It is a brutal period we live in. The universities churn out graduates
way faster than the labour market can employ. Then there is the issue of these
graduates being unemployable. For this reason, it is not uncommon to see
someone working in a field that is totally unrelated to her/his field of study.
This is the short story of the lopsided Nigerian Labour Market.
One field that has proven to be a means of escape for the majority of
unfortunate youths is the Education Sector, in other words, teaching. Many have
flocked to this field when all else failed and have been accepted into it. The
big problem now, however, is that some of these have not accepted this field.
These do not see this field as theirs, so they are a bit lackadaisical about
their jobs. This is not an encouraging story as it affects the students under
their tutelage – these students lag in their academics. Thus brings about the
need for encouragement for these ‘forced teachers’.
While teaching might not be the ideal job, it has the propensity to be extremely satisfying and fulfilling. That fully depends on the attitude of the individual. Hence the need to look for ways to make the best use of this ‘not-so-ideal’ situation. There are a few tips that can make this possible. Let us discuss these.
Develop the right attitude
Particularly detrimental to one’s happiness on the job is the attitude
to work. Once you don’t have the correct work ethics, it is hardly unlikely
that you have fun on the job. So do just that – develop the right attitude to
work. Note this: There is always a choice about the way you do your work even
if there is not a choice about the work itself!
Try to always be punctual at work every day. Getting a headstart will help get you settled in on time for the day’s activities, which will make it a tad bit easier to cope. Also, ensure to put in your best at whatever task you are given to work on. This will give you a sense of fulfilment at the end of the day. Grumble less and put in more work. Treat the business as you would your own. Your job is more important than you think.
Work on yourself
Stagnation can be a big cause of unrest in most persons. Everyone wants
to advance in their careers and that cannot be done without self-development
first. So whether you intend to take the teaching profession as your career
track or you intend to break out eventually, you will not go amiss with a
little self-advancement.
It is easier these days to learn, all thanks to the internet. A huge amount of videos and other resources abound online; it’s left to you to pick which one is best suited to your needs. Attend seminars and workshops when possible. Work on certifications, especially those that are education-related. Run a postgraduate education degree in Education or a Diploma. This makes you more confident which in turn makes you happier.
Count your blessings
Though the job might not seem to be a blessing in itself, you definitely
will encounter situations that will count as such. Treasure these moments as
they will get you through those periods when you are feeling extremely blue.
These periods need not be elaborate circumstances or major life-changing events. It can be as little as a child showing his appreciation for your mode of teaching in class or a parent coming to express appreciation in word or in deed. It could be the school management giving you an award for good performance or your colleagues praising your work ethics. Whatever it is, make sure to cherish these moments.
Know your worth
Teaching might never be classified as glamorous. It might never be termed as a financially empowering job or a prestigious one. But it is arguably the most important profession of them all. All professionals had teachers before they got to where they are right now. So do not feel any sort of inferiority when in their midst. Raise your head high and strut your stuff!
