It's the end of the world as we know it

Or at least my frame of reference. Why do the children argue with me, refuse to work and complain about everything? I'm officially old. In my day if the teacher asked, we did. Now I am stuck telling kids I don't argue with them. What happened?

After a particularly bad day, my very good friend and running partner and I decided it must be the demise of the family as we know it. No dads, moms are tired,no one wants to step it up, or something. I'll tell you what, if it doesn't change quick there is going to be one less teacher out there. I'm getting burned out and it's happening fast. I'm not surprised, I've lasted much longer than most these days. Did you know the average teacher quits in the first 5 yeas of their career? It's true. Really, here is what we have to look forward to.

1. A frozen salary with cut days. I haven't had a real raise in 3 years. No, it's not about the money, but this is frustrating.
2. Public outcry for blood. For some reason people hate us. Ouch
3. Kids who no longer think they have to listen or comply
4. High blood pressure and increased cancer rates
5. Kids less and less prepared for your grade each year.
6. Looming Test Scores

Good times. I used to think that I was good at this job. I loved it and thought I made a difference. I'm not feeling that anymore. Truth be told I'm not feeling anything anymore. I don't know what happened to change it all. I want to feel happy again. I want to see that gleam in my student's eyes. I want to see the light bulb go on.

Please someone, bring that back. I want to want to be here.