WWYD - job issue

[flower277]

I currently work at a special needs school as a TA. I absolutely love it. Unfortunately I live 15 miles away and with the cost of fuel rising I’ve applied for a TA job at a mainstream school in my town. It’s a higher grade but 3 hours less a week than I currently work so probably a similar wage. Also it’s a variable hour contract so my hours could go down at some point. I’ve got an interview but I’m really not sure I want to go to it. I’ve cried at the thought of leaving my current school. What would you do?

I think your experience working in a special school brings a wealth of talents so I’d be surprised if they reduced your hours, it a chance only you can decide on
Working in mainstream is completely different to a SS though
Good luck

I would attend the interview if I got one.

This new role doesn't sound like it's the right move due to it being variable hours. You may find that you end up being worse off than you currently are.

Normally, I would say that going for an interview is good experience, but it doesn't sound like your heart is in it anyway, so it would probably be a waste of your time and their time as well.

Is there anything you could do to make your current role workable eg taking on more hours over fewer days (breakfast/after school duties, lunchtime duties), car share with a colleague, public transport some of the way?
It may be worth speaking with your line manager to see if they can suggest anything.

I would say talk to your Head. Not line manager but someone who is able to make a decision.

Line managers in schools will not have authority to consider what you say and a poor one may not even pass the information on.

There is no scope for more hours as I’m already full time, there is scope for me to progress though to a higher grade at some point.

You are right when you say my heart isn’t in it at all, I feel as though I’d be doing it for the wrong reasons.