Getting back to work after a career blip.

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

I'm just coming to the end of a fifteen year career in teaching. On the whole, I've done well in it and tended to get jobs easily, but I'm not able to work at the moment as I've just lost my mum having cared for her in the weeks leading up to her death. For nearly a year I've really struggled with the more stressful elements of the job and have struggled with behaviour management while trying to establish myself in a new school. I'm nearing the end of my notice period - I quit as I knew I needed to support my DM but didn't expect (accept) that I would lose her quite so soon.

I don't want to teach and am thinking of retraining, but in the meantime I need to find work. I realise that my abysmal attendance recently makes me a real flake but I've always worked hard before this.

Has anyone got any advice on coming back from a major emotional wobble to making a fresh start?

[Sleepingtom]

If you have been a teacher would you consider working at your local council eg in children's services while you figure out what you want to do? Or you might find a decent career change there, there are plenty of ex-teachers in local govt.

PS you aren't a flake. Many people have to take time out to look after poorly/dying parents and it is bound to have taken its toll emotionally.

Sorry about your mum by the way

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

Thanks for answering. I'm checking the council website daily - a job working with looked after children has come up but it would largely be based at a school I don't want to work at. I'll keep looking though. I've decided on a career change but it's picking something up between now and later next year when I'll be in a position to start training that concerns me a bit. I'm hoping I don't have to talk about absence when I apply for things.

[jclm]

Do you have some savings to tide you over for a bit whilst you have some time out, after your bereavement? This would give you some thinking time, opportunity to care for yourself after your mother's death, and come to terms with your situation now. It might be that a career break would help you to think more fully about your future.

I am changing careers too, but am looking after young children. So in the evenings I am reading career change books, and working through the exercises etc, which have been really helpful (have a look on Amazon, there are loads of cheap ones on there). You should also speak to a careers advisor (they do phone calls, perhaps even in the evening) or if you can afford it, a careers coach. Could you do some voluntary work in your spare time to help you narrow down on the things you like doing?