A Reader Writes... (Yes, I Know the Hours are Long - Part 3)

In response to the post, “Yes, I Know the Hours are Long,” a teacher writes:

So if you have children at home that you are have to leave with a babysitter, when they reach school age will they act out and have behavioral problems because their mommy or daddy were never at home with them when they were awake?

SC Response

Again, my argument is that effective teachers work a lot of hours. As do effective lawyers, doctors, accountants and entrepreneurs. It seems to be a hallmark of being considered a profession.

My work (avocation) is to make the long hours that teachers put in as effective and efficient as possible.

The individual has to decide if the profession can co-exist with the family life that he or she desires. This same decision applies to any job or profession. Which brings me back to my avocation / vocation premise. If teaching is your avocation, the intrinsic rewards offset the hours, stress and time away from family. If it is your vocation, the extrinsic rewards can be considered low and the intrinsic rewards mean little.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...