Former teacher seeks internet's advice after feeling 'suffocated' in new office job

As the saying goes, "The grass is always greener on the other side," many professionals might assume their job is tougher than others. For teachers, dealing with toxic school management, challenging students, or low pay can often push them to seek a new career path. One such teacher, known as u/Long-Armadillo-4764 on Reddit, thought switching to an office job would be a welcome change. However, they soon found themselves feeling just as unhappy and turned to the internet for advice and support.

After three years of teaching high school, the user quit her job this past spring, but soon began second-guessing her decision. "I got really disillusioned with what I thought a typical job would be like. I expected an instant breath of fresh air after dealing with teenagers all day, but it just isn’t," she shared. Concerned about the tough job market, she took an entry-level role in healthcare, assuming it would be easy "mindless" work compared to teaching. "It totally isn’t," she admitted.

The former teacher realized that one had to understand how every department functioned to do the office job she was in. "I find myself staring at the clock a lot and staring out the window wondering what have I done. I don’t know being in an office building all day has me feeling super trapped and agitated, like, I stare at this one big tall building across the street and wonder if I’m always going to be staring at this same big tall building forever," she wrote. As her overthinking got worse, she started to feel "suffocated," and found it difficult being in a 9-hour-long with barely enough time for a lunch break.

Unlike her teaching job, this entry-level role didn't offer many holidays, except for the few federal holidays, and this left her "maddened." She pointed out in a comment, "It makes you feel so trapped and sad. I work 9-6 with a 30-minute commute and it’s h**l on earth. I can’t believe I’m pining for my old job so soon." Seeking help from the internet, she asked if people could relate to the "existential dread of the office life." She wondered, "Should I move on? Stick it out?" Having seen many teachers living successful lives after quitting teaching, this former teacher was confused as to why she had no sense of relief at all. Luckily, many teachers on the internet could relate to this user and some even suggested she find a job that suits her interests.

"I’ve also transitioned out of the classroom and it’s uncomfortable, but so is staying in one place that makes your life miserable. It sounds like this job will be an experience to put on a resume, and you should look at new jobs while you accrue experience. These are growing pains and you’re paying your dues again," said u/BlondieKatt. "You escaped the abuse and cultism. This new job allowed you to do that and put a roof over your head and food in your belly. Just remember, you are not married to this new job, you are only dating. If it doesn't suit you, you can move on," mentioned u/Magnificent_Pine. "I’d keep looking, but entry-level office jobs are probably going to be mostly the same," added u/brikowski95.