21/06/2025
I was having a conversation with a young lady recently. She’s a teacher in one of the schools around my area.
We started talking about work, and she began to pour out her frustrations. According to her, teachers in her school rarely close on time. In fact, most times they’re there till 10 p.m.
During the midterm break, they didn’t get any rest. Instead, the school held an event for teachers. And apparently, that’s how it’s always been.
Even during holidays, they hardly get any time off. There’s always one training or the other lined up.
With a tone full of bitterness, she said to me, “Ma, I’m tired. I really wish I could get another job.”
Now, you may be wondering why she’s still working in such a school. Let me tell you why.
The school pays better than most schools in the area. And to be fair, their school fees are higher too. So to me, it makes sense. If you charge more, you should pay better.
But here’s what many teachers don’t understand.
Most schools that pay higher salaries usually demand more from you. They will use all your time, energy, and in many cases, they won’t tolerate any mistakes. One slip-up, and you’re out. That kind of work environment breeds fear and tension, and at the end of the day, it’s the pupils who suffer for it.
So, I often tell people who are looking for jobs, especially teachers, that before you say yes to an offer, sit down and do your calculations. Make sure there’s a balance. Don’t just chase the money.
Yes, I understand that the economy is tough, and we all need money. But truth be told, no salary will ever truly be enough.
That’s why it’s important to find a job where you’re not just earning, but also growing. A place where you can breathe, learn, and still have some time for yourself, so you can invest in other things that’ll help you become a better version of you.
Understand that every time you say “yes” to one thing, you’re automatically saying “no” to something else. No, you can’t eat your cake and have it.
But you can make decisions that create balance in your life.
Ronke Amos