Sometimes it's difficult or disappointing to be an ESOL teacher.  It's definitely not something you do for the money.  There's a lot of pressure, hard work, and stress.  But, I get a lot of fulfillment out of being a teacher.

There are many things about teaching ESOL that keep me going.  Foremost of them would be the constant challenges and growth opportunities.  I used to look at a teaching situation and see problems, but now those very problems have become the challenges I seek.  For example, in the past, if I saw multilevel classes or students with learning disabilities, I would approach the situation with great apprehension.  Over the years however, I have come to appreciate these challenges.  They make my job very interesting.  There are some many factors involved with ESOL teaching.  It has so many levels of decision making.  It's never predictable and there's always more to learn.  It never gets boring as long as I don't let it get boring.  Besides that, the personal relationships that are at the heart of teaching are infinitely rewarding, especially when you can see how much the students benefit.  I think language learning is the post amazing thing, and I get so much satisfaction out of knowing that I have helped.

I think if I were to change careers to find a job with better pay and status, I would probably miss teaching and have to return to it eventually.