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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

After reading a thread warning against teaching as a career!!

157 replies

SunsetOnTheHorizon · 29/12/2025 00:27

I'm due to complete my degree and I am applying for a QTS+PGCE course for September 2026.

I am aware the teaching sector is a nightmare to work in right now (going by the recent thread).

But my main aspirations are to 1) work as a supply (once I've completed my ECT years) and 2) to work abroad 3) work in specialist schools not mainstream. Considering these 3 factors is it still a stupid idea to go into teaching? Thankfully my dh brings in the bulk of the income, this is something of a dream that I am looking to fulfill. Always wanted to teach, and didn't get round to it as I ended up raising a family. I currently work as a TA in a special school - that's why I am more inclined to work in one once I'm qualified.

AIBU to continue pursuing my dream considering the current climate?

OP posts:
miniworry · 29/12/2025 00:47

Sorry that should have read as 'I don't think it's the teaching as a career in general that is horrendous, I do think there are some terrible schools out there who demand far too much from their teachers. So choose your first job post wisely! Look for a school with a very low turnover of staff- my school for example, the newest teacher has been there 5 years. Some over 20 years.

miniworry · 29/12/2025 00:45

I'm now a headteacher but still absolutely adore my job and genuinely look forward to going to work each day still after 13 years. I also did a stint abroad for 3 years which was hard work but the lifestyle was incredible and now I work in the private sector. I don't think it's so much the 'teaching as a career'; If you find a school that you enjoy being in the job can be hugely rewarding!

OhBumBags · 29/12/2025 00:41

SunsetOnTheHorizon · 29/12/2025 00:36

I don't want to commit to my studies and then give up half way - I'd rather make a decision now and be at peace with it. But on the other hand, if I didn't pursue this, my 90 year old self won't forgive me. I do have an insight, but TA and LSA roles are polar opposites to Teaching roles. We have it tough, but in a different way. A lot of the teachers at my special school always emphasise how they would never return to mmainstream.

I've been on MN for around 15 years I think and there have always been threads by teachers saying how awful the job is etc.

But then again it's like relationships in that most people don't bother posting when everything's good.

So I'm sure there'll be plenty of teachers out there who are happy with their career choice.

Original poster
SunsetOnTheHorizon · 29/12/2025 00:36

I don't want to commit to my studies and then give up half way - I'd rather make a decision now and be at peace with it. But on the other hand, if I didn't pursue this, my 90 year old self won't forgive me. I do have an insight, but TA and LSA roles are polar opposites to Teaching roles. We have it tough, but in a different way. A lot of the teachers at my special school always emphasise how they would never return to mmainstream.

OP posts:
JohnWickAteMyHamster · 29/12/2025 00:31

I think teaching is something worth going into if you have a passion for it. It's not an easy career but you know this! There's lots of jobs that are hard work and I wouldn't want to do but it's a good thing someone does, eh. Would you want to be a firefighter, air force pilot, bank manager?

I think lots of people have fulfilling careers in teaching. Go fulfill your dream 😀

HeddaGarbled · 29/12/2025 00:30

If you already work in a school, then you can see for yourself what it’s really like and make your decision with open eyes.

OhBumBags · 29/12/2025 00:29

Pick almost any career and you'll find people moaning about it.

You already work as a TA so you have some insight already.

If you're happy to do it then go for it and don't worry about what others say.