Am I silly....

[Gimmeesugar]

For wanting to retrain as a teacher? I know the profession gets moaned about a lot but I’m 40 and I really want to leave my (very well paid!) corporate role to do this. I feel I want to do something more meaningful and give back to society and the thought of helping children determine their future appeals to me. Am I being stupid? Will I hate it

It’s a hard job but I love it. There are other easier paths to take to influence children’s futures though.

Have you got any recent experience in schools? What would your subject be?

Nope I have no schools experience bar sitting on a board for a London secondary school for a couple of years.....

I’d like to do psychology but they don’t seem to have any salaried training courses in this subject

I’d suggest you spend some time in secondary schools then to see if you actually like it. You wouldn’t get on any training course without experience anyway.

You will most likely hate it. Teachers are leaving in their droves. I was passionate (still am) about teaching, children and giving to society but teaching is a profession not compatible with a healthy work life balance, family etc. In its current state. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy and all my friends that I trained with are miserable.

Oh....that doesn’t sound very positive!

purpledaisies absolutely I would do that. I’m right at the beginning of considering this route

Whilst I would advise no one I know or love to go into teaching, I am aware that the profession desperately needs new teachers. Recruitment is not the only issue ( there are quite a few "attractive " incentive schemes and a variety of routes being used to encourage people from diverse
job backgrounds etc ), but even if you do decide to take it up" retaining " teachers is the next issue. Teachers burn out, are disillusioned and desperate to leave in my Local Authority.
Public perception of the job is horrendous and quite hostile at times.

Try it ...or you'll always wonder I guess. You may just love it enough to stay.

If you’re silly op then so am I...
I’ve just started my Primary Teaching degree at the grand old age of 40.
I left my fairly well paid corporate job 8 years ago to work as a TA in a school, mainly to fit in with the DC and to get more of a work/life balance.
I absolutely love every second of working in a school and now the DC are older I’ve decided to take the plunge and do my teacher training.
I’m aware of the workload and pressures (I see it every day) but it’s still something I’m passionate enough about to give it a go for myself.
I do really think it also depends on the school - some are better than others at supporting teachers and the demands can vary from school to school.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

I always loved teaching. I recently retired and really miss it! Young people always look to the future.