And you don't often when you are. BUT you do have flexibility at certain times of the year that maybe others don't, maybe. I always do admire self-employed individuals and make sure that I frequent their businesses.
You are employed in a profession that factors many things into the actual monies paid. Part of that consideration is the amount of time that you HAVE OFF. When that is factored (time working v. wages), the income for the average teacher PER HOUR, PER DAY, or any other way to figure it, is way too high for too many people!
That's news to me actually. When I figure the ACTUAL time (outside time that I DON'T get paid for) I put in combined with teaching time, the wage is much less than $10 an hour. I'm sure that yours is too with all the time you put in. Actually, here it's JUST the teaching time and contract days figured in, nothing else. The same could be said for MANY other professions too.
To any reasonable layperson, it is easy enough to understand. Most of us have a 52 week calendar on our walls! Most of us have a day or two off for Christmas. Most of us don't whine so much!
Lots of people whine about something. I don't like teachers whining either, but it's not confined to them. My next door neighbor whined about not being able to go on four vacations two years ago (never mind that last year they went to Florida, CA, Las Vegas, and a few other places). Another lady with a 10 thousand square foot house complained about not being able to pay her mortgage. There's some around here who complain about that their 4000 square foot houses aren't big enough. It's funny that it is sometimes those with the most that complain the most. Complaining is just in many of our natures today I guess.
I am thankful for what I have. I didn't have a car full-time until 2 years ago. There is NO ONE more thankful to have a car than me. I can get to where I need to go. I don't need the latest sportscar. My little Neon works just fine.
I have no pity for whiners. If you don't like what you are doing, or you think you can do better, change jobs, or change professions. Self-employment gives the greatest financial compensation, and allows you to take control of your time for yourself. Just remember that your time spent working will increase exponentially, if you wish to be successful!
Good statements and good advice. I don't have ANYTHING to complain about as a teacher. I actually have a dream job right now. I still do fall into that trap of complaining, but I'm trying to do better. Yes, the more I teach, the more time I spend at it. But sometimes it's all worth it. I had a parent last year who went around to a bunch of parents and got letters from them about how "good" I was as a teacher. She presented me those in a notebook. Such was worth MORE to me than a whole year's pay. This year she's nominating me for some big award. I really don't care whether I get it or not, but I do appreciate this parent more than anyone could know. That's why I try to compliment others as much as I can. Others need to know that their efforts are much appreciated.
I respect ANY person who works hard with integrity and a good attitude in ANY profession (well maybe, except the "oldest" profession:). You sound like one of those. I am trying to be. Heck, I'd teach for free if they paid me enough:).
The kids would see that the parents care. It seems that many immigrant families from Asia make sure the home work is done, the kid is not hanging out, getting into trouble, etc. Their kids often end up well schooled with graduate degrees at the better universities.