Helpful advice - job in Sainsburys or Nursery

[BrimFire]

Gave up teaching in July after nearly 20 years. Had had enough really and increasingly resented the set holidays after DC left school... However after a good few interviews for jobs with CAMHS/ remote education providers etc I have failed to be offered anything. Very disheartening.

I am now applying for anything that will pay the bills and have got 2 interviews on Thursday. Both within walking cycling distance both paying just above NMW. I may not get either but if I have to choose which do you think?

Supermarket - Pro’s -12 week contract for Christmas (leave date to look forward to if I hate it/ buys time for better job) , staff discount, overtime possible, varied hours. Cons - Would see everyone I know as it’s it’s the main supermarket in town.

Nursery - Pros- I enjoy working with children and babies, Mon - Fri, regular wage. Cons - Feels like possibly a version of teaching but with half the salary.

Anybody with experience of either help me choose ( if I get a choice obviously).

I’d go for a nursery without a doubt!!

Personally, I’d go for Sainsbury’s whilst applying for jobs that are more long term. There’s an end date to it and you can walk away if you can’t stand it. I’m not keen on nursery age children, so that would influence my decision though.

What's wrong with seeing everyone you know?

Nursery.

But that is actually my job so I might be biased

Obviously not saying this is right or fair but lots of comments about teaching, why you left, might even be speculation left under a cloud or sacked …

I’ve worked in a supermarket and it was pretty easy and low stress. Can’t imagine you could say that about a nursery. Especially if you get assigned to the check outs you just get paid to sit all day and make a bit of small talk. And you’ll probably be able to pick up overtime if you want and then there’s staff discount so financially it’ll be better too

Sainsbury's. Better pay, better hours, chance of promotion.

Have you tried contacting your local Virtual School and the county 0-25 SEND team? In our area there is a big demand for 1-2-1 tutors to support students who are EOTAS , medically unable to attend or LAC children eligible for extra support (in school, paid through PEPs). These posts often aren’t advertised - it can be a case of who you know, sadly.

Defo sainburys, less stress, probably better benefits, decent discount and no snotty noses to wipe and less germs passed on.

I would choose Sainsbury's. I say that as a teacher who's taught EYFS! But the thought of the flexibility with shifts, not having an emotional attachment to work (so no worrying about children after hours) and having set tasks with an end to them sounds like bliss. Plus, as you say, 12 week contract and staff discount - you could leave if you don't like it and getting a discount on the run up to Christmas sounds good to me.

Failing what I suggested in my previous post, personally if I left teaching I’d go for a supermarket as I’m not good with much younger children and I’d also prefer to work somewhere with more staff my own age (all the nurseries I know have mainly younger staff?).

What about childminder? Better money than nursery, choose your own hours and days etc

Best job I ever had was in a supermarket when I was a student.

Thanks all. Looks like Sainsbury's is the preferred option.I do think the lower stress level appeals.
I am still weighing up if I can cope with working in town though. I have lived here a long time and they’ll possibly be a bit of judgment ( it’s that sort of town).
Also I’ve done retail before but not sat on tills for hours. What’s that like?

Sainsburys all day long. I used own and run nurseries

Supermarket. You wouldn’t have to wipe anyone’s arse, or get constant viruses.

I've done both and I'd choose the nursery

Sainsburys. It doesn't have to be forever but it'll give you more breathing space than a very intense and underpaid role in a nursery. Personally I think you'd be frustrated as well working with children but not in a teaching capacity. Then keep applying to CAHMS etc if that's what you want to do.

Teacher who often has “going to jack this in and work in Tesco” desperately needing you to report back.

Nursery. I work in a supermarket and customers are cunts.

I've done both and would choose the supermarket depending how much aggro you want to deal with.
Nursery workers are underpaid and under appreciated. Huge planning and paperwork pressure usually with no time set aside to do it so end up doing it at home. Not being able to call in sick if you need to (some places might be better but the nursery I worked at gave out official warnings for calling sick as they lost money having to refuse children as they couldn't meet the required adult:child ratio). Holidays have to be balanced across a small team. Occasionally have to work a weekend with no additional pay to accommodate open days. Sickness bugs from children brought in regardless of their condition as parents want to get Christmas shopping done = getting sick all over Christmas and flu season but having to go in anyway.
Supermarkets aren't perfect. Angry customers. Rubbish managers sometimes. Set breaks which don't always happen on time. Repetitive work and somewhat thankless. However, you get to go home at the end of the shift and leave it all behind you.
I LOVED working with children but my nursery job was less stressful than my friends primary school teacher job and half the pay! If the nursery job was paid appropriately then it would be worth it.

The Nursery sector is crying out for staff, you’ll walk into any role should you wish to choose that path.
As another poster says, have a think about childminding. There’s more more to be made in that and much more control than working in a nursery.

Could you not do supply teaching with days to suit ?

Can’t imagine wanting to work in a supermarket after giving up a teaching career. Surely your skills would be better suited to a nursery
I agree people would quotation why you left if it’s a small (and small minded) town.

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