I'm beginning to realize what they meant when they said that assigning unchallenging tasks or projects

@Nomad7 my attitude was so bad that year.😔
The extra salary just got absorbed into bills, like the lesser salary did. It was so not worth it.
I went back to underpaid Lead the following year, and I appreciated every assistant so much more ever after. that part was good👍

@EmilyEdith Is it because you don't like being told what to do? 🤔
Or was it because it was the wrong career for you? Because it sounds like you like teaching

@Nomad7 I do something different now, but I did love teaching. That's why it was difficult, I had run my own classroom for several years prior, and I had developed firm beliefs in teaching practice and the rights of the children. There were so many learning opportunities missed in the classroom that year it drove me nuts. On top of that I was miserable, and I couldn't really hide that effectively in a room full of bright young kids. That year I made more money but I missed the point of the job.
When I returned to lead teaching, I did a better job including the assistants in the planning and policies for the year. I got better at sharing my personal experiences with them in the expectation they move forward more prepared for their own careers. I became a better listener.
Everybody has their gifts to bring, everybody can learn,and nothing good is wasted on children.