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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To leave a teaching job after 3 weeks?

178 replies

nocontactforevermore · 08/01/2014 23:24

I am ready to break:/

I left a very stressful head full time of department job in the October half term. I decided to go part time, without extra responsibilities etc and my DP is supportive of this. I had originally felt so bruised by it all that I wanted to leave teaching altogether but was approached by a very local school to me who offered me part time and I thought I'd hit the jackpot. On paper it sounds amazing - 3 miles from my house, working only Tuesdays and Thursdays. The trouble is....I've inherited a department that doesn't have a leader (it's very small anyway) but also is in a big mess. Kids have been entered for wrong exams, haven't completed coursework and to top it off, they've been wild in my lessons:/. I started just before Xmas and within the first day I was sick with anxiety. It built up all over xmas and now that I'm back, it's worse than ever. I am only contracted two days, but the workload means I will have to work at least another 2 from home. They also schedule me for meetings that are the responsibility of a head of department, but that was not the deal. I've pointed out that they are asking too much of me and pushing the kids to achieve too high a level of the qualification that I will never get it gone in time for summer. All I keep getting reminded of is that I was a former head of dept and 'can handle it'.

I can't though. Well I could, if I didn't sleep or felt resentful that I left a full time job for a part time one only to realise I'll be working just as hard. The reason for this is purely and simply because the department has been left to shit. I am on a temporary contract (suited me fine) and feel like they are simply going to 'milk me' until summer, while I'm sent over the edge.

How bad would it be to walk? I've an unbroken 15 year employment history. I am not flaky, but I didn't sleep at all over Xmas and this isn't the fresh start I envisaged.Hmm

OP posts:
Kayakinggirl86 · 09/01/2014 06:50

From information you have given in your post, it sounds like you are not teaching in England to it is best to talk to your union as they will be able to give you solid advice.

Morgause · 09/01/2014 06:59

Leave. It isn't worth the damage to your health. Tell them you are leaving because the job is not "as advertised" and you took it because you wanted to reduce your working hours for family reasons.

You can say the same to future potential employers. You were prepared to do the job you were offered but they changed the rules. Not your fault.

IrisWildthyme · 09/01/2014 07:02

definitely leave, asap.

This situation is not your responsibility to clean up.

The school clearly needs at least a 0.6fte HoD and should recruit for and pay for that role, not force it on you against your will and without paying.

You need at least a half-term off to recover. Then seek a new job.

manicinsomniac · 09/01/2014 07:04

I would leave as soon as possible but you have to give half a term's notice.

JourneyThroughLife · 09/01/2014 07:11

Just leave. It really isn't worth ruining your life over, it really isn't. Years ago I trained as a teacher and then decided not to go for teaching jobs...currently work in education but not actually teaching. Happiness and life-balance is worth more than a job.
You just know when something isn't right for you, and you certainly know that after three weeks...leave.

Original poster
nocontactforevermore · 09/01/2014 07:48

The idea of giving half a terms notice is making me feel sick . I've only been there a week before Xmas and now 3 days since we returned, so technically, it's 8 days - I just don't feel like a I can give them half a term. Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
nocontactforevermore · 09/01/2014 07:51

And unfortunately I am in the UK.

I've not had a salary from them yet. I don't really care if they don't pay me. What can they do if I leave? They can't take me to court, can they? I've only ever had 2 teaching positions in my life, my while career has spanned across 2 jobs, so I am usually a 'sticker'. This job just isn't what I signed up for. I'm not worried about getting a bad reference from them because I would just omit this short period from my CV. I guess I am worried they would make it hard for me to work in the borough again though? I've heard about heads 'blacklisting' teachers from specific county councils. This is worrying me because there's another part time job going at a college nearby my house that sounds good.

OP posts:
BrownSauceSandwich · 09/01/2014 07:55

So you can handle it, as a former HoD? All very well, if they were paying you for it! Contact your union for advice. I guess you might have to stick it out till the end of term? But if so, you do your conditioned hours, and not a stitch more. I'd seriously recommend you do a stint of supply: you show up with your stock lesson plans (or follow the school's), and walk away at home-time, leaving all responsibility to someone else. If you like a school, you can choose to go back there, but if not, you work till the end of the day, and never have to see them again. And you get work in aschool you really love, you pull out all the stops in hopes that a permanent position will open there in future.

There's got to be a good match between the values and expectations of the school and the teacher. I think you've been had, here. Cut your losses and hand in your notice.

BrownSauceSandwich · 09/01/2014 07:55

And tell them, in no uncertain terms, why you're quitting.

manicinsomniac · 09/01/2014 08:01

I'm afraid I have no idea if there's a way around the notice period or what would happen if you don't work it. I don't imagine they could take you court, especially if you don't get paid, but I'm not 100%. I imagine it could hinder you in getting another job though. What happens if you put your previous job as your current employer and then a potential employer rings for a reference only to be told that you moved on to X school? Do you know your previous head well enough to ask her not to mention that?

I think you need union advice before you take any action.

Booboostoo · 09/01/2014 08:07

This is a very usual con in HE where a lot of Unis rely on part-time staff...you employ and pay someone on a part-time contract but expect them to do a full-time workload. A lot of people are so desperate for a job (for experience, their CV and references) that they put up with it, but it sounds to me like you have other options so just walk away.

Inertia · 09/01/2014 08:07

The problem is you cannot just leave it off your CV because of the DBS check , where all time needs to be accounted for. Perhaps a way round it if you do leave is to call it a period of short term supply , so that you can then go to your previous head for references ? Not sure whether that is allowed though - I would speak to the union first.

Original poster
nocontactforevermore · 09/01/2014 08:08

It's weird, because for this job there was no real formal interview, I went in and did a lesson but I wasn't interviewed by the head, more of an informal chat?! My old head knew I was going there loosely but made a snarky comment about how disorganised they seemed. He was right! Also, I'm not sure if they would mention I moved on to x school- it wasn't confirmed before I left my other one and my head didn't ask if I was definitely going there? Thinking about it though - I'm sure other staff will have told him since.

OP posts:
Original poster
nocontactforevermore · 09/01/2014 08:08

Has anyone had any experience of a head making it difficult to work elsewhere?

OP posts:
Original poster
nocontactforevermore · 09/01/2014 08:12

Doesn't a CrB just concern itself with your addrrsses through? I've just filled one out and it didn't ask for places of work?

OP posts:
NearTheWindmill · 09/01/2014 08:15

I'm an HR manager in education OP. I don't want to read and run but have to go to work. Will read full thread later and post a proper reply.

ilovesooty · 09/01/2014 08:19

I'm afraid I think t hat under safer recruitment procedures you have to state this head as your last employer and can't leave this off your employment history. I think your union will confirm this.

Llareggub · 09/01/2014 08:20

You work with children so need to give a full account of your whereabouts over the last 20 years. If you leave out this job and are found out it will have a negative impact on your reputation and honesty.

Resign. Negotiate a shorter notice period if you can. Don't burn your bridges; who knows where your current colleagues will end up. You will be paid for the work you have done.

Morgause · 09/01/2014 08:23

The second you put in your resignation you will start to feel better.

If it gets too much go to your GP and get signed off with stress.

whatever5 · 09/01/2014 08:27

If I was you, I would resign but I would work my notice period. I don't know what teaching is like but my profession is a small world and word gets around so it's best not to fall out (too much!) with a previous employer. If it's only half a term you can probably still leave it off your CV.

frustratedashell · 09/01/2014 08:39

Feel for you OP. You probably went back to work to soon. It sounds like a total nightmare. I think you should go to the doctor and get signed off, anxiety or whatever. Then hand in your notice. If you work your notice it could be very detrimental to your health,
No job is worth that! Good luck.

frustratedashell · 09/01/2014 08:39

Feel for you OP. You probably went back to work to soon. It sounds like a total nightmare. I think you should go to the doctor and get signed off, anxiety or whatever. Then hand in your notice. If you work your notice it could be very detrimental to your health,
No job is worth that! Good luck.

ilovesooty · 09/01/2014 08:40

I'm sure you can't leave it off your CV or applications. I think you should work withyour union to negotiate an early release from your contract as at the moment it seems you are contracted until Easter.

Original poster
nocontactforevermore · 09/01/2014 08:45

I'm contracted til summer guys:/ have only just started as well:(

OP posts:
woodrunner · 09/01/2014 08:51

Nocontact - as far as you understood, when you took the job, were you expected to take over any HoD duties? Is the job hugely different from its description and what you agreed to? Surely you can get out now if they have sold you a lie?

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