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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask ex teachers for advice?

63 replies

desperateteacher · 01/10/2024 16:04

I am a very experienced teacher looking to exit the profession. I detest it. There was a time not too long ago when I felt I was doing a good job and had clear career progression, but the last six months I have been bullied mercilessly and my confidence is at rock bottom. That, combined with the state of education (no budget for necessities in schools - I’m talking glue sticks, exercise books and supply teachers to cover, erosion of time to fulfill the extensive requirements of the role and an increasing number of SEND needs) and I’m looking to get out. My question is what can I do?

I’m after practical advice and pointers; I’m well aware what transferable skills we have, but where do I find these jobs? Has anyone left the classroom successfully and what did you do? I’d love some success stories to stop me spiralling! And without meaning to offend, I’m not really after stories of ECTs leaving the profession and starting again, because I’m nearly 40 with a salary of nearly 50k!

OP posts:
Original poster
desperateteacher · 01/10/2024 17:08

northernballer · 01/10/2024 16:52

I was just lucky and saw the job advertised at a tiny start up, they really needed someone to check their written content for basic grammar which as a teacher I told them I was ideal for =) Then I worked hard, said yes to everything and didn't get involved in the insane levels of batching that went on.

Can I ask where you’d see adverts like this?

I honestly don’t mind taking a slight pay cut (I’m currently part time so bringing home around 25k; a 30k full time salary would be a real-terms pay cut but actually a pay increase for me in terms of take-home. I’d happily do this and work my way up.) and know I could easily succeed in a variety of roles; I just don’t know where to start iykwim!

OP posts:
northernballer · 01/10/2024 16:52

I was just lucky and saw the job advertised at a tiny start up, they really needed someone to check their written content for basic grammar which as a teacher I told them I was ideal for =) Then I worked hard, said yes to everything and didn't get involved in the insane levels of batching that went on.

Octavia64 · 01/10/2024 16:52

I had a nervous breakdown.

Not joking.

My school had a new head. She decided to go for a particular whole school accreditation.

It involved a rewrite of the whole curriculum and a change in lesson style.

They offered me 5k to lead on the project within my department,

It later transpired that two SLT leads for the project had resigned and gone elsewhere. The project was massively behind and the whole school aspects hadn't been done. It was then made clear we were expected to lie to the accrediting body.

In addition it became clear that the accrediting body wanted lesson plans on file for every lesson in year 7 8 and 9 and they needed to match what was happening in the classroom for every class. The paperwork was horrific.

We had a "half way" to accreditation meeting at which I had a serious dissociative episode at which point I went to see a doctor who told me it was due to stress and I needed to leave.

I was worried about my department and didn't leave and a few months later had a full on breakdown,

Original poster
desperateteacher · 01/10/2024 16:50

LadyCakehole · 01/10/2024 16:48

I went into tutoring because I can do the bits of the job I love and feel passionate about without jumping through anybody's hoops. I won't hothouse. I work with families whose values align with mine and largely speaking it's wonderful.

My issue with tutoring is the hours (not a typical 9-5). I used to tutor a few years back to top up my part time salary, but I honestly found it boring. I enjoy the pace of leading a team and staff development; i just despise the nature of classroom teaching now!

OP posts:
IsANameImportant · 01/10/2024 16:49

What about lecturing? You could use your experience and qualifications to teach the upcoming new teachers. Just don’t tell them how bad it is out there.

LadyCakehole · 01/10/2024 16:48

I went into tutoring because I can do the bits of the job I love and feel passionate about without jumping through anybody's hoops. I won't hothouse. I work with families whose values align with mine and largely speaking it's wonderful.

Original poster
desperateteacher · 01/10/2024 16:46

northernballer · 01/10/2024 16:40

I work in Compliance, deathly dull but much less stressful than teaching and similar pay.

Can I ask how you got into this? I feel that I’ve done so many years in this profession that I have no idea how I’d begin looking for something like this!

OP posts:
Original poster
desperateteacher · 01/10/2024 16:45

Octavia64 · 01/10/2024 16:37

I left recently.

Of my friends, some have:

Changed school
Changed to private sector
Stepped down from hod to just teacher (usually alongside changing school)
Gone into tutoring

A few have gone into curriculum design and writing materials/textbooks for use in schools.

Exam boards are another possibility although I don't know anyone that has done that.

One has become a potter (she was an art teacher)

Can I ask why you left?

Private sector doesn’t interest me as it seems a potential frying pan / fire move;

I would LOVE to go into curriculum design as I really enjoy that side of the job; it’s the coal-face part I’ve had enough of. Thing is, I’ve no idea how to get into this! I’ve scoured the internet and can’t seem to find anything relevant!

OP posts:
spartanrunnergirl · 01/10/2024 16:40

Exam boards have lots of jobs where you might bring your expertise. Secondary typically. Also see: ofqual, DfE, local authority etc. civil service- you can browse all jobs in one place here: www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi

northernballer · 01/10/2024 16:40

I work in Compliance, deathly dull but much less stressful than teaching and similar pay.

Octavia64 · 01/10/2024 16:37

I left recently.

Of my friends, some have:

Changed school
Changed to private sector
Stepped down from hod to just teacher (usually alongside changing school)
Gone into tutoring

A few have gone into curriculum design and writing materials/textbooks for use in schools.

Exam boards are another possibility although I don't know anyone that has done that.

One has become a potter (she was an art teacher)

ilovesooty · 01/10/2024 16:36

I took a significant pay cut in my 40s and went to work for a charity. I also retrained in another area and I'm self employed now.

ToD101 · 01/10/2024 16:34

Peripatetic advisory teacher for your local county council?