Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To consider retraining as a primary teacher?

104 replies

CrumpledCrumpet · 10/12/2021 12:16

I’m early 40s, have two primary age DC, decent job/career with 50k salary but fed up of my current role. I love being around my DCs primary school and I see the teachers and I think “I want to do what you do”.

I always volunteer to help in the classroom when the opportunity comes up, I love being around the children. I love the school environment. When I was younger I volunteered in schools too - only talking an hour or so here and there though.

I like working under pressure/stress and I work better in situations with lots of feedback / stimulus. I like ‘performing’, delivering presentations etc in my current role. I’m generally patient and calm but enthusiastic.

But…

Everyone seems to be quitting the profession, so I clearly must have a rose-tinted view.

Although I like performing/presenting etc I am a classic introvert and think I might find being ‘always on’ exhausting.

I will obviously get paid less than I do now.

I can’t even get my own kids to listen to me half the time Confused

Is it insane to even consider?

OP posts:
Kitkat151 · 10/12/2021 12:27

I have 3 friends in their 50s who are primary school teachers....they all hate it with a vengeance....they are counting down the days to early retirement ...lilt wasn’t always like this....they used to love their jobs....but times change....they do so many extra hours for no pay .....it’s often like working on minimum wage

Fluffyhairteddy · 10/12/2021 12:26

I did this at 38. No regrets. Love my job. BUT the actual teaching is the smallest part of your job. Data, moderation, policies will form a huge huge part of your workload. Inspections are brutal (and I come from a City background). You will do, on average, 10-12 hour days and more on your training year. It doesn’t work round your kids until you get more qualified. You’ll have to be at school 7:30am ish and leave at 5/6 until you’ve learned some shortcuts. Your training years are heavily scrutinised. That said, I love having the holidays at home (granted, working lots of evenings). Pension is fab. I’m here to stay.

Original poster
CrumpledCrumpet · 10/12/2021 12:23

@Howshouldibehave

I really need to understand what is so bad about it!

Honestly I think I would love it for a week but it’s clearly not the same as doing it day in day out.

OP posts:
Howshouldibehave · 10/12/2021 12:18

As a primary teacher of 20+ years who wants to leave, I would recommend it to my worst enemy!

We do need new recruits though! Why don’t you take a week’s annual leave and find a school to volunteer in?