Since becoming a teacher over two decades ago, I have lost quite a bit. I've lost a good portion of my healthcare, and what is left comes at a high premium. I have lost the pension plans which teachers used to be able to rely on, and now sit on a "death tier" which also loses my social security. I have lost a marketable salary, especially when accounting for education and inflation. I have lost much of the respect which teachers used to be given, and instead read posts even from family, friends, and former students who denigrate my profession--and thus me by extension.
I have also lost my patience.
Despite all this loss, I fight doggedly on, for I am determined that I keep my charges from being "loser" students.