i work as a preschool teacher. lately there has been some discontentment because of the low salary received for this kind of work. i feel this kind of work is way undrevalued. the joys that come are wonderful as you can imagine. some days i just feel so exhausted and feel resentment because my co teacher makes so much more money and i don't like this feeling of feeling jealousy. it came up after meeting with parents who ask why tuition is so high, then i begin feeling unenthusiastic about work and lose momentum based on low pay. the desires come up to make 25 an hour instead of 11, but where to work as i love children. can you send some insights about getting past these resentments and jealousies? i so appreciate this precious web site ,thank-you so much. — shanti, santa cruz

Awhile ago I was given tickets to a professional basketball game which was also attended by the two richest men on this planet. Earlier I received my department budget for the next school year’s classes: $100 to cover in-class expenses for 400 students. I spent the evening calculating everything in terms of “Budget Units” (BU’s). The cost of our seats: 2 BU’s. One player’s pay for that game only: 100+ BU’s. I was depressed, angry, and resentful of those billionaires and the well-paid athletes. I didn’t enjoy the game and complained loudly for days to anyone who would listen.

One good friend said to me sharply, “You didn’t go into this line of work to make money, did you?” Their remark hit me like a slap. But they were right. I didn’t decide to be a teacher for the money. Their honesty got me back in touch with what called me to the classroom. Another friend said, “No one in his or her right mind would want to teach middle school (or preschool).” I agree. Few, in their right minds, would…but those in their right hearts can’t help but answer the tug. So Shanti, be aware that the call to teach and work with small children is a gift. Treasure that challenge, for a challenge it is.

There is another fact of life in education that doesn’t fall gently: Beginning teachers work much harder and are paid less than experienced colleagues. Time served, experience, and the dedication to further your own education are part of the expected dues in this profession, as unfair as it seems.

As to resentment and jealousy, they are my familiar warning signs. Brother David’s Practices for Depression -- especially his comment about treating yourself kindly – are good advice when stressed, overworked feelings come to visit. Anything that helps restore your balance so that you can work through difficult situations and act on changes you’ll have to make regarding your life and career is a blessing.

And lastly, I’ve learned -- often painfully, after missing the mark -- to pay attention to my discontentment. Sometimes discomfort is a call to action that will not allow rest until the beginning steps are taken to do what needs doing. Other times, discontent calls forth patience and perseverance in a situation where timing is important and a rushed response is unwise. Lavish on yourself the same patience that you extend to your students. Like them, you’ll certainly make mistakes in judgment and miss cues, but over the years you’ll know, you’ll just know. Discernment is a skill that is sharpened by paying attention to those inner workings and feelings and then “going for it!”

Shanti, already you know deep down inside of you that teaching young people energizes and gladdens your heart. It is not an easy road. But then you didn’t get into this business because it was easy, did you? Courage, friend.