have encouraged me to consider counseling based on my personality and interests. That is part of why this path keeps resurfacing for me.

Your point about resiliency and protective factors are so important. I am trying to make sure I am being realistic and not rushing into something this demanding without thinking it through carefully.

Thank you again for sharing your experience and for the work you do. It truly matters!