Leaving the field???
Ive been teaching dance and working in the dance office for quite some time now. I have LOVED teaching. I love the kids, I love choreographing, and I am well loved by our students and families. However, I can't stand the pay, the hours, or the studio owner any more.
At first I didn't care about the low pay, but now I'm older and see the importance of things like retirement funds and benefits. I used to love having the morning to myself and then teaching all afternoon/evening. now I wish I could just work normal hours like everyone else and enjoy a weekend off. I used to think it was a great environment but lately it's been really hard to work there. I could just try and teach at other studios but that help my first two problems. I don't want to be a starving artist forever.
I've started applying to grad programs and looking for other jobs. I feel peace about leaving this particular studio. But when I'm applying for jobs they seem so... lifeless? Like I get that not every job is going to make me feel as passionate as dance does. But at this point I'm nearing a crisis of self!
For those of you who have day jobs unrelated to dance or who have left teaching for a while. What did you do and were you happy you left? Am I stupid for wanting to leave? I feel like I just can't handle the toxicity anymore but I hate to throw in the towel. I don't ever want to walk away from something I love and I don't want to work a job I hate for the rest of my life. What's the right thing here?