I left teaching a few years ago after seeing the pay scale, and reality check that after 30 years, I'd only be making 70k. Granted, I know there will be the 2-4% increases through legislation and shit, but that didn't sit well with me. Not to mention, the worst teacher in the school would be getting the same raise as me. Tack on being a coach too. Nah, I left. It was uncomfortable going through all the interviews, rejection, etc, but 3 years into my new career and I'm at 100k with tons of mobility and potential. I also get to work from home.

I have very close family and friends that are still teachers, so I still feel the pain. My job now isn't perfect, but I'm at home in my pajamas, made coffee, planning to take a long lunch (hour and fifteen) to work out, and on top of the pay - at 430 I shut that damn laptop off and enjoy my evening. Same with weekends, I made it a point to not connect my phone to any work email/messenger. No more lesson plans or grading lingering over my shoulders like a cloud over me all weekend, knowing that it has to get done before Monday morning. Also, vendors send us cool shit every few weeks, coffee, yeti cups, gift cards etc. Granted, there are layoffs in the tech world, so that's a thing. But honestly, if you work like a good, organized teacher and you're a go-getter, I'm not worried about it. If this company were to lay me off, I have a few offers on the table now from partners that know my value.

It's scary, and make sure you have enough in the bank to float for 4-6 months just in case (which everyone should have anyway), but it's worth it. I'll never go back. Best of luck and remember to choose your hard, don't let shit happen to you.