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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

...do teachers really work that hard?

999 replies

User298895613 · 11/02/2019 09:15

I know the general idea on AIBU is that teachers work load is ridiculous, that they work extra hard and that they never never stop to the point that they r all seemingly leaving the profession.

But, AIBU to wonder if they are any different to anyone else? and actually might have it a bit easier? I mean, I also work myself into the ground, am exhausted, never stop etc... But I don't have summer holidays off to look after my kids, and I often work well into the small hours at night.

I'm not saying teachers don't work hard, but sometimes on munsnet I just feel like some teachers kind of spend a lot of time complaining about the workload, when maybe it's just the same as everyone elses, but with a nice long summer holiday?

(Sorry, I appreciate this will really inflame some posters, but it just had been annoying me lately)

OP posts:
Pieceofpurplesky · 11/02/2019 19:43

It amazes me how many people have friends who find teaching really easy. There must be some amazing mythical schools out there ...

peachgreen · 11/02/2019 19:46

I used to teach. I quit because it was fucking exhausting. I worked in a very high-pressure environment as a Communications Manager for a big merchant bank during the financial crisis and it was significantly less stressful and tiring than teaching (and substantially better paid).

Mmmmbrekkie · 11/02/2019 19:48

I’m in awe of teachers
Proper bona fide awe

YouBumder · 11/02/2019 19:50

In most jobs if you go in and someone you work with or a customer/client/service user verbally abuses you, shouts at you or hits you they’d be sacked/banned permanently from the premises. Teachers are expected to not only put up with it but be nice to the fuckers!

boonickle · 11/02/2019 19:50

DH is a teacher. He works most evenings. I am a lawyer. I work most evenings. I get paid 50% more than DH.

Whywhywhywhy1 · 11/02/2019 19:51

I am secondary teacher. Usually I get into school for 8 and am gone by 4. I might occasionally stay after school to do some marking but never on a Friday! I don’t work during school holidays-ever!

I don’t recognise the type of hours people are saying teachers do. I don’t and nor do most of my colleagues.

LJdorothy · 11/02/2019 19:52

We don't ever say we work harder than other professions. We only defend ourselves against accusations of laziness, or when we're told we have it easy. Controlling and educating a class of 20-30 children is the very opposite of easy, and anyone who thinks otherwise is clearly clueless.

BoneyBackJefferson · 11/02/2019 19:54

Greatorb
Not surprised by the reactions on here tbh. There's obviously a lot of people posting who have never left the education system bubble.

there are also a lot of people that think that they know all about teaching yet know sweet FA.

Clavinova · 11/02/2019 19:54

I have never read a thread/letter/opinion piece by a teacher that claims teachers have the hardest job. Teachers do not compete with other workers

I've just read these two gems posted by teachers this afternoon - on this thread!

I bet they get to have a coffee while they work, or maybe even listen to music, they probably sit down most of the time

those who are cossetted in a cosy office, chatting about Strictly around the water cooler most of the day

BoneyBackJefferson · 11/02/2019 19:58

Clavinova

out of context and neither a "thread/letter/opinion piece" just a comment in the face of the rubbish being posted.

RabbityMcRabbit · 11/02/2019 19:59

Greaterorb,this didConfused
None of those are as easy as a teachers job, so not sure of your point tbh

TakenForSlanted · 11/02/2019 20:03

Most of my family are teachers. I myself am a manager in one of these "the firm expects you to put in 80h/week while sending you to work-life balance trainings on a regular basis until you make partner" careers.

My mum and sister both had burn-outs. I didn't, despite being in that kind of job. They put in some fewer hours than me but seem a lot more stressed and get paid a lot less.

So, yes, teachers do work that hard.

Clavinova · 11/02/2019 20:03

For many teachers the flexibility to take work home could be regarded as a perk. There must be thousands of full-time teachers who offer private tutoring straight after school for example - these teachers are obviously leaving school by 3.30/4pm to get to their tutoring jobs. Likewise, teachers who prefer to collect their own children at a reasonable time rather than rely on extended childcare.

Noalarmsandnosurprises · 11/02/2019 20:06

Those who can, teach.
Those who can’t, start threads about it Grin

user1496259972 · 11/02/2019 20:07

I spent a day helping out at my sons school. I was exhausted! 1 cup of tea all day and throwing lunch down in 15 mins. That was without having to deal with paperwork, patents evening and parents! Teachers are my heros!!

Holidayshopping · 11/02/2019 20:07

Not sure where you get the impression from that I think a teachers job is easy

Hmmm, from your comment saying...

None of those are as easy as a teachers job

?

IceRebel · 11/02/2019 20:08

There must be thousands of full-time teachers who offer private tutoring straight after school for example

Where an earth are you getting this nonsense from? Teachers don't have time to offer tutoring after school, as they're still in school sorting out the paperwork, meetings, marking work, sorting lesson plans and prepping for the next day. The only teachers I know who tutor are either retired, or are those who have quit as teachers due to stress / burn out.

Dippypippy1980 · 11/02/2019 20:09

While I am sure teachers work hard, they don’t seem to understand that other people work hard too.

I work longer hours than my friends who are teachers - I often have to travel with work, up at 4am and not home till after 10pm depending on flights. I also get much less holidays. But I don’t constantly bing it up in every conversation.

I do think teaching is hard and often thankless. But so are a lot of jobs.

Holidayshopping · 11/02/2019 20:09

I don’t know one single teacher who offers tutoring straight from school!

Are there any on here who do? Please feel free to say.

starzig · 11/02/2019 20:09

The thought that one profession works harder than another is just ridiculous. Anyone saying 'so why don't you teach?' are also being ridiculous. All jobs have challenges, all people have different skill sets. Some people are naturally hard working some are not.
I couldn't teach, but a lot of teachers would struggle with my job too.

Holidayshopping · 11/02/2019 20:10

But I don’t constantly bing it up in every conversation.

No, nor do teachers!! Unless someone tells them they only work part time and have it easy.

Dippypippy1980 · 11/02/2019 20:11

And I know lots and lots of working teachers who tutor after hours.

My nephew is tutored by a teacher, and three teachers in his school offer after hours tutoring for the 11 plus. At £40 an hour it’s quite a little earner!

YehUrStllADickhead · 11/02/2019 20:11

Yes they do...too much work too little time...the role of a teacher is not just to teach...its about pastoral care too...you are second parents to theses children

Clavinova · 11/02/2019 20:12

Where an earth are you getting this nonsense from? Teachers don't have time to offer tutoring after school, as they're still in school sorting out the paperwork, meetings, marking work, sorting meetings, marking work, sorting lesson plans and prepping for the next day

I've already booked and paid for one! I had plenty to choose from - all full-time teachers.

Dimsumlosesum · 11/02/2019 20:12

And OP wins Goadiest Post of the Day Star