Ideology and Politics: Entry #5

Okay, the article, “Teachers' Cost of Living Matters” makes me feel better about my salary. Compared to other places such as New York, San Francisco, and Hawaii, my salary at first glance, looks pathetic. But when determining the cost of living factor, it looks pretty reasonable (for a teacher’s salary). I couldn’t imagine living in areas where the cost of living is 80% national average…yuck! I mean, I know San Francisco is beautiful, but I honestly couldn’t afford the living expenses full time; a vacation-yes, a home-no! In addition to cost of living, teachers need to take into account the benefits they are receiving in addition to their paycheck. My school's county pays for our health insurance which includes dental (we just have to pay so much a month for our spouse and dependents, and vision). When you take that into account, our salaries go up several thousands of dollars (depending on the quantity of insurance use). I have to tell myself this often because when I think about one of my girlfriends who racks in close to a thousand dollars a week from doing hair, I can get envious. But then I remind myself, I can’t do hair!