Leaving teaching behind...feel amazing!

[stupidmestupidme]

I worked really hard to get my PGCE (single parent) & I had always wanted to be a teacher.

After the classic '5 years' in the profession I decided to leave because I was fed up of the lack of management support, lack of respect and generally feeling anxious ALL the time.

Since leaving I feel so much better. I now wake every day feeling good, I'm spending more time with my children and I feel positive about the future again. It's so liberating.

The pay-off is I've taken a huge pay cut... but nothing beats the feeling of calm I have now.

To anyone considering leaving teaching: do it! You won't realise how bad it made you feel until you're not doing it anymore.

[Jiggy16]

That's great ur now in such a better place. Life's too short to be miserable in work but it's not easy to just leave. What do u do now?

[DanceMonkey19]

Congratulations! I'm also interested in what you are doing now . I've been teaching longer than 5 years but I can't even pretend to like it anymore

[stupidmestupidme]

I'm temping (office work)! So lovely to be able to have a cup of tea when I want! Also, you get treated like a grown up & actually trusted to get on with your job. Like I said, pay isn't great, but internal peace is priceless

[BobbinThreadbare123]

I have never surpassed the utter joy and relief I felt when I walked out of school for the last time after resigning. Never looked back and actually I earn a lot more than when I taught. I don't miss the holidays because I am not utterly exhausted. I have climbed the career ladder because I am trusted to get on and do a good job, and I do, because I am not an idiot, contrary to the belief of a HT I once had (based on nothing, as they never bothered to even introduce themself properly)

[Bearnecessity]

Right there with you...been two years out now in low paid school administrator role but I laugh all day long while working hard and I feel no anxiety, tiredness or the continual erosion of my soul.Money isn't everything...

[PenOrPencil]

I might come and join you in the summer, I have had enough.

[newyearnewear]

I'm loving being out of teaching and so is my family. I actually have a life now - I'm doing exercise, socialising, reading and being a patient mum. I had planned to go back at some point but I don't think it's going to happen. I'm working as a carer at the moment and I earn less because I do fewer hours.

[stupidmestupidme]

@PenOrPencil - do it!! You won't regret it!

I've lost count of the number of people who've said how well I look recently. I guess how bad I felt on the inside was reflected on the outside: permanently anxious/tired, about to burst into tears & just generally defeated. I love feeling 'Normal' again & get excited about coming home coz I know I can sit & chat/have tea with/help my children without any pressure.

[Bobbybobbins]

I teach but I only work 2.5 days a week. There is no way I could go full time again!

[TheReluctantCountess]

I’d love to join you, but I’m trapped by the salary. We wouldn’t manage if I took a pay cut. I’ve done nearly two decades in education, and it’s tough.

[Mrskeats]

I still teach but it's online but it's so much better

[Tinnedpeachesandcream]

I’ve gone part time this year and relinquished all management responsibilities. We’ve taken a hit financially but am much less stressed although it’s been a real baptism of fire returning to the state sector! I’m biding my time whilst deciding what to do next. Like all of us I love the teaching but not all the other crap we have to deal with.

[Hugepeppapigfan]

@TheReluctantCountess I feel the same!

[echt]

In my 40+ year of full-time teaching I'm going part-time this year - four days. Relinquished all management responsibilities last year.

Soooo looking forward to it. The academic year hasn't started yet in Australia so have yet to savour the pleasure of not going to work on my off-day.

[endofthelinefinally]

This is so sad to read. My dd had some wonderful teachers. She has finished education and is working now, but still keeps in touch and meets her A level teachers for coffee whenever she comes home.
She wouldn't be where she is today without those amazing people.
This thread should be read by everyone in government. Education is so important. We should be supporting and valuing teachers.

[EnormousDormouse]

I teach overseas. It's great, no OFSTED data-driven madness and the kids get a great, rounded education taught by happy teachers.
If I have to go back to the UK at some point I would not consider teaching as there is no way I could shut up and 'play the game' any more when I have seen how primary education can work. I would be unmanageable as I'd just say 'no, that's stupid'. So I'll just have to find something else to do .

[Handbaghag]

Been out for 3 years and have never looked back. Pay cut of course, but there has not been even a minute where I've worked I was back in the classroom. I can well relate to the OP. A state of constant anxiety, weeks signed off due to this and depression. Waking in the middle of the night with that looming sense of dread and fear. I do pastoral and counseling work now. BobbinThreadbare123 what are you doing that earns more? I'm very curious...

[Handbaghag]

Plus what's more I can say that I love my job, something I've not been able to say for years... 22 years in teaching and never to return!

[stupidmestupidme]

@endofthelinefinally - that's a lovely thing to say. I did love the teaching & the children. It's all the other shit!!!

It's v comforting to read your posts, as I do think: have I made the right decision? But every time I think about 'learning walks' & constant observations, I know I have.

[SquashedFlyBiscuit]

I tried to return and realised I am not cut out for the anxiety, but would love another professional job to work towards. I do feel a bit short changed.

[LucheroTena]

I find these threads a bit odd. I know a lot of happy teachers but on here you would think none were.

[echt]

I find these threads a bit odd. I know a lot of happy teachers but on here you would think none were



So get your happy friends to start their own thread.

[SquashedFlyBiscuit]

Have you seen the statistics for people leaving teaching or wish they were leaving teaching!? I think mn is true to life..

[Calmisthemantra]

Ditto. I taught for 8 years, worked my way up and loved the kids, pastoral side of my role and engaging the more difficult pupils but all the other shit wore me down. Over worked, tired, always 'on' and a mess of anxiety. I have never regretted leaving even though it meant a big change in lifestyle. I now work 12hrs a week in retail, moved to a cheaper area of the country and love it. I do want to get back into the school environment but just as pastoral with a no teaching but only when the youngest is in school.

[stupidmestupidme]

@IheartNiles I'd love to have been a happy teacher! In fact I did START off as a very happy & enthusiastic teacher. But after being shat on by (more than one lot of) SLT it took away all my happiness & enthusiasm for my job.