How Messed Up!

Seriously, I am so frustrated. I have been wondering more and more each day why I have chosen the career of a teacher? I knew what I was getting into when it come to the pay, so I immediately started taking classes to make more money. At the end of this summer I had what they call +20. This took me three years or so to earn, oh and did I mention I had to pay for most of those classes - well I just got my salary adjustment paper back today and it is not even a $1,000 more a year. I know that over the years it will make a difference, but still I cannot help feeling frustrated with all the hard work, time and money I put into those classes. $1000 is only 83 dollars a month - and that is before taxes, and my salary did not even increase by a full $1000! I will be finishing up my masters this coming summer and I am a little nervous at how much more it is going to give me. The main reason I decided to get my masters so early in my career is get more money, not to become a better teacher, though that did play a small role in the decision. Maybe I should have just waited until after my fifth year and then I wouldn't feel like a basket case trying to teach full time, going to school, and working a second job because the first does not pay enough - oh wait that is why I am getting my masters.

Last week I got an email from Fulbright that they were going to be calling me to set up a phone interview - I still have not heard from them. Anytime my phone rings I think I stop breathing for a moment. Keep your fingers crossed for me!