The pay is OK, but the big plus is that there is no way to automate the job, or outsource it to India. If you are good, and can stomach the kids, you will have a job.
Teaching is great, and the greatest thing is to be able to close your door and be your own boss. Of course there is always a structure and requirements to conform.
However, there was one summer when three of us were standing on the sidewalk when a Police cruiser stopped and asked us how we were able to hang around during work hours. We told him we were all teachers, he laughed and drove off.
The sad part for me was not being able to stay a teacher through all the budget ups and downs. (and the dame union seniority system which has been the main problem all along.)