If you didn't have to teach, would you?

[NotQuiteThere]

Feeling low, after another interview and rejection today.

I teach a shortage subject and have had two interviews and three rejections so far. My termly assessment reports and lesson observations have been excellent so far (NQT year), and my results are good - no concerns from my current school.

Although I enjoy teaching, we all know the workload is intense. Financially it isn't essential that I am working, but I have always been financially independent, and think it's important. I'm very happy at my current school, but on a fixed term contract and there is no space next year. Workload takes its toll on me during term time, but I make sure that I rest properly and spend lots of time with dc during the holidays.

I picked dc up from school this afternoon (they were pleasantly surprised), and had a lovely time with them, chatting, reading, eating together, putting them to bed etc. I thought how nice it would be to do this more often with them, and not have to spend 2-3 hours after they've gone to bed planning, marking etc., as I am doing now.

If you didn't have to teach, would you?

[PlaymobilPirate]

No.

[AnotherStitchInTime]

No and I don't anymore

[FennyBridges]

No. But two days a week might be nice.

[Primaryteach87]

No.

[Pipbin]

If I didn't have to then no. I might TA or something though. I do love being in school and with the children.

[elephantoverthehill]

No.

[rollonthesummer]

No

[elephantoverthehill]

Sorry just to clarify. If I could teach, without any barriers to learning, in whatever context I would gladly teach and pass on my skills and knowledge.

[mrspink27]

No - and I dont any more. Have had a complete career change and now manage a charity shop.

[DraenorQueen]

Yup.
I'm currently SLT with 50% teaching commitment.
This role has made me realise how much I LOVE teaching and learning. I'm ok as a manager, crap at keeping up with admin but bloody good at teaching. 8 years in, might feel different in the future. And if I can be a good teacher in my current extreme environment, I can do it anywhere.

[PotteringAlong]

Yes. I would go bonkers as a sahp. I work 3 days a week; I like the balance

[thatsn0tmyname]

After 16 years I'm enjoying teaching secondary science. Since having my children I'm now teaching two days a week with no responsibility. It's changed my view of the school in a good way: five years ago I was a thoroughly miserable Head of Year and wanted to get out. As my children get older I will increase my days from 2,3,4 and will stay in education until my children are mid teens.

[NotQuiteThere]

I am wondering whether something other than classroom teaching is the way to go - perhaps tutoring or something. I love teaching. I don't love marking half-arsed homework or dealing with rude students or parents, but that is thankfully quite rare.

Thanks for your responses. I'm just so gutted about today's rejection, it has made me question my suitability for teaching.

[elephantoverthehill]

D.Queen May be you should go back 100% to what you are truly good at. I am sure you will feel more fulfilled.

[thatsn0tmyname]

Adult education or sixth form college?

[NotQuiteThere]

That's an idea to look at. Do they advertise in the same places as the schools do? Currently looking at TES, Guardian Jobs, eTeach etc.

[DitheringDiva]

2 interviews isn't many - if 4 candidates are invited to interview each time and they are all equally as good as each other, then there is a 1 in 4 chance of getting the job. Therefore, I really wouldn't get down or disheartened about not securing a job until you've been rejected at the interview stage more than 4 times. Also, if you're on a fixed-term contract, you can keep applying after May half-term, when competition will have reduced significantly.

You sound like you're not doing too badly as a teacher - much better than some of the horror stories of complete breakdowns etc. that I read on here.

As other posters have said, going part-time is a brilliant compromise - they're rarely advertised though, so you could do it on a supply basis, or get a permanent job somewhere for a year, then request part-time the following year.

I've been a SAHP for 3 years, and I miss the cameraderie of working.

[mercifulTehlu]

Not as a full time member of teaching staff in the current system, no way. I'm a secondary teacher with 20 years' experience but am currently just doing a bit of private tutoring, teaching one adult class and an hour of primary MFL a week. I'd love to stick with just that, but need to earn a bit more. Am looking for a ft job but dreading finding one tbh.

[Stargazing25]

If money was no issue, probably not.
Hmmm. Well, maybe two days a week.

[SuffolkNWhat]

Yes. I moved sectors this year (Middle > Primary) and it's reignited my love of teaching.

[TheSolitaryBoojum]

If money wasn't an issue, I doubt it.
I'd probably be a NT or museum volunteer, or run an ASC doing something fun. But there's so many other things I could be doing if I didn't have to work at all.

[leotwist]

No, and was delighted to be able to give it up.

[Minispringroll]

At the moment? No.
I used to love my job. My previous school well and truly made me hate it. I'm currently trying to regain some sanity with a different school but I start to feel like I'm honestly due an extended break. I've been teaching full time for a decade.
I guess it doesn't help that I am supposed to be on maternity leave at the moment. Wasn't meant to be in the end...
Pregnant again now and I'm considering returning from mat leave and do part time. Never thought I would even think about this. Just hoping everything will be ok with little one this time round.

[TheFallenMadonna]

I have given up an SLT role, dropped a day and am a new woman!

[MrsBenWyatt]

Nope.