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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To retrain as a teacher at 54?

147 replies

Goblincore · 04/08/2021 09:59

The job I currently have is looking like it might not go on for much longer. Its a design and marketing role that I've had for years. I have a degree in English Literature and was looking at pgce
There's a good one at Exeter University which isn't a million miles away.

Am I mad to consider it? I'm sure English teachers are ten a penny wishes she'd done computer science or something

I mean they probably won't accept me anyway.

OP posts:
GiantToadstool · 04/08/2021 10:28

@changingstages sorry to hear this :( This isn't at all uncommon and yet teachers this affects often feel they have personally failed.

notanothertakeaway · 04/08/2021 10:28

@changingstages

my DH recently retrained as a teacher at 51. He was previously a university lecturer. He has hated every minute of it and it's absolutely destroyed his mental health. So I'd find it hard to recommend it as a course of action.
Sorry to hear that. If he only retrained recently, could he return to university, or some other form of higher education?

For OP, this is part of my concern. What if you leave design & marketing, retrain as a teacher, only to find that you don't like teaching (and earn less, as a NQT)? I have heard of people working as a TA first, to have a better idea of what teaching involves

GiantToadstool · 04/08/2021 10:30

You also find many teachers "drop down" to TA roles.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 04/08/2021 10:33

You must be joking! I’ve got ill health retirement as teaching broke my mental health. I’m 56.

Everyone i worked with in their late 40’s and 50’s is desperate to get out. It’s a brutal physically demanding career.

Someone on here defined it as ‘being in an abusive relationship! This is so true. The small lovely bit ( being with the kids) ruined by the horror of the rest of it.

QualityMarguerite · 04/08/2021 10:34

Get into a school and if you still like it go for it. I think you may have to be more flexible in the types of school you work in but if prepared to be flexible there is so much e flush teacher work out there. You don’t want to work in some academy only hiring twenties yoofs but may well end up somewhere better die that. FE is interesting too - lots to explore. I love teaching and being older snd less tolerant of parents/management/shit in general, probably helps!

MyCatEatsPrawnCrackers · 04/08/2021 10:34

I'm biased as I am 54 and have just been bullied out of Primary teaching (along with 2 other colleagues, one of whom is also mid 50s). I think you'd be bonkers to even consider it but that's me speaking as somone who has been chucked on the scrapheap afer teaching for 32 years.

Datsandcogs · 04/08/2021 10:37

Another treacherous here, I’d advise against it. A huge amount of effort for a shortened career. If you want to work with children get a job as a TA and see how you feel, or work in a library.

Datsandcogs · 04/08/2021 10:37

Treacherous? Teacher! Should practice what I preach and proof read!

Orf1abc · 04/08/2021 10:38

Colleges and FE might be a good move OP!

Many FE staff are now employed on a sessional basis, so making anywhere near a decent salary is very tough. Funding cuts have left morale at rock bottom across the sector.

I'd say go for it, but think on a year to year basis. If you can get a place for your PGCE this year (check with your chosen provider before applying), then you're effectively taking a year off from your current profession. If you enjoy the PGCE then apply for a position, if not then start looking for something else.

Burnout amongst teachers is very high. Keep that in mind and have an alternative for if you feel you might hit that point.

cansu · 04/08/2021 10:39

I think you would be shocked by the starting salary vs what is expected of you. I have a colleague who was a graphic designer. He was definitely paid more for an easier life. I also had a colleague who was in the police as a sergeant who retrained for teaching. He went back to the police after a year saying his work life balance and salary were better in the police. Don't be under any illusions about the job. I enjoy it but it is hard work and it remains so even after twenty years in the role. The demands and constant scrutiny continue. It is not like other roles and careers where seniority means respect and acceptance that you know what you are doing. There is constant change in curriculum and in expectations. There is always a new fashion in what is expected. I remember being told that I was a facilitator and my role was to help kids learn and discover things for themselves. I have been told that my direct teaching should be very short and instead children should work collaboratively in groups. I have been told the new holy grail is to go back to instructional teaching! A few years back all work had to be differentiated. Recently, I was told that this is no longer the case. All children should now do the same but I need to provide scaffolds for the less able. It is a minefield. I think it is important to go into it with your eyes open. It is far from being 'all about the kids'. One thing I have noticed about Lucy (the journalist turned teacher) is that she has said one or two things about no being able to keep up and just doing her best. She does however have an advantage, she doesn't need the cash to live and probably has a very good pension already!

4togonow · 04/08/2021 10:39

A pp mentioned it but I agree it’s a very physically demanding job which you might not expect. You have to be 100% on top form as there is no downtime and no one cuts you any slack (staff or pupils.)

ExConstance · 04/08/2021 10:40

I retrained as a social care manager in my 50's. Right up until Covid struck I loved my job, it was well worth retraining for and I have gathered a lovely team about me. I'll be retiring soon and post Covid it has been no fun at all but I don't regret it for a moment. In making your choice don't let age come into it too much, think about the job itself. There are some skilled people in my team who would make great nurses or social workers but they constantly say that at around 40 they are too old to do the training, which I think some of them might regret later.

Flossing · 04/08/2021 10:41

Not unreasonable to consider it. But you should definitely shadow a teacher for a week to get an idea of the realities before you apply. Obviously with a subject like English the marking is constant and pressure too with it being a core subject.

I personally wouldn't do the pgce route if I were training later in life as a small salary would be helpful! There was a woman on my training course about 15 years ago who was mid 40s...so it's not all 22 year olds! But she didn't complete the course, said was too demanding with her young kids.

Intherightplace · 04/08/2021 10:43

Definitely go for it. A lot of the problems the teaching profession has at the moment come about because people have been in the job too long IMO. You'll have long enough to enjoy it and not so long that you become jaded plus parents and students will assume that you're long experienced so you won't face some of the issues younger NQTs suffer

I'd agree a SCITT might be better though.

4togonow · 04/08/2021 10:44

I do know someone who trained as a teacher at 50. They had relevant experience and enjoyed it. However five years on they have not found permanent work. They did a maternity cover and some supply (not much around any more) and cover supervisor work which is not well paid. I think you would find it hard to get work unless you were in Maths or Science which are shortage subjects in my area.

Original poster
Goblincore · 04/08/2021 10:44

@Datsandcogs

Another treacherous here, I’d advise against it. A huge amount of effort for a shortened career. If you want to work with children get a job as a TA and see how you feel, or work in a library.
Don't want that salary! I do need to live!
OP posts:
Taoneusa · 04/08/2021 10:46

Private tutoring is well paid and English is an in - demand subject.

Freshstart67 · 04/08/2021 10:47

Go for it!
Life’s too short. You won’t know until you try!
That’s what I’m doing right now, worked in NHS for 20 years, had kids early 40s, now doing focusing on creative pastimes hoping to develop into something further.

Go for change!! Smile

SunShinesBrightly · 04/08/2021 10:48

Have you looked at starting salaries for NQTs OP?

Greenmarmalade · 04/08/2021 10:49

Just be completely aware of the insane workload and hours you need to put in.bin your first year it’s normal to be up til 12/1 madly prepping stuff and you never ever finish your ‘to do’ list. Management in academies can be toxic and controlling.

I like a lot about the job, but I think it takes its toll, and it’s not worth the salary you’re on for the first 5 years.

Intherightplace · 04/08/2021 10:49

@Datsandcogs

Another treacherous here, I’d advise against it. A huge amount of effort for a shortened career. If you want to work with children get a job as a TA and see how you feel, or work in a library.
I love the way teachers forget that they earn a very decent salary for their demanding job. At least 3x your average TA does.
NoLongerATeacher · 04/08/2021 10:49

I am just approaching my 55 bday - I retired at Xmas - I qualified at 40. I have to agree with @ArseInTheCoOpWindow - teaching 180 different teenagers a day with perhaps 3 lessons of breaks over the week - no lunch/breaks/ time for a wee! Then there’s the demands of the tutor group! I was really lucky and was in a fab school with supportive SLT - however I’ve seen some teachers treated so badly it’s awful - I agree that experience in school might show you the reality.

HereBeFuckery · 04/08/2021 10:51

@Goblincore

Yes I have heard of her she's very inspirational! Her charity is maths and science based though I think.
It's all subjects! I've just finished my training year, through Now Teach, in English. I cannot recommend it highly enough! There is a tonne of support through Now Teach. I'm 40, and also came from marketing. Give them a call, NT are honestly so good at what they do, you won't regret it. I've had the best year (hard work, but FUN) and can't wait to be an NQT.
omgthepain · 04/08/2021 10:54

@Goblincore

From my previous experience of doing admin in a university that had a joint sixth form partnership they loved staff with industry experience I think it's a
Great idea x

SunShinesBrightly · 04/08/2021 10:55

I love the way teachers forget that they earn a very decent salary for their demanding job. At least 3x your average TA does

TA 17K
NQT starting salary 24/25K