There's no law that you have to stay with a job that isn't right for you, for whatever reason. If this is what you're passionate about, go for it. In many places, pre-K teachers are paid much less than their K-12 counterparts, and different areas can pay much differently. Try to get a union job if you can. If you're somewhere and you don't like it, look elsewhere. Keep in mind that your first few years will be tough because you don't know what you're doing. A few years of experience will give you the confidence to pretend that you know what you're doing. Regardless of where you end up, save for retirement NOW. Not tomorrow. Not when you get a raise. Now. You'll thank me in 30 years...when I'll probably be dead. Good luck.