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Original poster

To quit or not to quit?

60 replies

Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:09

I know this has been asked thousandfold probably by me but I currently work three days a week as a teacher. I’m starting to absolutely hate the job, though it does have some pros, and my house and family are falling apart.

circumstances dictate that I have an opportunity (excuse? Reason?) to hand in my notice, leaving the job altogether to stay at home for a bit with my 4 kids. Me quitting would make their lives better without a shadow of a doubt. I would eventually look for other work, probably not teaching but maybe education related.

What would you do?

OP posts:
OldTinHat · 28/10/2023 15:10

Quit

Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:10

One example of how I could make their lives better, is that they haven’t had friends over for years because of the state of our house 😢

OP posts:
Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:12

OldTinHat · 28/10/2023 15:10

Quit

Simple and to the point! I like it 😊

OP posts:

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TeaKitten · 28/10/2023 15:12

Why would you not quit?

ABCXYZ17 · 28/10/2023 15:14

Quit. You’ve said yourself that you can with no real consequence. Spend time with your family and look for something else. My friend quit full time teaching and now works for the council, 4 days at home and one in the office. Hasn’t looked back. I left teaching, I’m still in education albeit in a more difficult role but I wouldn’t go back now either. Despite my new job being very challenging I also get to work from home 2 days a week at least which makes a big difference and although I don’t get the school holidays anymore I still get 32 days plus bank holidays so it’s totally manageable.

CalistoNoSolo · 28/10/2023 15:14

I don't understand how everything is falling apart when you don't work for four days of the week. People work full time and manage work, home and children, what's going on that you don't?

Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:17

CalistoNoSolo · 28/10/2023 15:14

I don't understand how everything is falling apart when you don't work for four days of the week. People work full time and manage work, home and children, what's going on that you don't?

I’m literally incapable, that’s why. I can’t manage my time very well. Teaching takes up so much of my mental capacity and time in the evenings. I do not have a job share so am doing all the work for hltas to cover my two days out of class.

OP posts:
Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:18

ABCXYZ17 · 28/10/2023 15:14

Quit. You’ve said yourself that you can with no real consequence. Spend time with your family and look for something else. My friend quit full time teaching and now works for the council, 4 days at home and one in the office. Hasn’t looked back. I left teaching, I’m still in education albeit in a more difficult role but I wouldn’t go back now either. Despite my new job being very challenging I also get to work from home 2 days a week at least which makes a big difference and although I don’t get the school holidays anymore I still get 32 days plus bank holidays so it’s totally manageable.

Thank you 💐

OP posts:
fetchacloth · 28/10/2023 15:18

Quit.
You don't get the time back with your kids later in life. Enjoy it now.

Maddy70 · 28/10/2023 15:19

Quit.

I left teaching for my own sanity and that of my families

I have zero regrets

user1846385927482658 · 28/10/2023 15:21

I would eventually look for other work, probably not teaching but maybe education related.

Do you have a specific plan to back up this idea? Will you end up in financial distress if it's not that easy to get a new job?

I'm not sure I would quit a permanent secure job as we head into a recession.

CalistoNoSolo · 28/10/2023 15:21

I have limited sympathy tbh. You chose to have four children, you only work three days a week and you admit you don't manage your time. I'm sure someone will be along any minute to suggest you're ND, but it sounds to me like you need to take responsibility for yourself. How are bills going to be paid if you don't work?

user1846385927482658 · 28/10/2023 15:22

fetchacloth · 28/10/2023 15:18

Quit.
You don't get the time back with your kids later in life. Enjoy it now.

All time is non-refundable.

shardash · 28/10/2023 15:22

If you can afford it, quit.

Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:22

I actually have tears in my eyes as I feel I have to quit for my kids’ sake (my youngest feels like my last chance to do primary school parenting so much better 😢) but it’s such a hard decision and a huge step. I’ve joined the Facebook group “thinking of quitting teaching” and there are so many success stories in there and also some that have gone wrong!

OP posts:
TeenLifeMum · 28/10/2023 15:23

Compromise and keep your hand in by being a supply teacher but not over booking yourself.

I think you need to consider why home is falling apart because I’m not sure why this is the case when you’re working 3 days a week plus teacher holidays (I appreciate teachers have planning and marking to do but you do get some holiday/evenings/plus weekdays those of us who work full time don’t get.

I’m not trying to be unkind, I just think there’s more to it so wonder if quitting will solve it. For contrast, I work full time in the nhs, am studying for a masters and have 3dc. We balance it by having a cleaner once a week, dh does his share (sometimes more when I’m on a deadline) and dc have chores.

my question is, what is it in the current set up that isn’t working and will quitting solve that? If so, yes, quit. But what’s stopped you so far?

Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:23

user1846385927482658 · 28/10/2023 15:22

All time is non-refundable.

Show quote history

What a fabulous quote!

OP posts:
Dacadactyl · 28/10/2023 15:23

I'd personally quit. I'm a big believer in family before everything else and don't see why you wouldn't if you think it's not only going to benefit you but also the kids too.

Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:25

TeenLifeMum · 28/10/2023 15:23

Compromise and keep your hand in by being a supply teacher but not over booking yourself.

I think you need to consider why home is falling apart because I’m not sure why this is the case when you’re working 3 days a week plus teacher holidays (I appreciate teachers have planning and marking to do but you do get some holiday/evenings/plus weekdays those of us who work full time don’t get.

I’m not trying to be unkind, I just think there’s more to it so wonder if quitting will solve it. For contrast, I work full time in the nhs, am studying for a masters and have 3dc. We balance it by having a cleaner once a week, dh does his share (sometimes more when I’m on a deadline) and dc have chores.

my question is, what is it in the current set up that isn’t working and will quitting solve that? If so, yes, quit. But what’s stopped you so far?

Definite food for thought and I don’t even really know the answer. I can’t knuckle down to anything when everyone is home. I’m much better home alone but then I have appointments, kids’ things at school etc on my days off. I’ve only had one full school day to myself since term started in September.

OP posts:
Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:30

CalistoNoSolo · 28/10/2023 15:21

I have limited sympathy tbh. You chose to have four children, you only work three days a week and you admit you don't manage your time. I'm sure someone will be along any minute to suggest you're ND, but it sounds to me like you need to take responsibility for yourself. How are bills going to be paid if you don't work?

Wow. Brutal.

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 28/10/2023 15:33

In my experience three days a week teaching works out at full time hours.

When I did full-time teaching I was doing 60-70 hour weeks.

Quit.

Teaching sucks up your mental energy because you are always thinking about what you can do to support this kid, or that class.

Spend that mental energy on your kids, assuming no financial difficulties.

And frankly, they're so desperate for teachers even if you take a break you'll have no problems getting a new job

Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:40

Thank you Octavia.

OP posts:
thirdistheonewiththehairychest · 28/10/2023 15:41

Quit. I did two years ago and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

thirdistheonewiththehairychest · 28/10/2023 15:42

CalistoNoSolo · 28/10/2023 15:21

I have limited sympathy tbh. You chose to have four children, you only work three days a week and you admit you don't manage your time. I'm sure someone will be along any minute to suggest you're ND, but it sounds to me like you need to take responsibility for yourself. How are bills going to be paid if you don't work?

I am going to assume that you are not a teacher...

Original poster
Snard4 · 28/10/2023 15:42

@thirdistheonewiththehairychest thank you. What do you do now? Are you/were you a teacher?

OP posts: