At least in the US, getting a permanent (union) position is super hard and takes years as a sub / on contract. On success (which is not guaranteed), it is senio

At least in the US, getting a permanent (union) position is super hard and takes years as a sub / on contract. On success (which is not guaranteed), it is seniority-based and starting at 38 you are at a pretty big disadvantage. While you are on contract, you get crappy assignments that no one else wants: substituting for a semester, classes with difficult kids, etc. States differ, but I think this is a common picture for many. If money is not particularly important teaching at a community college is much more pleasant. Competition is pretty low (because the pay is low), but you get respect and a lot of freedom to teach what and how you like. I know a few folks who semi-retired after a high paying career into a part-time community college teaching and really liked it.