tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22647813.post8030591514793090490..comments2019-07-02T17:23:40.562-06:00Comments on Contemplations: Teacher's TimeLaura Whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17579160512689867301noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22647813.post-46018718137281202102011-04-10T13:15:08.876-06:002011-04-10T13:15:08.876-06:00In my calculations, I already took into account th...In my calculations, I already took into account the time off for winter vacation. And, your 10 days of holidays amount to 2 more work weeks, so that is effectively 4 weeks of vacation. <br /><br />Look, I don't want to argue that you don't work hard. I was a computer programmer and software support person for several years. I worked very hard with deadlines and emergencies that required on the spot problem-solving. I just am just making the point that all the negative talk about teachers not working hard is unfair.<br /><br />In my experience, teaching is MUCH more difficult. There is far less control over working conditions and far more intense and continual demands on your attention. In my long working life, I have been a computer support person, a programmer, a secretary at a brokerage, a teacher, a science researcher, and a mom. Teaching was BY FAR the hardest of all those for me. <br /><br />My husband is a professor, too, and he works very hard, but he has a lot more control over his work than I did as a teacher and that lack of control meant a lot more stress for me. <br /><br />Again, I don't want to argue who works harder. In fact, I sometimes wish I could take my German friend's attitude that Americans in general work TOO hard and that leads to a very unbalanced life.Laura Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17579160512689867301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22647813.post-49742812387092185282011-03-26T22:35:31.794-06:002011-03-26T22:35:31.794-06:00Well, here's what my job looks like as a softw...Well, here's what my job looks like as a software professional:<br /><br />After 10 years with the company, I get 17 days vacation (that's fewer than the 4 weeks/20 days you suggest). People start with 2 weeks. We get a total of 10 holidays a year (7 fixed days and 3 floaters). When counting the discrepancies, don't forget the 2 weeks at Christmas that teachers get -- if I want that off, I have to use vacation time.<br /><br />"Normal" hours around here in flyover country are 8 to 5, not the 9 to 5 in your example. <br /><br />Except when they're not 8 to 5. I'm on call 24x7. The plants I support work 24 hours a day at least 5 days a week (6 days much of the year). If there's a problem, then they need some one to help resolve it. I got a phone call today, as a matter of fact.<br /><br />Plus, I'm working on a major upgrade project right now which is eating time like crazy. In 5 days this week, I worked at least 53.5 hours. That could last through June.<br /><br />Plus, I need to be in Indianapolis for a meeting beginning at 7:45 AM on Monday, so I have to fly out Sunday night. And I'll fly back after work on Tuesday night. <br /><br />My parents were both teachers and my husband is a math professor. I've always worked a LOT more hours than they have and gotten fewer days off.Jo in OKCnoreply@blogger.com