To feel insecure and judged about my work situation

[Boooooooring]

I'm a qualified teacher, but I do not want a full-time classroom role for various reasons. The behaviour management is a large reason.
I do tutoring which suits me very well as I am better at working 1-1, it pays very well per hour (more than teaching) and I am still utilising my teaching skills/subject knowledge.

However this doesn't pay during the school holidays and is essentially 0 hours work, so I work additonally for a home care company.
It's £1 an hour above minimum wage, I know this isn't a fantastic wage but I do really enjoy the job. It keeps me fit as I don't do it in a car, it's very flexible and I'm not stuck to a rigid timetable. To some extent I can choose my hours and it's independent, I'm not being micromanaged and the work is generally enjoyable, even if it can be challenging sometimes. I'm also paid for every minute I work, no unpaid overtime. Monthly cash incentives and so on.

Anyway, I've found that certain people think it's bizarre that I'm not a full-time teacher and that I haven't 'progressed' to SLT due to my age and years of work experience.

They also wonder why a teacher would do care work. On the other side, when some people in care find out I'm also a teacher it's like I'm suddenly elevated to some sort of superior being , "Wow, gosh, that's amazing, you're a teacher??" I've had a friend tell me I was 'too intelligent' to be a TA, when I once did TA supply work. I'm sure she didn't mean it but I found it rude, TAs work very hard.

I'm the only person I know from my group of schoolfriends (trying to move on from them but that's another thread) who has two jobs. Most (like many people) have been in the same job since uni a decade ago or maybe changed once, working their way up over the years to management.

I shouldn't care what people think but some people find it so bizarre that someone works in 2 different industries.
I'm happy with my balance and I don't have to work ridiculous hours. I don't feel stressed or burned out.

I guess people will judge anything that's different from their own situation. How to stop this feeling that I should be constantly 'progressing" and doing better.

Can you afford to live on what you earn?
Are you happy?
Does the work suit you?

Yes?

Then that's what matters.

The answer is yes to all 3!
Thank you, I wish people were more open-minded.

I'm a qualified social worker but I work in public health research FT and freelance writing training for social workers. What I do with my working life is absolutely nobody else's business, I'm happy with it and I earn well. I have vague knowledge of what my friends do for work but that's it - it's none of my business and I'm not that interested. Work is just work - it doesn't define who we are. We are so much more than our jobs. I don't know many people who would choose to carry on with work if they didn't have bills to pay.

Honestly OP, if you can let what other people think of you go it's a much easier life. Fuck judgemental people. They have their own shit they should be focussing on!

You've found a balance and way of working that makes you happy.

That's priceless.

That sounds like really interesting work, and you're right our work shouldn't define us.
We won't die wishing we'd worked more as they say.
Thank you, yes I feel I have an excellent balance. Maybe some of it is jealousy, who knows. I would never comment on their work in any way. I'll try just to keep positive.

You are happy that’s what matters.

I’m a qualified teacher. Currently working as a dinner lady (after a long break caring for DS) I am hoping to move into TA work in the near future but I would never go back to teaching.

Do what suits you !

However, are you missing out on a teachers pension ?

I know a few people that work 2 or more different jobs

When I worked more than one job, I enjoyed meeting different types of people in different environments

I'm not surprised.

I've got a high paid professional job, but I've talked to my friends about switching to a trade potentially when I relocate. I've got a few strong DIY skills already, and like physical work, and tradespeople are absolute gold dust where we're moving. I'd have the dual selling points of being a woman (some would dislike, but more would see it as a big plus), and having high standards of professionalism/punctuality compared to your average tradesman.

I was an academic high flyer, and my friends look at me like I've grown an extra head when I talk about the idea of switching.

You're doing valuable, constructive work, and don't let them tell you otherwise.

You've found what works for you, and you're earning your own living not depending on others. You can hold your head up high!

My children's tutor has made so much difference to our lives. She kept their education on track during the pandemic (our jobs were extra full time so homeschooling was tricky) and since then has helped ensure our children are stretched and supported. It's a hugely valuable job

Thanks a lot, everyone.
I am missing out on a teacher's pension, unfortunately.
Thanks for the kind words.

I’m a qualified teacher and I’m burnt out and my MH is having a serious hit.

I have handed my notice in as I am planning to do cover work but I’m also looking for TA work (I’ve had a couple of interviews but been unsuccessful).

The amount of people who are asking me why I’m giving up a FT permanent job and telling me I’m making a massive mistake is honestly shocking.
I’m literally at breaking point but I love being in the classroom so I’m planning to do cover work or TAing for a year or 2 and then decide where to go from there.

I’m really glad you posted OP as it sounds like you have a wonderful balance of work/home life and don’t regret not teaching.

I'm a TA... wouldn't be a teacher for love nor money. The wage is shocking for what I do but my MH is much more important to me! Absolutely LOVE my job. Do what makes you happy!

The world is full of ex-teachers doing things like tutoring, caring or cover supervising. Given the drop
put rates from the profession there are more ex teachers than there are actual teachers.

I'm sorry to hear people are judging you like that. They likely think they're looking out for your best interests, but your mental health is more important and a job is just a job at the end of the day, you shouldn't be pressured to stay.
It is a shame how conditions are for teachers now.
TAs do a very important role and the pay is abysmal.