If one wants to teach and has some degree in Physics, understand that Physics might not be most of what the schools will want you to teach. You will be a SCIENCE teacher, maybe "general" or "physical" science teacher -- NOT a Physics teacher specifically. Later, if you are trying to find a job in industry after only teaching, the prospective employers may misunderstand your knowledge and skills initially toward favorability until they are informed rightly, or judge against you for not having relevant industry experience.MalachiK said:For what it's worth, the pay is only low if you live in the South where everything is expensive. Up North I live like a king.
It's not really the money that drives people out of physics teaching. It's the workload and not getting to do that much physics teaching. Stick around long enough and you'll develop some discretion about what is worth spending time on. Younger staff don't have the experience to do that and they are easier to push around. As a result they get worked half to death and then quit.
Physics graduates who take teaching jobs have several career opportunities available to them. They can continue teaching and move up to higher levels of education, such as becoming a professor at a university. They can also pursue careers in research, engineering, or other fields that require a strong background in physics.
Teaching requires strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in many industries. Physics graduates who take teaching jobs also gain experience in curriculum development and lesson planning, which can be useful in roles that involve training or education.
Some physics graduates may leave teaching jobs because they have found other career opportunities that align better with their interests or goals. Others may feel burnt out from the demands of teaching or may want to explore different industries and opportunities.
Physics graduates can transition from teaching to other careers by leveraging the skills and knowledge they gained through teaching. They can highlight their communication, problem-solving, and teaching abilities on their resume and network with professionals in industries they are interested in.
My advice for physics graduates considering a teaching job is to carefully consider their career goals and interests. Teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It is also important to gain experience in other areas, such as research or internships, to keep your options open and to gain a well-rounded skill set.