If teaching is the easiest and most over paid job on the planet, why do half of all teachers quit in 5 years?

It is not the easiest and they do not get paid that much comparing to the other jobs you listed. Depends what teachers you get. i think the reason half quit is because its stressful. i'm a pupil and i would hate to be a teacher. you have to put up with a bunch of kids rebelling and annoying you and you spend lots of time planning lessons, marking books etc.. I think its one of the most stressful jobs!