That argument has been around lots. I have heard it before. My answer has always been that if you find my job so attractive, get a degree and do the job. You'll be at the top of the pay scale in eleven years. You'll have the vacation period you long for and life will be good.

Incidentally, I calculated one year (my fourth of teaching) that I worked 2247 hours. That seems to work out to about 56 forty-hour weeks. I am not complaining about my pay or the hours. Just so you know.

PS I too am a teacher.