looking for a new job after a year?

[KateBeckett]

Am I being terrible?

I got a new job which started January 2014. It is my first permanent job, school is lovely, children (mostly!) lovely, SMT fine most of the time!

However, it is a 1 and a half - 2 hour commute, meaning I stay away form home a few nights a week (lucky enough to have family close to the school I work at).

The commute is now stopping DP and I from doing things we would like to do, and I am considering looking for a new job closer to home. My options would be to look after xmas for an easter start, or look after easter for a september start.

I already feel really guilty even thinking about either of these options - would you feel guilty? Am I being selfish and letting the school down?

I really don't know what to do, and feel very conflicted...

[CatKisser]

No, you're not being selfish at all. Your quality of life is important and if you're not happy you will not be effective in your job. Get your NQT year out the way if you haven't already, then start looking.
I never know the etiquette with talking to bosses about applying elsewhere, but if yours is reasonable, I'd approach him/her and explain the toll the commute is taking.

[KateBeckett]

Nqt year finished a while ago, have just been on tempory contracts close to home up until now!

Thank you, I don't think head will appreciate it, school has had a high turnover of staff over the last few years, which is another reason I feel so bad!

[CatKisser]

Agh, sorry - I wrongly assumed NQT!
Well, the Head might not jump for joy, but if s/he's a decent person s/he will see it from your point of view. I'm lucky in that I'm a five minute drive from my school - I just contemplate two hours!!

[MsHerodotus]

You need to think about your own quality of life. The Head will not be delighted, but your reasons are sound -s/he can see it is not the school you don't like, but that the commute is unsustainable.