I'm getting out!!!

[mushmallow]

I hate teaching. The bureaucracy is absurd so after six years I'm getting out. What I'll do next I'm unsure about but I need a life that doesn't affect my mental health, physical health and allow me time with my OWN children - and that's being a 0.7 teacher.

Just wanted to celebrate really! I'm writing my letter today.

Anyone else got out with positive experiences afterwards?

[pink1173]

I teach in adult Ed now and have done since my youngest was a year old. They are both now 11 and 8 and I have been able to take to school and pick up every day. The pay is not as good but I am so much more flexible and I still do what I love - teaching. What subject are you?

[Ijustlovefood]

Good luck! You teachers work really hard and anyone who says you don't well pffftt!

[mushmallow]

I'm KS2 English

[Graceflorrick]

I left and would never ever consider returning. Best decision I’ve ever made. Good luck OP.

[ScarlettDarling]

Congratulations on making a tough decision. I'm 0.6 in primary and love my job, but a full time colleague of mine has recently announced that she's leaving at the end of the year. She's looking into becoming a TA...is that something that could work for you?

[Courgettekatie]

I do supply. It’s great, lessons are planned. I sit in the staff room listening to the politics and it all washes over me. Leave school with the kids.

[Lowdoorinthewal1]

I really recommend trying a different sector before you bin it altogether.

A specialist setting/ special school/independent school etc might be just up your street. I would hate teaching in mainstream and I would be rubbish at it because I would be very half hearted about jumping through all the hoops, but I am a very happy SEN teacher.

[Rudedog]

We employ tutors for English at my school, obviously they work fewer hours and don't earn as much as full time teacher.

We struggle for good English supply - it's a good way to try out lots of schools and keep your hand in.

[mushmallow]

This is my third school. I've worked in a state and two independents where I only teach English; you can imagine the mark load for English for several year groups.

The sad thing is, not to toot my hoot, but I'm bloody good at my job. Parent comments, staff comments and ultimately children's progress is great but I just hate the way the education system puts us teachers under so much undue stress.

"Oh but you're 9-3, oh but you get 13 weeks holiday" .

I want a job where I'm not mentally lesson planning, IEP writing, differentiating a gazillion ways through the night.

[BringOnTheScience]

I'm in education outreach for a big corporation. You might consider looking at what might be available local to you?

[thatdearoctopus]

Not allowed, Tptbonus.

[mushmallow]

No thanks tptbonus

[thatdearoctopus]

S/he's posted everywhere. Reported.

[NovemberWitch]

It’s an American site, so limited use anyway. I’ve reported.

[ProfessorCat]

What a dick.

[FlameOutTeacher]

If it was any alternative to teaching I would have been glad to see the post!

[rainsbows]

Fantastic OP! I desperately want out too.

[Fabulousdahlink]

I left teaching seven years ago and did some supply and now am a HLTA with ELSA training in a primary school which I love. BUT the loss of income is truely startling and initially I took 5 part time, fixed term jobs in two schools to earn 12k a year. After 7 years I now have a full time permanent post ( very rare) and earn just 14k a year at the top of the scale. This was fine as a second income for our family, and infinitely better for my mental health and raising our children. However it is not enough to live on if you are paying a mortgage or like me renting( now hubby quit the marriage.)+ Congratulations on being brave and doing the right thing for you..but my advice is please take some time to make some financial plans as it isnt easy to cope. Good luck x