“From R20K to R11K”: Teaching Graduate’s Career Switch to Police Force Sparks Debate

• A former teacher's dramatic career change from education to law enforcement has sparked discussions about career satisfaction beyond salary considerations
• Content creator @ilakitty15's post showing her journey from 2021 education graduate to police officer resonated with many frustrated educators
• The career switch ignited conversations about mental health in teaching, with many current educators relating to her need for change despite the pay cut

A South African education graduate's bold decision to leave teaching for a career in law enforcement has captured social media attention. Content creator @ilakitty15 shared contrasting images of her 2021 graduation as a teacher and her current role as a police officer, revealing that the change came from a need for something different in her life.

View the TikTok post here.

Career path perspectives

Even though new police officers start at a lower salary than teachers - about R11,000 compared to R20,000 - money isn't always the biggest factor when changing careers. Sometimes it's more about finding a job that makes you happy and keeps you healthy.

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When asked about why she made such a big change, she opened up about putting her mental health first. While the smaller paycheck wasn't ideal, she shared that being a police officer has been much better for her peace of mind. Many teachers jumped into her comments, saying they totally get it - teaching can be really draining and stressful for them too.

Expert, Penny Holburn, spoke to Briefly News, stating:

"Mental health should always come first because, at the end of the day, it’s better to have a balanced, fulfilling life than one where work constantly drains you. No salary is worth sacrificing your well-being."

SA reacts to career switch

@Bhut'Madliser_ZeBae✨ noted:

"From 20k to 11k....ngeke😔"

@Shazy Shaz shared:

"Thinking of resigning too, but I can't be a policeman, the money there is too little, I earn 25K🥺"

@Shed inquired:

"As a teacher, I would like to know how you are doing pls?"

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@ilsé responded:

"In terms of my mental health, I'm better off... Suffered from depression and that's why I decided to let go and chose my mental health."

@jordy.20201 empathized:

"It's my first year teaching and honestly I understand. It's mentally exhausting."

Other trending teaching stories

• Briefly News recently reported on a father's attempt to help with homework that led to an amusing debate when his daughter insisted on following her teacher's methods, highlighting the unique challenges educators face daily.
• An Afrikaans teacher's emotional farewell video to her pupils went viral, moving thousands with her genuine care and dedication to her students.
• A tense classroom confrontation between a student and teacher sparked nationwide discussions about respect in education, leaving many sympathizing with modern teaching challenges.

Source: Briefly News