.....to quit my coaching job. I have been with my private school girls for 5 years. Their dance team has come a long way in 5 years, but I think I've run my course there. How have you all decided when it was time to leave? Personally, I'm tired of the lack of money (and it's like pulling teeth to get them to fundraise), lack of support, and lack of respect I get. I make it sound like it's terrible, it's not, but something I heard through the grapevine really got to me the other day. They are looking for a new color guard coach for the band. Apparently, it was specifically stated that I was not in the running for the job because I am "too immature". WHAT?! I am 27 years old. I am in law school full time, in addition to coaching this team. So now they are considering letting a mom (with no dance or color guard experience) take the job over me. I am kind of furious. Like I said, this is just something that came through the grapevine, but I am really hurt that that is apparently what people think of me after 5 years of measly pay, pulling this team out of the dumps and getting them to state competition.

I really just needed to get that all out. Thoughts? And again, how did you know when it was time to just go?

I assume that you are in a similar situation as I am in. I don't NEED my teaching job. It doesn't pay the bills, but is an extra job that I choose to do. So, I insist that I should be having fun. When the job is too much worry (and not the "fun" worry of will I ever complete this choreography, but rather the stupid drama llama worry), then I know it's time to move on. Personally, I do want to keep teaching in my life, so I just listen to my heart and when I feel the need, I put my resume out there... if I am meant to leave, someone else will come knocking.

I think only you know when it's time... just listen.

I think you should take your concerns to whoever is above you. The principal? Tell him/her what you told us:

- I feel like I am not paid enough.
- I feel like there is a lack of respect toward me.
- And I heard a rumor about...

And see what he/she has to say. If you don't get a satisfactory answer, turn in your notice. There's no sense in staying somewhere that you're unhappy and where you don't see the potential for growth.