Is there something missing in your life? You need counseling for depression.

XI

> Am I The Only Teacher Who Feels This Way?

> I've been teaching now in the PRC for a year and change and have a
> confession to make, and, as there are no Roman Catholic priests
> around, figured I'd unload here.

> Alright. Here goes.

> I don't always love my job.

> Every time I try to bring up how teaching is going with teachers
> (who, despite my negative outlook, I hold in high regard), I hear
> things like 'super', 'excellent', 'having a blast', and 'brilliant'
> (from the British teachers).

> At that time, I'm ashamed to say what I feel, which, if I were to be
> entirely honestly, would often go something like this:

> "Tried to make some jokes. Some kids laughed, mostly out of
> pity. The activity I planned didn't work. Found out halfway through
> class only three kids understood me. Wasted 15 minutes trying to find
> out which five kids whose names where on my attendance register
> actually weren't in class. Wanted to end 10 minutes early, but felt
> guilty so played impromptu game of 'Pictionary'".

> After two years and lots of effort, these feelings have waned a bit.
> But, I suspect that these sentiments are underrepresented in everyday
> conversation.

> Thanks for your time. I think I feel better now.

> Michael M.
> Guilty English Teacher