Finally quit.
Ive worked for a private preschool for the last 3 years and I finally put in my notice. I love my kids and coworkers but could not stand the toxic environment anymore. Within the last few months, our center has lost multiple awesome teachers as a result of questionable management practices, refusals of state-protected sick leave, and unreasonable expectations that just keep climbing (not to mention we rarely get prep and are forced to cut overtime).
I’ve developed severe anxiety and stress induced health issues. I tried so hard and did everything in my power to avoid leaving but the environment is unsustainable and draining.
I have a new job lined up - less physically demanding with better hours and benefits. I will be taking a pay cut during the training period but I genuinely do not care at this point. I feel absolutely awful leaving this close to the end of the year but the new position basically fell into my lap; this is my escape hatch.
The coworkers I’ve gotten close to are super supportive and happy for me. I quite frankly don’t care what anyone else thinks. I just can’t get over the internal guilt of “abandoning” my classroom. I know they’re kids and they’ll be fine (half my kids from two years ago don’t even recognise me unless they had siblings in my class later lol) but I’ve built so many relationships with them and their families. This is probably a dime a dozen sentiment on here but HOW do I deal with the pit in my stomach??? I’ve never felt like this when quitting a job before and it’s awful.