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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Social worker or teacher

57 replies

Soophia · 01/02/2025 15:11

Hi everyone, im new here but I was always reading nice topics that you guys share
Im here asking for advice. I just finished my education degree and took a year break to think about my next step I work in school as a HLTA and was considering PGCE until I met my friend who dropped out because of the stress. Also working with teachers I see how much stress they are under with workload and learning walks and working through theor weekends and holidays. I don't wana be working during weekends and holidays as i have a family to look after I want to be able to switch off while im at home and not have my mind with work all the time. Even as a HLTA I have to plan and deliver lessons and have SLT observations I have 6 classes that I teach each class need differentiation which takes lots of time and usually the PPA time is never enough. There is a government scheme to study social work I will be paid while learning and maybe join egency for flexibility.
What ur thoughts guys carry on and study PGCE or SW pls give ur opinions

OP posts:
SleepDeprivedButAlive · 01/02/2025 15:22

Neither are less stressful than HLTA. If you're finding it stressful now, I wouldn't do either.

Shayisgreat · 01/02/2025 15:22

When you say join agency for flexibility what do you mean?

Agency social workers usually work full time so they still work and long and hard hours and have a full caseload they're responsible for. They do the exact same job as permanent workers just with higher wages and less security.They can give just 1 or 2 weeks notice but really you wouldn't be able to go locum until you were qualified about 2 or 3 years anyway. And if potential employers see 3 months here and there they'll assume you're a bit crap/unable to manage longer than that.

Original poster
Soophia · 01/02/2025 15:21

MrsHamlet · 01/02/2025 15:14

If you're finding being an HLTA too much, then neither teaching nor social work will be any better.

Im saying that teachers obviously have lots more to do than HLTA and I want to be able to switch off when im home and not take any work with me which I do as HLTA its manageable , but I want to progress in my life I don't want to stay as HLTA.

OP posts:
verycloakanddaggers · 01/02/2025 15:18

Both these roles are highly stressful. They are vital and I am so grateful people commit to doing them, but you do have to be realistic going in.

What I would say is don't judge teaching on your friend's say-so, they are not you.

Tulip32 · 01/02/2025 15:16

Social work is not less stressful than teaching.

mnahmnah · 01/02/2025 15:15

I think that the life you envision is unrealistic with either option. I have been a secondary teacher for 25 years, at the same school for 17 now and running my own department. Which means I am in more control of my workload and have everything planned and prepped and I do get my evenings and weekends. But that takes time to build up and organise. The first few years are hard and I couldn’t have done it with younger kids then. It also depends on the school and the head of department you get. I also have a DH who does the school run, cooks tea and runs errands during the week when not on shift because of how his work is.

MrsHamlet · 01/02/2025 15:14

If you're finding being an HLTA too much, then neither teaching nor social work will be any better.

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