Can someone troubleshoot my big xmas day life decision?

[waytheleaveswork]

Had some time this week to reflect on the past year. I've been a teacher for 10 years, same school for the last 8, and realised I need a change. I've been very unhappy with my job for the past 2 years even though I know covid etc is partially to blame.

I rent a flat. No DCs. 30k in savings. I'm 33.

I'd like to hand my notice in, leave in April, do supply for a few months and generally take some time to reassess my work. But wondering if it's madness to throw away a permanent job.

Insane, or should I be bold and go for it?

Grateful for any thoughts, and shout out to anyone else having big epiphanies today!

Leave! Life is for living, not teaching!

Never met a non moaning teacher - met much happier people in every other job.

Be free!!!!

Try the independent sector! You might love it.

@LadyCatStark

On a practical note, if you want to leave in April, did you not need to hand your notice in by the last day of this term?

AFAIK I have to hand in my notice by Feb 26th to leave at Easter...

0.5 gave me enough space to recover and reassess. ( I do have two disabilities though that make me tired)

I think life is too short to do something that makes you unhappy.
But so often the grass is greener on the other side.

I started working with a coach almost two years ago, had a huge desire for a career change, then Covid happened and actually I've come right back round to loving where I am. Not necessarily my work. But the freedom, flexibility and (frankly) really good money I get for doing not very much. Sometimes you need to step back to see the good.

So I think change things up if you can. Use your holidays to do a bit of reflection. Try changing jobs rather than career. But if that doesn't scratch the itch, then go for it.

It might be worth revisiting why you studied English (assuming that was your degree). Might there be something in that that would spark a new career?

I'd say if you feel that way, you should just leave. Sometimes you have to create space for something new. Supply work would be easy enough I pick up or you would find something else if you need to. Life is too short to spend it doing something by your heart is no longer in. Good luck OP!

I just wanted to update to say that I did leave, had a few months off, and landed a brilliant job last month that uses my skills but in a different context.

Thanks so much for the thoughts/encouragement/questions earlier this year!

congratulations!!! what's the new job like?

Congratulations. Sometimes you don't realise - until you are outside it - how ridiculous a situation is. A friend of mine was like you, so unhappy that she left teaching without a job to go to. She found a new position which uses her transferrable skills and loves how her new management are so supportive.

I agree a change is as good as a rest. With your experience I’m sure you will be snapped up a school in a less demanding location. If you have no ties look at where you would like to live and find a job there.

I gave up a permanent job to do supply and I love it. I'm so glad I did it. I don't think I'll ever go back to full time teaching.

I have my evenings and weekends back 😀 No planning, no marking, no reports, no parent phone calls, no pressure.

May depend on your area, but I have had as much work as I could possibly want, and schools constantly offering me contracts (practically begging me). So I feel it would be easy to return if I wanted to.

I retrained as a teacher in my 30s, so I have experience in other work roles. Teaching may not be the hardest job there is, but it's certainly the hardest job I've ever done, by a long mile, and there are always easier ways of making the same money!

If you are miserable, I encourage you to just go for it!

Oh sorry, just seen the update! Great to hear OP! I'm glad you escaped and are in a happier place!

Would you consider teaching abroad?

Ah, me too, oops!

Good luck OP

That’s fab! Whats the new role?

Really glad to hear you followed your instinct @waytheleaveswork

OP - leave your job and go travelling. You can do loads with 30k. Have a look at a working visa for Oz or NZ. Travelling will give you time to relax and re-asses.

Pleased to read your update!

Sometimes in life you need to take a step back in order to move on. This is such a scary/alien concept to most people though.

I’m so pleased it worked out for you 💐