Why I chose this job!

1. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a psychologist, because I love to listen to people talk. But when I realized I like to talk more than I like to listen, I wanted to be a teacher.

2. Did you ever pursue that career?
After a little detour with a few road blocks, I am finally a teacher.

3. If you are not in that field, what changed?
I am finally in this field after a few years of maneuvering to make it work.

4. What is your current job?
I am learning support teacher at York County School of Technology. I teach English and reading.

5. What’s the best part of what you do?
I love the structure. I know what is expected of me and I have a very set schedule with freedom in between that schedule. But I think what I love the most are the students. I really enjoy seeing them try to learn and breaking through their bad habits.

6. Do you have plans to do something else down the road?
Maybe teach a different subject or level, but I never want to leave teaching.

7. How did you get your present job? If you are a stay at home mom, how long did you need to plan that move?
my husband and I made the decision for me to quit my full time job as a food writer to start my master's and certification in Special education. In the meantime, I would substitute teach. I ended up subbing in the school's ES class run by the IU. After 5 weeks of that, I was moved to work with the school's learning support staff as a long-term sub. And, I was hired full-time after not making any major mistakes!

8. Did your parents influence your choices of jobs over the years?
Not really. My mom always encouraged me to go to college, but never pushed me in any certain direction. I am sure her creativity has been passed onto me.

9. What advice would you give your children on careers?
You don't have to make 6 figures to be happy. Find something that you love to do and a schedule you can keep. Your job has to feel rewarding and it has to be bearable more than it is unbearable.