Major Stereotype that Conceals the Reality

March 3, 2022

People like to think that it is good to be employed in a government agency because of the many perks. Like when you are employed by the DepEd, you will enjoy many benefits like bonuses, getting paid even when you leave from work because you gave birth, the feeling of security that you have a stable job and you won't have the fear of getting fired unless you did something terrible in the field.

From our view, it really feels surreal. It is an ideal job. Asks the people around you, the elders, they would suggest to take Education as your course. Ask the men, they would want teachers to be their girlfriend because of the security that seemed to be the twin of the profession.

I know a lot of people who want to be teachers because of the reasons mentioned above. Sometimes getting in the field is a challenge for some teacher applicants, however there are applicants who just swing through the breeze and get in the field without having to wait for a long time.

The waiting game is the most difficult challenge because most of us aren't that patient to wait. Our patience is only limited. And the more time we wait, the more we thirst to get that goal.

But have you thought of the things that are in store for you? I mean we all know about the perks and benefits of getting in. But are you ready for the job? Is your emotional and mental health prepared to face the challenges that may be present in the journey.

The truth is starting teachers are getting paid for almost $20 a day. It is already big here in our country but the catch is, teachers work even after office hours. The paper works that they bring at home isn't paid technically. They are demanded with data and figures while they still have to provide instructions and take care of the students. They have so much on their plate that sometimes their family time is sacrificed. The tendency of having to do a lot if things in a span of short period is that the quality of work will be sacrificed and this could lead to burn out. When the quality of teacher's instruction and the disposition of the teacher is affected, students will be affected too and learning won't be that effective.

For example, a teacher is busy in her studies as she is working on her thesis for her Master's degree. While studying, she is also teaching. She performs the job of being a teacher and on top of that she still has to deal with her studies. Imagine the stress and pressure that they would have to go through.

In the surface, there is so much to do. But of course, only the responsible teachers can relate. No matter how you try to smartly manage your time, you will still be caught up with things and a lot of work. If you won't distinguish the urgency of the tasks, you will find yourself lost and crazy thinking which things are needed to be done immediately.

Some teachers can't relate to this because no matter how complex and hard being a teacher in this time of pandemic, they won't be able to feel it. These are the teachers who just log in to the attendance book and comes home. They don't even care about the modules, let alone the students. Some teachers aren't stressed and aren't busy because they are mediocre. They are only working for submission. Their effort does not even equal to the bare minimum standards required by the government.

I may sound like I'm just sour-graping because I'm not in the field yet but the things that I am telling you are mere facts that people fail to see. It takes a lot of determination, dedication and passion to be in the field. We all want the prestige, respect, the financial stability but only few wants to religiously do the real work. There are more work to do that is not listed in the job description and it is only the sincere heart that is willing to get their hands dirty.

I'd like to think that my "waiting time" is given to me so I can prepare myself of the possible challenges that I may face. Further, it also gives me time to contemplate whether I really like to be in this field and be committed in this job.

Meanwhile, I know that what is meant for you will come at the right time that God has set. No one can steal what God has in store for you. So, relax and gladly wait for that precious perfect timing. When that time comes, don't forget to look up and thank the heavens.

*Lead Image is from Unsplash.com

Thanks for reading. Until then!