To think tomorrow I am going to face a horrible choice

[badgersandbluebells]

About whether to leave my job and thus have NO income.

Or to go on formal capability.

I feel sick.

[Warmworm]

I don't know your story (teacher?) but I hope things work out ok for you. I hate that dread you feel when work isn't going well.

[badgersandbluebells]

Thanks. Sorry. Got it going round and round in my head

[ModreB]

I'm the same. I know I am more than capable of the job, but the extra demands put on me and the team are getting intolerable. It's wrong when you have a panic attack at the thought of going to work tomorrow.

[SmileEachDay]

That sounds difficult. Have capability proceedings been started for a reason you think is fair? Do you think you can meet the targets?

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

I knew someone who had this decision. It depends on the likelihood of you losing your job at the end of capability. If you are most likely to lose your job, I would quit now so you can say you resigned rather than were asked to leave.

[chickenowner]

If you are a teacher, as a PP has suggested, resign and become a supply teacher.

It's what I did 8 years ago and it was one of the best, life changing things I have ever done.

Good luck with it all tomorrow.

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

Sorry, I just reread my post and I sound really cold.

I meant like will they accept your improvement or would you have to make a 300% improvement type of thing? The person I knew could never have impressed them enough because they had their heads set on getting rid of them. As unfair as it is.

I'm sorry this is happening to you.

[Pollydonia]

Can you get yourself signed off with stress to give you some breathing space?

[badgersandbluebells]

I don't think it is fair but I would say that, I suppose

Getting signed off with stress wouldn't stop the proceedings. I know I have no choice other than to resign but it leaves us with no income over summer, and a mortgage.

[Foxyloxy1plus1]

Get signed off to give you time to think, with more clarity. Formal capability is never a good thing to face. They've decided to go for you and it will increase your stress.

Is your union involved? Can you negotiate a leaving date that gives you a 'cushion' until you find something else. Supply might suit until you can get yourself up together again.

[5OBalesofHay]

Is the capability fair and the run up to it being managed properly? If so the if you need to make improvements and can do then you may actually find it positive.

I wouldn't go off sick - you'll end up with attendance management as well

[CremeFresh]

I don't think going going off sick would help - it might be used against you (although it shouldn't )

Could you resign and get a temporary job ?

[RainyDayBear]

What does it say about the teaching profession that I was going to ask teacher too?! If you are OP, make sure you've taken union advice. Personally in my experience (I saw it happen to most of my either former department) I'd resign and go on supply. Very rare that anyone gets through capability; and it will be in your reference.

[ilovesooty]

I'm so sorry - it's a horrible situation.
If it is teaching, are they saying they won't proceed if you resign? Even though the resignation deadline has passed?
I do hope you have union support at regional level.

[SmileEachDay]

I don't think it is fair but I would say that, I suppose

Not necessarily- if you are reflective, you'll know if things have been wrong with your practice - if that's the case, are they things you can/want to change?

Or are you in a genuinely unfair situation where an SLT want to get rid of you for their own reasons?

[IdaDown]

To tide you over the holidays, what about:

Private tutoring
Holiday clubs/specialist summer schools

[LilyPickles]

It's a horrible situation to be in and, has been mentioned further up the thread, I do hope that you have got your union involved.

A large number of teachers in a school I worked in went through the same thing when a new Headteacher came in and she effectively bullied them out. Every single one first went off on sick leave and their Union negotiated an exit package for them and an agreed reference.

Since then, they've all gone on to get other jobs or are on supply but not one of them regret leaving. Life is too short to be unhappy and to dread going to work. Also, supply agencies are so used to dealing with situations like this as, unfortunately, it's becoming all too commonplace so it doesn't stop people who've left in this way from getting work.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[thethoughtfox]

Chickenowener, how did it help?

[cornishclottedcream]

Just a thought but could you hand in your resignation with a leaving date of the 31st August. You would then be paid over the Summer hols. They are not going to be able to get capability through by the end of term now. Make sure you have union support and ask your union to get you an agreed reference. You can register with supply agencies now and state that you are available from the start of September. I got my current role through supply.

[NoHopeToday]

I chose the former

Formal capability has to go on your record (reference) for two years.

I feel sick about the lack of job, but far far less stressed than I was. Make of that what you will.

[badgersandbluebells]

Thanks. I think I know I have no choice but to resign but I'm sick with worry.

sooty, that's correct. I think they just want rid of me to be honest

[Rachie1986]

I echo a pp. Resign as of 31st august. Would be surprised if they argued that (they've got their wish without any work if they want you to leave).

Then supply or a job for sept - there will still be some out there.

Is it primary or secondary? Subject? Happy to chat if it helps.

All the best x

[badgersandbluebells]

No, unfortunately, the most they will accept is friday (23rd.)

[mineofuselessinformation]

Have you spoken to your union rep? If not, do so urgently.

[badgersandbluebells]

Thanks. Union are involved but although they started out very tough talking are now not really interested