At what point do I just give up on my dream?

[MadamFolly]

Sitting here in tears.

Qualified as a teacher last year, went to loads of interviews but didn't get a job, now working but not as a teacher, looking for teaching jobs so I can do my NQT year.

Just come from my sixth or so in 2 months. No job.

I feel utterly useless and shit. I know I can be a good teacher but I can't seem to do a good interview, either my lesson isn't good enough or my student panel isn't good enough or I just lose out to someone who was better.

I am so stressed that I feel sick constantly, I have an uncontrollable twitch in my eye, my digestion is not right and I am constantly tearful. The tearfulness is mostly controllable around other people and I can put on a good front for the interviews.

I have another coming up in a couple of days. I feel sick at the thought.

I'm not sure how much more rejection I can take, its killing me.

What should I do?

[muddymary]

I'm a teacher too and trust me two months and six interviews is nothing! It took me a looooong time to get my nqt year done! I taught abroad for a bit and I also did supply for ages before getting my first job in the UK.

I also don't have a car at the mo but the public transport links where I live are brill. So I'm another one who would suggest going on supply - you get your face known in schools which always helps.

I used to save the job spec of every job I applied for (just in case I got an interview) and I remember hitting a real low point when I came across them all one night and realised just how many jobs I'd applied for. The fact is (in our area at least) for every job that comes up there's about 150-200 applicants so each position is like a mini lottery. You really just have to toughen up to rejection and just keep applying. It sucks but it'll be worth it when you have your own class.

[HollyBerryBush]

It also depends what you are teaching. Physics= high demand, Art/Drama = 10 a penny

[RedHelenB]

I agree with supply - you can often get a long term placement through them (covering maternity for eg)

Just a bit worried like other posters about your stress levels - NQT is a tough year.

Don't worry too much about student panels - it's the lessons that are all important & the interview.

[noblegiraffe]

Have you asked for feedback from your interviews? Why are you not getting the jobs, is it vague "other candidate was stronger" stuff or are there specific areas you need to work on?

What's the interview lesson about that you're preparing? Why do your other lessons not go well? Pitched at the wrong level? Not engaging enough? Run out of time?

There are loads of teachers on here, if you say what the problems are, we might be able to give you some tips.

[FarBetterNow]

Please do something about your stress levels.

Can you listen to relaxation 'cds' whilst on the train and meditate in the evening in the hotels?

If you can relax, your quality of sleep will be better and you will then be less tired.
Best wishes to you.

[FasterStronger]

Could you improve your fitness? This will help with stress and increase your confidence.

Everyone feels crap at times, the trick is not to give up! Keep on keeping on.

[MansView]

stick at it - successful people have all failed at some point, you just have to learn from your mistakes, ask them for feedback etc...

never ever give up... when I was 20 I was working as a dishwasher and wanted to go into IT...I went to college then to uni - it was a struggle, but I knew if i was to give up I'd be a dishwasher the rest of my life...
I got my first IT job when I was 28, I'm in my 40s now and reaping the benefits...

check this book out too -
www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Answers-Tough-Interview-Questions/dp/074946352X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367412139&sr=8-2&keywords=tough%20interview%20questions%20and%20how%20to%20answer%20them&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[MadamFolly]

I didn't get the job today, I know I did well and they said it was a difficult decision and I was q strong candidate.

[WowOoo]

Chin up! I'm a pro at rejections. I know it's so utterly shit and I felt like you three years ago.
I literally brushed it off my shoulders. After my tears had dried !!

You need to ask for feedback. 'What did they have that I didn't?/ what do I need to do to improve or get the job?'

If they liked you (and they were impressed enough to give you an interview...) they won't mind talking to you for 10 mins on the phone or an email.
Feedback I've had from interviews helped me get a job. Nothing to lose. Keep at it.
I always tell myself I wouldn't really have fitted in in certain places. (just to convince myself it was their loss!) X

[aldiwhore]

Sorry sorry sorry, replying to your OP, rush on!

Get in touch with your careers and employability department at your University (may have a different name) as you could still access various courses.

Mine ran a Graduate Headstart Programme, which is funded, and open to any graduate from that university. I graduated 13 years ago and was eligable! Not all Uni's offer this service BUT most offer some help to an alumnus.


Do not give up, not until there is absolutely no way forward.

I was a SAHM for 8 years, had no confidence, and was very rusty in the 'job applicant skill' department! The GHS 3 day programme enabled me to write a very good CV (following a set path and balancing selling myself with giving an employer everything they seek), interview skills, introductory letters, words to avoid even! I'm now working in a place I am appreciated, and that has room to develop.

Please revisit your Uni.

[aldiwhore]

madam rather than ask where you went wrong, ask what swung it in the other candidates favour? They may not want to tell you, but you lose nothing in asking x