Should I return to teaching...?

[JackieWeaversMum]

I left teaching two years ago to move to an education job at the LA. Been happy as Larry with the lower stress and flexibility. I've been able to pick my DC up from school for the first time since they were born! No more breakfast or after school club and I don't have to worry about the school holidays as I can work in the evening after they have gone to bed.
DC attend a small indie. The fees are substantial, but manageable.
I've just spotted that an SLT job has come up at the sister school, which is far more prestigious, in my area of specialism (I was SLT with responsibility for this area before leaving). I'm very torn now!! The pay would be significantly more than I'm on now as I took a pay cut, plus we would get 50% fees. This equates to a salary of almost 100k a year!!!
That is a hell of a lot of money but I really hated teaching by the end. I love current my job but I can be boring and I get so frustrated with the pace of change at the LA. My current job doesn't really have any development prospects either so I'm going to be stuck at this level/wage for the foreseeable. DC are both in infants so a hell of a lot fee paying years to go, but they are so little and I've enjoyed being around for them more (excluding Covid!)
Of course, there is no guarantee that I would get shortlisted- let alone get the role- but if I did then it would be back to 60 hour weeks and working sundays...Big money though!

What should I do?! Stay where I am or go for it?

[SeldomFollowedIt]

I can’t comment as I’ve just left the sector and I was only a lowly TA. The money won’t be worth it. Your children are still little and as cheesy as it sounds, you’ll be richer for spending more time with them (and having more mental space etc).

You left teaching for a reason.

[EmilyEmmabob]

I left teaching for 3 years, I had no intentions of going back but after 2 years I was so bored in my job and I just missed it. I saw a good job opportunity advertised and I went for it, I'm actually really enjoying being back.

Nothing has changed - it's hard, thankless, frustrating: all the things it was when I left. The difference is that I've had some space from it and gained new perspectives on managing the effect it all has on me. I get that rush of job satisfaction I hadn't had once I'd left.

For me it has worked out, it has to be the right situation and I won't lie and say I've never had a pang of regret when the times are tough. Overall, it's been the best decision for me and my family.

[hedgehogger1]

Things only ever seem to get worse in education. You've escaped, don't get lured back in

[PearlWellington]

I left and do supply. No desire whatsoever to return to my own classroom.

[JackieWeaversMum]

Thanks all. The money would be life changing but so would the work load! DH can practically see £ signs in his eyes but I'm not convinced it's a good idea. Might put in an application and see what happens. I can always say no at interview stage, I suppose

[piggywaspushed]

I was going to sat exactly that. Nothing to be lost by applying. It is actually really hard to make interview stage for SLT roles.

Your reasons do sound more pragmatic than emotional/ educational so you may need to examine motives as that might affect motivation. You'd have to stick at it as well if you hated it if it is tied into financial factors.

[likeafishneedsabike]

I’ve heard the situation described by @piggywaspushed as ‘golden handcuffs’. Would be horrible to be tied to something toxic by school fee reduction. Still, worth investigating and trusting your gut instinct if interviewed.

[Meredusoleil]

I personally would say don't do it. I know a secondary HoD who is trapped in his job as it allows him a 50% fee reduction at the linked prep school.

I myself dropped to pt after dc1 was born and never looked to going back up to ft. I have the perfect work/life balance and have been there for my kids throughout the childhood.

In fact, I think I would quite like to go into the area you have moved to tbh! Can you PM me any helpful tips as to how to go about it please?

[Mynextname]

Is there not a middle ground. Something more stimulating with a bit better pay than what you are doing now but that isn't as stressful as being a member of the slt.

Remember why you left. Money isn't everything. Is private education really necessary? Around here everyone just moves to nicer areas to get into good state schools. There are other ways to organise your lives to be better off than spending it stressed, burnt out, miserable and stuck in a situation you end up hating. What a waste of a life. The money might improve some things but your whole family would be impacted by how miserable you end up being.

[JackieWeaversMum]

Thank you all for your replies. We have budgeted for fees until DC leave school, so not worried about affordability, just got my head turned by a massive salary!

I did end up applying but probably won't get shortlisted. It's a very prestigious school and I'm not sure if I'm their cup of tea, but we shall see. I'm just going wait to see what happens and then make a decision after.

For the PP who asked how I got into my role, I just spotted it on the LA website and went for it. I'm over qualified so they snapped me up. It was the perfect escape at the time but now I have itchy feet!

[StationView]

Is there any possibility that you could eventually end up teaching in the same school as your children, OP? You mention that the job you are attracted to is in a linked school. I teach in a small indie that my DD attended for many years, and being both staff and a parent is extremely tricky. It's not something I would recommend as it caused me a lot of stress over the years.

[UpdateQueen]

Hi all, this is the OP after a name change. Just popped on to update and say thank you for all of your advice. I got the job and will be returning to teaching in September! I'm actually really looking forward to it. The school is incredible and completely different to anywhere I've worked before. It's going to be a huge job but I'm looking forward to getting stuck in. Plus, the 50% fees and free wraparound care have been confirmed as part of my contract!
DH has got ££££ in his eyes! 😂

[13luckyblackcats]

Congratulations! That is lovely news, well done you.

[Mynextname]

Congratulations! Well done you.