Just a couple of thoughts on the subject:

If you want to consider being a SAHM, perhaps your fiances should be the ones that get out of teaching. If you get out of teaching but your DHs are still teachers, it will be even harder to quit because you will be the primary wage earner.

In Colorado because of their state tax laws where referendums are required for tax increases, it is unlikely that teacher salaries will ever be very good. On the other hand, your property taxes will be much more affordable than in other states. I live in Wisconsin and we considered a move to CO last year. Our schools are funded by our property taxes. My property taxes are $6000 per year. A comparable house in CO pays about $2500. We have outrageous property taxes here in WI but we are considered a liberal, pro-education state with higher than average public teacher salaries compared to the cost of living. Two teacher households here are not uncommon and live comfortable lives.

A few teachers that I know tutor part time for extra cash. They make a lot of extra cash that way to pay for fabulous vacations, etc.

Another note - not many people just getting out of college can afford a house. I wasn't able to buy a house until I was 29. We had to scrimp and save. I was a business major which supposedly would have landed me a higher paying job than a teacher. Well, the first several years were low paying and then I had kids. Luckily, my husband and I decided to start our own business and it is fairly successful so now I can work from my home part time. The early days were hard, but they were also a lot of fun. All our friends were pretty broke, also.

There are many, many ways to budget and the beginning years right out of college are not a picnic financially for many professionals. The key is to pay off debt and not get into credit card debt. You might want to consider talking to a financial planner and see what his/her thoughts are about the salaries, etc. and how your finances are likely to pan out. A lot of doctors and attorneys have huge student loan debts. There are always trade-offs. My oldest son is a college freshman majoring in journalism who has the same dilema because journalism is not well paid. I encouraged him to follow his dreams and try to become a journalist. Almost anyone can go into business or some other field if they have a teaching or journalism degree. Most people change the direction of their careers several times.

Also, consider what your alternatives are at this point. We work with a lot of small businesses and professionals. Some great paying jobs with flexible, family friendly hours are chiropractors, pharmacists and orthodontists. I can't think of any really good paying jobs that have to do with music. Just some thoughts! I wish you the best of luck with your decision.

PS - Don't get discouraged by the disgruntled teachers who are applying for other jobs. They may be burned out or just plain negative people. I think the district and particular school you work at can really make a difference. Many workplaces have a negative vibe, also. It is not limited to teaching. If you love teaching, your positive energy should guide you and hopefully rub off on your associates.

<font color="#051E50" size="1">[ March 25, 2005 03:50 PM: Message edited by: judiaci ]</font>