Career switch?

I'm kind of having a career dilemma and I would like some outside advice. Forewarning: this is a really long, rambling post of desperation.

I am currently working for my county's Sheriff's Office and for the most part, I enjoy what I do. The people I work with are fun and I do get a sense of pride that I'm serving the community. But, the administration has a habit of forgetting the "little people." As a result, our benefits suck, we only get 1% raise a year, which doesn't keep up with inflation/cost of living, they have adopted the attitude that you have to chose between your family or your career, plus there's no weekends or holidays. You can put in for a day off, but if there are not enough people to work that day, or people do not volunteer to cover your shift, your request is denied. And there is no room for growth. There are only four positions for sergeant, and one lieutenant. And none of those people are going anywhere anytime soon. And to top it all off - we get treated like crap by the citizens we serve and we get treated like crap by our administrators. I'm very sick of it. Plus, I feel frumpy! I know it's silly. But I wear the same thing every day (which cuts down on getting-ready time), but my hair is always up and I wear minimal makeup. I miss being girly and fashionable.

I graduated in December of 2006 with my BA in History and I had wanted to teach at the college level, until I learned what being a Ph.D. meant. I hate the idea that I'd be forced to research and publish like a fiend if I wanted to get anywhere in a university. So, I had considered teaching at the highschool/middle school level. But, at the time I was very burnt out from doing a 4 year degree in 3 years, going to school non-stop, and I just wanted to graduate and get working, so I could save up some money for my wedding (which is in 13 days, btw! Eep!)

Well, now that I have my BA and the wedding is all but over and I'm not burnt out on school anymore, I feel ready to go back and get my teaching certificate. I love the idea of teaching. I love history and passing that on to other people. Plus, the idea of getting holidays, weekends, and summers off is appealing. I would also get to dress up again, which is so shallow of me to say, but I like getting dressed up. Starting salaries for teachers is comparable to what I make now, with much less stress.

But my concern is that I will not be able to find a job teaching. I know the demand for Math/Science teachers is high, but not necessarily History/Social Studies teachers. So, do I take the time to go back for my teaching certificate and then run the risk of not finding a job? I mean, I wouldn't quit the job I have now until I actually found something, but that's another aspect to stress over ... working full time, while going back to school. Who knows how long that will take, plus the added stress ontop of an already very stressful job.

Has anyone else made a similar career switch? Any advice? I'm feel like I'm floundering here and I really need some perspective.

Thank you so much! Sorry this was so long.

I haven't experience a similar situation, but I do think you should really consider going back to school. It sounds as though you feel this job is taking you nowhere, and the cons seem to outweigh the pros. It sounds like you will be much happier if you can go back to school and pursue a new career. I don't think you should be worried about being able to find a job too much, but do prepare yourself for possibly having to move around in order to find one. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

Congratulations on your wedding!

oh, and don't feel shallow for wanting to dress up at all! There's nothing wrong with wanting to feel/look pretty.

Originally Posted by aplsmash /img/forum/go_quote.gif I haven't experience a similar situation, but I do think you should really consider going back to soon. It sounds as though you feel this job is taking you nowhere, and the cons seem to outweigh the pros. It sounds like you will be much happier if you can go back to school and pursue a new career. I don't think you should be worried about being able to find a job too much, but do prepare yourself for possibly having to move around in order to find one. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!
Congratulations on your wedding!

oh, and don't feel shallow for wanting to dress up at all! There's nothing wrong with wanting to feel/look pretty.

Thank you! I guess I just needed to hear some else's opinion and to reassure me that I'm not being wishy-washy or anything. I'm going to go see the advisor at my alma mater tomorrow, so hopefully she can point me in the right direction. I think the job I have now will be fine until I'm done with my certificate, and then it's off to better and brighter things.

I agree, definately change careers!

my sister is a teacher and in australia, there is targetted graduates, which is a program whereby the best students get offered a job straight out of university. Not sure if anything like that is offered where you live but definately check it out, they might have other programs.

It sounds like you'd be good at it so best of luck and let us know how you go!

UPDATE:

Well, I went and talked to my old advisor at my university and she was very happy to hear that I want to come back. We worked out a schedule so I can work full-time and go to school part time and get my certificate in two years (which is what I was thinking). Just knowing that I'm going after something that I really care about makes me happy, instead of feeling like I'm "stuck" in the job that is going downhill quickly.

Now I just have to apply to my university again and hope they let me come back.

I think you chose the right path... Nothing like languishing away in a job you don't enjoy.. My daughter is a junior in college going into teaching at the HS level and with a lot of the baby boomer aged teachers getting ready to retire its the perfet time to get in.. Imho... Plus you only work 9 months out of the year... How cool is that... Good luck and hope for the best!!

Karren