Moonlighting: Not Just for College Kids

I was not surprised to come across this article recently about the increase in teachers who moolight. This past year, our district had a huge budget deficit due to massive budget cuts for education at the state level.  Our district closed five schools and furloughed about 60 teachers Then they threatened to furlough about 20 more had the union not agreed to a pay freeze for the year. This agreement also included a complete overhaul of our insurance program ($3,000 dollar deductable).  It doesn't look much better for this year.

I have noticed over the 13 years I have been teaching there has been an increase in colleagues who have not only a second job, but more likely a second "side" career.  I'm sure it's the safety net, the fall back plan for when the ax drops again.  The Jr. High Science teacher also runs a photography business.  She takes some great senior pictures, wedding photos and pictures of the mini cheerleading squads.  The music teacher at the middle school has a home roasted coffee business.

I can't even tell you the amount of teachers I know that do Pampered Chef, 31, Gold Canyon Candles and other types of home businesses.  I am an independant Beachbody Coach and this summer I am seriously thinking of getting a personal trainer certification.  I may check into getting a certification in nutrition as well.

I love to teach, but counting on a teaching salary to get you through raising a family, sending kids to college and having a decent retirement is scary at best.  The next time you hear someone complaining about how easy teachers have it because they work 8 to 3 and have the summers off, remember that teachers are spending hours planning lessons, going to parent teacher conferences and correcting papers after 3 p.m. Plus many are taking on a second career to make ends meet and supplement retirement.