Yotsuya, Thank you for teaching. People don't understand how much work really goes into it and the fact you stuck with it for so long speaks volumes about you. I wish you all the best in what you do next. If only I was abled to stay a one school for more then a few years but thats not in the cards, at least till I stop having to move.
PPJ starting salary in the NYC DOE in north of $45,000 and tops out just over $100,000 assuming you don't work summers or after school. It's also generally pays less then most of the surrounded suburban school districts. $50,000 does seem a little low but I have no ideal cost lives like when you live.
In other news, went to the local pool with my son and pick up some chicks.