Job Realities

I've taught at the same school for the past eight years.  In fact, it's the only school I have every taught and I subbed for three years before being hired as a full time instructor.  The district is small, and has been declining in enrollment for a number of years.  There have been times I have thought about moving on primarily because a move to a larger district would mean one thing - more moolah!  

I was thinking about this tonight because I took part in a program at Iowa State where math teachers are able to get together, solve math problems and exchange ideas.  It really got me thinking about what it would be like to teach in a different district.  The new challenges and the ability to work with other teachers who teach the same subject I do.  

But with the possibility of more resources (and a bigger paycheck), closer work, etc, there is the flip side of the coin.  I love where I teach.  I work with wonderful coworkers, a great principal, and students and parents that I am familiar with (and who are familiar with me). I know the rules and how flexible they are.  Would I want to give those things up for a larger salary?  And what if the job situation wasn't the same as where I'm at now?  

The more I've thought about it, the more I'm content to stay where I am.  Sure, the pay isn't great and the thought of our district merging with another is always hanging over us every year.  I'm happy where I am and for right now, that's good enough.  Maybe in the future I'll look to move on, but for now, I'm home.