3rd Year of Teaching, Last Day of School

Last Thursday, (the last day of school), I was talking with a co-teacher, and we were sharing and reflecting on some of the struggles we had with some students we had worked with over this year. No sooner had we started talking about it, that she then prompted us to only use initials, as she had heard about people getting fired over talking about students in a negative manner. After mulling over this conversation, I became slightly annoyed. Not with her, but with the systemic expectations put on teachers. If I worked any other normal job, I would be able to vent about my frustrations, which is healthy!

The more I think about it, in these terms the more passionate I become about financial independence. If I were in a position to not have to rely on a paycheck, I would feel more comfortable speaking my mind. Get fired for talking about something horrible a student did or said? So be it. I would be fine. I would not be supporting a system that values the parents’ perception of their children over the mental sanity of an undervalued career.

This is what FIRE is about. Be financially independent, be able to retire early, all while loving your life.