I have been working at my current job for 5 months. Previous to this job, I was a teacher. My current job description was for an educator who would reach out and collaborate with teachers in order to help support their science instruction. Since my background is in science, this seemed like a great job- a combination of teaching and science. Perfect!
That said, I have not been happy since my first week. First of all, I am not teaching. At my core I am a teacher, and the job description was clear that the organization was looking for a teacher. However, I have not taught in a classroom at all since being at this job. Instead, I respond to emails, help with anything my supervisor asks, organize events, mail materials out to customers, and work to maintain some of the programs that occur onsite. I have very little say in what I do during the day. I have no benefits, and went through a huge decrease in pay. I am payed $13/ hour. I hold teaching certifications and a B.S. Constantly asked / told to work hours that put my over time, and am only 'allowed' to put down 8 hours/ day on my timesheet - 40 hours / week max. no matter how much I work.
Lastly, I do not believe in the heart of this institution. It seems to me that they do not treat their employees as well as they should/could. There is certainly a hierarchy. Last year, the organization asked employees to go on unemployment in order to save money.
These are all things I found out only by working here. I am very unhappy and desperately wish to leave. I'd like to find a long term sub teaching position or childcare position and return to that field next year. I feel quite bad about my desire to quit, and don't want to burn bridges. I would like to do things gracefully, but know that I am suffering personally & professionally the longer I remain. I am confident that I could find an alternative job in less than a month, as I have good references. I know that my supervisor will be incredibly upset and feel as though I am betraying the organization and her.
How do I quit with grace? Should I quit? I am certainly not growing professionally and truly miss teaching.
Thank you for your time.