Graduate / Next to impossible was my life up until four years ago! ; Critical analysis [2]

Hello Everyone, I have to write a critical analysis essay of the most difficult decision I've made in the last five years.

Here are the criteria from the University
CRITICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY (500-750 WORDS)
Critically analyze the most difficult professional decision you have made in the last five years.
This essay should be about a decision other than entering Regis. Define and discuss:
- The problem
- The alternatives for resolving the issue(s)
- The decision-making process
- The plan of action
The implications of the decision

Washing cars in the sweltering summer heat or in the freezing cold winter in a three-piece suit, surrounded by overly demanding customers, a high-pressure sales environment and promotional criteria that were next to impossible was my life up until four years ago. Everyday I fought a battle between the life I had and the life I wanted. I wanted to have a career. A workplace I looked forward to going to, making a difference. Instead, I begrudgingly went in every day, punched the clock, and waited until the clock struck six so I could go home, only to have to repeat the same tedious process the next day. I wasn't living or making a difference. I merely existed. I soon reached the point where I could no longer comprise between the life I had and the life I wanted.

My choices were clear, I could either continue to work for a company selling insurance, gas, GPS, qualify customers to perfection, up selling into bigger vehicles, getting yelled at by accounts, customers and upper management; or I could quit and pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. I attempted to move into other areas of the company, but I was often not promotable, due to volatile customer services scores or sales that were not above the corporate average. I weighed the positive and negative aspects of both decisions very carefully. I knew that once I made a decision, I could not waiver.

Although the choices were clear the timing was not. In mid 2008 the worst economic crisis that I had seen in my lifetime hit, the raising unemployment rate coupled with a shrinking paycheck exacerbated my decision. As the branch manager I was paid a commission on the profit of my offices, so when profits quickly eroded, so did my commission check. I went from making a decent living to barley scraping by. For six months I saw little improvement in the economy or my paycheck, I knew a decision of this magnitude couldn't be made lightly. I made many lists of the positive and negatives, talked with friends and family and thought about it every waking moment for weeks.

Finally, I made the decision to quit and return to school to obtain my masters degree in education with a teaching certificate. While I was writing the letter to inform my supervisor that I would be leaving XX, I was filled with a feeling that I had not felt in a long time: pure joy. Saying the words, "I quit," was the best decision I've ever made.

While I was searching for a new job, I came across a posting to teach English as a second language in South Korea. At first I dismissed it as a crazy idea, but for some reason I kept coming back to it. I did some research and ultimately accepted a position teaching elementary aged children. I arrived in Korea in June 2009; at that time I had never traveled to any Asian country, and had never been away from home for more than a couple weeks at a time. On the drive to my new apartment and employer I thought, "What did I get myself into?" I didn't speak a word of Korean; I was half way around the world and I had never taught before. The first year was difficult, but I soon adapted. Here I am almost four years later, still teaching English and loving every minute of it.

Looking back, I am reminded that I was not living the life I wanted. I merely existed as a cog in the corporate machine. For the first time in my adult life I can say I am happy with where my life is heading, and the lessons I've learned along the way. I look forward to obtaining my Masters in Education with a Colorado teaching certificate from XX University. I am confident with what I have learned teaching ESL students, as well as my drive to succeed, I will make an excellent candidate. (END)

Is this an academic paper, what can I improve? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated