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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

The end of my teaching career?

74 replies

Mayflower400 · 15/02/2023 09:29

I think I’m done! I have no idea what to do instead though. I’m almost 40, shit loads of debt and renting. I have two children and would miss the holidays with them.
I love the actually teaching and even the leadership role but I’m so so sick of being micromanaged by a CEO who doesn’t have a clue and is removing every creative and active opportunity. Even typing this has me in floods of tears, it’s the only thing I’ve ever been good at. AIBU to think the end is looming?

OP posts:
skoobidoop · 18/02/2023 11:08

hi
FE is pretty grim at the moment in terms of pay and conditions, the underfunding is worse than schools, also not great for parents - teaching days regularly go on until until 5 or 6, and the holidays don't match school ones (eg we are back in august recruiting and enrolment, very busy when GCSE results come out) - I know quite a few of my colleagues in FE who have moved to secondary consequently (or out of teaching altogether)

however, having said that - you could teach about early years teaching, be involved in training teachers, nursery workers, teaching assistants? Could this be an option?

how about education work in a museum, gallery setting?

Justkeepingplatesspinning · 18/02/2023 11:20

I wouldn't say it's the end of your career but perhaps a new school where you can still be creative and have professional autonomy to do your job might be an idea? Also have worked for LA central service and would recommend, or teaching in FE on childhood practice courses?

imnotthatkindofmum · 18/02/2023 11:23

Nothing to say except I'm with you. I've joined the fb group "life after teaching-exit the classroom and thrive". Loads of similar stories on there. And advice. I've had 2 non teaching interviews so far. Can't imagine not having holidays but all the reports on fb are that it's better than living for the holidays. I'm willing to try at this point. I'm 45, been teaching 20 years.

LolaSmiles · 18/02/2023 11:23

It doesn't have to be the end of teaching, but maybe a different role perhaps.

Councils have teachers involved in advisory teaching/specialist teaching for different areas of SEN. Other people I know have moved into EHCP caseworker roles, or learning and development within large companies. Private tutoring is an option and there's the option of the independent sector.

TeenLifeMum · 18/02/2023 11:51

I loved our secondary school when dc stayed but the mat seems to be forcing ways of teachers working and they’re all leaving. I’m not convinced at all but no idea who I can speak to about it.

TeenLifeMum · 18/02/2023 11:51

Started not stayed.

Charmatt · 18/02/2023 12:00

Not every MAT is like that. I work for a MAT that gives their schools a lot of autonomy. We are very popular locally as an employer because of this. Do your research and make a move to a better school. You obviously have the attributes of a brilliant teacher and clearly care about the children.

dworky · 18/02/2023 12:03

Adult education

BuHao · 18/02/2023 12:03

Have you thought about teaching abroad? In some countries you’ll get an excellent package. I teach in China. Net pay averages out at about £5k per month, accommodation paid for, free school places, private health care, flights home each year, low energy bills (I pay less than £100 per month for gas, electric and water). Lots of non-contact periods - I teach 2 or 3 lessons per day. It’s a completely different experience. Even single parents can save a decent amount. You’ll be able to afford a cleaner.

dootball · 18/02/2023 12:15

I second the people mentioning independent schools - I have moved to one and have exactly the stuff you want - almost complete independence in what I do and zero micromanagement. (Provided my results stay good!)

LoopyGremlin · 18/02/2023 12:17

I'm also at the point of looking for something outside of teaching. Done over 20 years and used to love it but can't cope with the workload and the very poor behaviour. I'm in Scotland and it is virtually impossible to be excluded which is terrifying,

determinedtomakethiswork · 18/02/2023 12:19

With regards to your debt, try getting in touch with step change who can really really help you get things sorted out.

Springintoabetterlife · 18/02/2023 15:47

DisneyChops · 18/02/2023 10:27

I find the group quite negative and it's gradually turned me against my own job, despite the school I work in actually being a lovely school and I don't get the same problems/pressures others seem to get.
I'm still considering leaving though as there are certain aspects I don't enjoy anymore.

That’s interesting. I didn’t join it until after I left. I found MN more negative about teaching but it may have just been my mental place at the time.

DisneyChops · 18/02/2023 16:19

Springintoabetterlife · 18/02/2023 15:47

That’s interesting. I didn’t join it until after I left. I found MN more negative about teaching but it may have just been my mental place at the time.

I mean, don't get me wrong, it's going to be expected as it's full of teachers wanting/trying to leave so there's not going to be many 'teaching is great' posts.
I've also noticed the same about Mumsnet too. I think there is a general low mood amongst teachers nowadays.

Springintoabetterlife · 18/02/2023 16:30

DisneyChops · 18/02/2023 16:19

I mean, don't get me wrong, it's going to be expected as it's full of teachers wanting/trying to leave so there's not going to be many 'teaching is great' posts.
I've also noticed the same about Mumsnet too. I think there is a general low mood amongst teachers nowadays.

Yes, I agree. I think it’s true of most public sector workers I know. Although it was the posts about teachers on MN which I found difficult.

VanillaSox · 18/02/2023 16:41

DisneyChops · 18/02/2023 10:27

I find the group quite negative and it's gradually turned me against my own job, despite the school I work in actually being a lovely school and I don't get the same problems/pressures others seem to get.
I'm still considering leaving though as there are certain aspects I don't enjoy anymore.

I agree that group is very negative and moany rather than actively looking for alternative jobs. So many seem just to be expecting to walk into a cushy 'civil service' job WFH with not much work and loads timeof off wits big pension.

Ridingfree · 18/02/2023 16:41

Hi everyone please can you explain something to me - DD primary isn't likely moving to a MAT and it sounds in this thread that this is a bad thing - can someone explain what this means / why teachers are disliking this please l.
I'm not really sure what the impact is / differences are
Thankyou

HairyPooter · 18/02/2023 16:50

There's another thread running at the mo about leaving teaching, which you might want to read through.

I'm 55 and worked in EY. I left in July and haven't looked back since. I am starting a 5 month contract doing admin. It's to tie me over until I start a new career. I still have 12 years left - plenty of time to start again.

Get proactive, do your research, think about your skills, the absolute minimum wage you need, think about your needs in terms of work (autonomy/supportive etc) and get going.

Good luck OP!

garlictwist · 18/02/2023 16:53

If you like the job and you get the holidays, why not stick it out? I hate my job but stay because I like the hours and it's close to my house so no commute. You have to weigh up the pros and cons. No one I know really likes their job, it's just something to do to get money for me.

DisneyChops · 18/02/2023 16:58

VanillaSox · 18/02/2023 16:41

I agree that group is very negative and moany rather than actively looking for alternative jobs. So many seem just to be expecting to walk into a cushy 'civil service' job WFH with not much work and loads timeof off wits big pension.

Yes I agree. That said I don't deny that teaching is an incredibly stressful job and I do believe there are less stressful jobs out there.

Yuja · 18/02/2023 17:06

DisneyChops · 18/02/2023 10:27

I find the group quite negative and it's gradually turned me against my own job, despite the school I work in actually being a lovely school and I don't get the same problems/pressures others seem to get.
I'm still considering leaving though as there are certain aspects I don't enjoy anymore.

I left teaching a little over a year ago. I joined the group but agree that it is quite negative and self-selecting - there are still people out there who like being a teacher and appreciate some of its benefits. The other thing is that there is a lot of encouragement to take very low paid jobs - in some cases this is underselling yourself - you are still a degree educated professional and can secure a decent job with a bit of persistence. I earn a little less than I did as a teacher, but certainly not what some people on that group go on to do. If you do leave, remember you have a lot of useful skills and experience.

Butterfly44 · 18/02/2023 17:18

I would absolutely look to leave and look elsewhere. I know someone similarly at a school for couple of decades ready to pack in with a rubbish CEO. Went elsewhere and is now so much happier, dropped leadership, and wished they had done that years ago! Don't stick it out there but do explore. Not everywhere is the same!

EnidSpyton · 18/02/2023 17:28

If you still enjoy teaching but it's the school environment you're in that's grinding you down, I'd encourage you to try an independent school first before you decide to leave teaching altogether.

I spent the last 6 years of my teaching career in an independent school as a HoD and member of SLT, and even with that level of additional responsibility and a fairly full teaching timetable, I very rarely had to take work home as I had such small classes and so many free periods that the marking and planning were all possible to do in the school day. School days were longer - lessons ran between 8am and 5pm, and we had to do lunchtime and after school clubs, lots of extracurricular trips in the evenings and so on - but the holidays were longer to compensate, and the pay was excellent - far higher than state. I was free to teach what I wanted and to lead my department as I wanted with very little oversight - we were only observed once a year and I was allowed to create my own subject curriculum. So plenty of benefits.

I left in the end because I was bored - I'd spent too long in one place - and felt like a change. I also hated the restrictions of being a teacher - while everyone else in the world has cottoned on to flexible working, working from home and so on, teaching remains in the dark ages on that front. And while I loved the holidays - and I do miss them now - I didn't love the fact I had no flexibility over when to take them, and could never have a spontaneous long weekend.

I'm working in an arts organisation now in an education role and while I don't feel the same level of fulfilment as I found in teaching, and I really miss the kids, I am loving the flexibility of my days, setting my own schedule, being able to work from home a couple of days a week, eating lunch and taking breaks when I want, and using my brain, skills and subject knowledge in a different way. I don't think I'll do this forever and I may go back to teaching one day, but for now, I'm enjoying a change of pace and direction. I worked in a similar sort of office-based arts organisation job before I became a teacher and got bored of that - and loved teaching when I first started because of how busy and active the days were - so I'm anticipating that moment of ennui with office life will return after a while. But for now it's working for me. I've taken a pay cut - but I was on such a huge salary in my last job, I really couldn't expect to meet that elsewhere unless I went into a corporate role - but I'm happy and can still pay all my bills and enjoy the lifestyle I've always had.

So a couple of perspectives there for you. If you're not quite sure you've had enough yet, try a new school environment. If you feel like a bigger change, take a leap and see what happens. The joy of being a teacher is that it's a skill you never lose, and a profession that will always be there if you want to go back.

Good luck! :)

Justalittlebitduckling · 18/02/2023 17:37

Private School
Full time examiner
Private Tutor
Inspector
School administration

Are all some jobs you could do

Squirrelsnut · 18/02/2023 17:46

I work in an independent school and I sometimes feel guilty reading the teaching threads on here; my experience bears little similarity. Something to consider?