Need to escape the classroom

Could you go down to one day a week and then do tutoring on a Saturday morning to make up the money?

What about looking at other types of teaching? Lots of online schools have appeared recently, or look into special schools? I moved into special just over two years ago and would never look back! The workload is definitely reduced, though it was a big change at first. I know you've said you don't particularly enjoy teaching, but it could be something to consider?

Be careful what you wish for here. Teaching on that salary for 2 days, with the holidays, is not bad at all. Maybe get a cleaner rather than dropping your salary.

Teaching is probably one of the worst jobs for parents of very young children - you never escape the stress of delivering something necessary to your own offspring or someone else's. The kids themselves are usually lovely - but not always! - yet it's hard. If you can find something on the admin side, preferably surrounded by rational adults, for a couple of years it might help. You would have still have to cover part of the holidays, though.

I know teachers who are making more tutoring than they do teaching. Might be something to look in to. Although maybe not as big change as you'd like?

I need to find an alternative job but I think I am going to struggle to find something that is paid similarly with the holidays.

You don’t particularly need the holidays for childcare if your DH is a teacher. Why not long for a job all year round?

You won’t get a job that pays as much which is a lot less stressful. Your options are work more hours in a less stressful job or find a way to cope. It is tough when children are little but it does get easier.

Could you teach adults in a college?

If it's £18k for 2 days a week then the equivalent annual salary is £45k.

You'd be hard pushed to find something on that salary with no experience or training.

Do you need the £18k?

Part of the conundrum is that so many part time jobs are low paid or minimum wage. Realistically, you'd be looking at £10k for two days a week plus you wouldn't get the holidays. People assume part time low paid is low stress but it doesn't always work like that.

What about the education department at the local council? Experience might get your foot in the door then you could potentially move within the council if there's something else you fancy later on. Mind you. I work in social care and that is stress central!

You won’t find a job paying that with the holidays & don’t forget the big pension contributions.

Could you do one day? I think it’s 3 young dc more than anything.

Cross posted with your reply to me, but yes, I get the missing out on Christmas thing. There are schools that are a lot more flexible in this respect, if you liked your job and wanted to continue teaching.
I get it though, I left teaching for that reason, I felt like I was missing out on my kids’ lives too much.

In the gentlest way, I don't think you'll find what you're looking for either the salary you have. Another job would also require you to do multiple childcare provider drop offs wouldn't it?
If you're not having to WFH then I think you're doing pretty well. I'm a teacher too and do have to work at home.
Small children are hard and teaching is hard. But I think you'll also find difficulties elsewhere with the logistics.
Job satisfaction is important though! What would you like to do?

It's insanely difficult for any couple with 3 children and, sorry, not to be critical, but many will be on a lot less of an income than you are with hours a lot longer than teachers are. I know this because of my DD hours as a teacher. You're unlikely to get another job at your income for 2 days a week with school holidays but good luck if you do. Job satisfaction is difficult to achieve unfortunately these days. There may be other ways of mitigating your situation - could you get a cleaner to decrease home chores; could you pay someone to babysit your children once a week/pick the older ones up from school/nursery whatever. It isn't easy with 3 young children but it won't be forever. Best wishes

Could you stop for a while and go back when the kids are a bit older? I honestly don't think that pay, a two day contract, plus all the school holidays really exists, unless you can contract in some very niche area.

I also get to go to my dcs school plays etc. I just have to make up my hours another time by coming in early /staying late/ working through lunch

I get that you’re trying to think of something else you could do, but in the shorter term…
Why 3 childcare settings? Can this not somehow be cut to 2?
Housework - can you get a cleaner in a few hours a week? If your children are really young though, you might just have to lower your standards for a year or two! Things will get easier.
Also, just because your DH works full time, doesn’t mean he can’t pull his weight when he’s home. Only you know if that’s an issue and if it is, you need to speak to him about it, because things shouldn’t feel quite this overwhelming.
Do you think it feels worse because Christmas is coming up and you’ve got so many things to think about? I get a bit like that at this time of year but it passes come January.

Working and raising young children at the same time is just hard. However unless you can afford not to work, then two days term-time for your salary will be hard to beat.