I really hate my job

[FedupAn32]

I really dislike my job. I’m part time but I still do same (if not more) than I did when I was full time. I resent the time it takes up on my weekends and evenings. I feel guilty and I have zero energy and time to spend with my own kids. I constantly think about work. They are getting me to do more stuff snd I’ve just read an email that shows I’m gaining more responsibility but I don’t really want it. It will not mean more money btw just more responsibility. I cannot say no.

I wasn’t going to mention my job as I know sometimes it can get a bit nasty on AIBU. The job is a secondary teacher (NOT English as I know I’ve probably made some typos/ other errors that might get picked up). I feel so low snd absolutely fed up. I hate the comments made by people when I previously posted under a different name that I get all the holidays! I feel I’m having a nervous breakdown. I have constant butterflies in my stomach and feeling of dread. When I’m
Actually there reaching the kids I love it and think actually it’s not too bad but st hone abs on days off I panick about things I should be doing and panic reading my emails.

I’m thinking of quitting snd just doing supply. Next year I know will be really crazy at work as there will be lots of additional pressure on me.

Please advise on what you would do. Also please be kind I’m really struggling right now.

Wouldn’t do things that worsen your pay and conditions, eg quit with no job to go to / ‘do supply’. It’s uncertain whether that would help your health, even short term.

Would first do everything possible to feel better health wise, eg self help (exercise, sleep, nutritious food, avoiding alcohol), consult GP, counselling if you can afford it.

Set some boundaries around your working hours: this will mean stuff doesn’t get done.

And explore alternative job options.

I knew you were a teacher even before you mentioned it.

Leave. No job is worth your health and sanity.

I left full time teaching 12 years ago. I did 5 years of supply then got a lovely part time PPA cover position. This academic year I'm working as a teaching and learning assistant, mornings only.

Obviously I'm paid less but it's worth it for me. I will never go back to full time teaching.

You could work in edu tech or resource creation. Think twinkle or making revision guides. You have transferable skills

I've had several friends /family members who were mainstream secondary teachers... In last 10 years... All have left... All very good at their jobs.... They all quit for their health.

Some moved into different areas of teaching.

1. Is in PRU... Much smaller classes, much less unpaid out of hours work, although get sworn at constantly.

1. A couple have done pretty well just doing supply. One only chooses to do supply at the local grammar schools... Previously she taught in two schools in really diffocult, socially deprived areas... She says like chalk and cheese...

One is ex maths teacher he now privately tutors... He has more referral by recommendation than he can manage. ... He charges 50-75£.plus a 40 min session for mostly GCSE maths

PS is there someone who can mentor you, who really knows your options?

I'd be wary of completely burning boats with any career.

I went on until i was broken forever.
Leave. Do supply. Do anything. Get out.

I wouldn’t suggest leaving… yet.

Instead (that MN catchphrase) ‘get your ducks in a row’:

1. call your GP. Say this line from your OP
   I feel I’m having a nervous breakdown. I have constant butterflies in my stomach and feeling of dread. Get signed off for at least a month. Allow yourself time to rest and heal.

2. call the teacher support network (www.educationsupport.org.uk/) and ask for help with how you’re feeling.

3. Call your union (not the school union rep, the main switchboard) and ask for practical support with approaching school about what is and isn’t possible on your part time hours.

It might be that in a month (after a rest, without the craziness of Christmas, the darkest of nights, etc) you feel like your current role is more possible. If you’re still considering leaving, the resignation deadline isn’t until February so you’ll still have time to do that.

Look after yourself.

You poor thing. It sounds awful. I would get a profile up on a tutoring website to see what kind of interest you get. It would still be evening and weekend work but hopefully much less stressful. My partner charged about £50ph for one-on-one subject tutoring, usually minimum two hour sessions.

I’m watching your post with interest. Feel very similar. Also secondary pt teacher - love job - hate the way it affects my entire life and that of my kids. But it is a funny time of year after a very very intense 2 years… I’d also urge caution. Once the winter and Xmas over it may feel different - but another school may be the answer. Do consider seeing doctor though to give yourself a chance to breathe.

@JanefromLondon. what are you planning to do?

Tutoring might be an idea but I have a little one whose not in school yet so can keep a look out when he’s older. Thank you for the suggestion

I'd hate to be a teacher. It seems like a really stressful job with ludicrous targets set by people who have no idea.

I'd imagine supply teaching might be stressful too (I'm only basing this on how supply teachers were treated by students when I was at school in the 90s) but maybe they don't have so many targets.

It's awful having a job you hate. I've been there many times and it's so hard to know what to do.

Well, I resigned in May, finished July…. and officially unemployed from tomorrow! Taking a career break whilst I enjoy some time with my kids. May only be a term. Or a year. Or a career change. Who knows… But life is short and it’s far too short for me to be feeling low about such an exhausting and life consuming profession. I hope you found your solution and things worked out for you. 🤗