Page 4 | Leaving teaching to work in a shop

crochetmonkey74 · 2023-11-07T13:56:45+00:00

Anyone done this? I'm very tempted. I have a 20 plus year career behind me, but it's becoming more and more unsustainable. I've been looking at all the staff in waitrose and other christmassy places and feeling a real pang of jealousy for a simpler life. Anyone left teaching and done similar?

FrustratedRose · 07/11/2023 17:51

Milkmani · 07/11/2023 16:23

You already work in a school so you deal with parents and all the madness that comes with that. I would say working with the general public in a shop is probably the worst thing I can think of. I worked in retail for over 10 years from sales assistant to manager. Mind numbing, rude people, always asking you to work longer, clearing up before/after shift usually unpaid 30 mins either way. Unless you are contracted to specific weekdays you can say goodbye to most of your weekends.

Unless you’re thinking of going p/t they are usually very unaccomodating in terms of sickness and taking time to look after your children if they are off sick. Retail over Christmas is awful, the run up, rude people when everything they should have bought weeks ago is out of stock. People complaining that you close early on Christmas Day, Boxing Day - they can’t really imagine why some poor idiot working in retail would want to spend time with their own family.

Depending on the store you will be on a sales target or KPI for everything you can imagine.

You couldn’t pay me enough to back to retail, I was chronically depressed and big factor was the general public speaking to you like you weren’t educated otherwise why would you work in retail. Teaching is hard yes, I know there is a lot of extra work that goes into everything that you guys do but don’t be wearing rose tinted glasses at someone trimming the Christmas tree at your local White Company. I worked for several decent brands and they all treated their employees like shit.

I did a decade in retail from sales assistant to manager for two large well-known national companies and relate to so hard to all of this! I have never been so relieved as the day I got a job out of retail!

OP - some people can work retail and enjoy it - you’re the only one who can know that. If you’re that stressed, burnt out and unhappy then maybe a complete change is what you need. Just don’t close any doors, retail work may well be worse than you’re remembering!

StaunchMomma · 07/11/2023 17:54

Yes, this came across as a tad patronising BUT all of the people moaning about hours and working with the general public need to remember that most teachers work very long hours, including paperwork and curriculum writing through those long summers you're so jealous of, AND they do work with the public!

I think we're all well aware that kids can be a right pain in the arse so no need for the sneering!

Beryls · 07/11/2023 17:54

If you leave teaching to do retail work then don't like it, just find something else that you do like! I left teaching last year, I've got a job that I don't particularly like but it suits me at the moment. I feel like I just needed to get out and now I'm out I can look at different jobs whenever I like.

If you can take the financial hit it's even easier. You won't regret leaving teaching, I would never return. Yes my job is a bit rubbish and can be a bit stressful at times but once 5pm comes I log off an enjoy my evening, without any work to do!

I've got my weekends back and I don't miss the holidays. Go for it!

StaunchMomma · 07/11/2023 17:56

Beryls · 07/11/2023 17:54

If you leave teaching to do retail work then don't like it, just find something else that you do like! I left teaching last year, I've got a job that I don't particularly like but it suits me at the moment. I feel like I just needed to get out and now I'm out I can look at different jobs whenever I like.

If you can take the financial hit it's even easier. You won't regret leaving teaching, I would never return. Yes my job is a bit rubbish and can be a bit stressful at times but once 5pm comes I log off an enjoy my evening, without any work to do!

I've got my weekends back and I don't miss the holidays. Go for it!

It's incredible how few people realise teachers work in the evenings at home and often at weekends too.

I wouldn't go back to it for anything.

rwalker · 07/11/2023 17:56

Twillow · 07/11/2023 17:37

Have you worked in schools ?😂Honestly I have never experienced the level of abuse in retail that I got from some parents. Physical attacks from children. Headteachers suspecting you of assault because a parent made an accusation based on what their precious little terror said!
The only thing I miss is the children, so many of them are actually delightful.
But for me it's worth the pay cut. And helping customers can be very rewarding.

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No idea why the piss take emoji just pointing out it’s not an easy life in retail and there’s some downsides

if your looking at leaving a job and want a simpler life there better options than retail

Hecate01 · 07/11/2023 17:56

I think it depends what type of retail you are looking at, I think you'll find that supermarkets have changed a lot in 10 years.

You are now expected to be fully flexible in most of them, hardly any give full time contracts anymore, tasks are timed so you have to be fast.

I definitely wouldn't bother going for Aldi or Lidl, as a Tesco worker who went for a trail it's backbreaking and they earn every penny. Most supermarkets seem to be following the Lidl and Aldi approach now and staff are expected to be multi skilled and work across every department.

Retail has definitely gotten a lot harder since covid and the shareholders seem to be cutting back on staff and wanting more for their money, it's not the easy sit on checkouts scanning that people think it is anymore.

fuckityfuckityfuckfuck · 07/11/2023 17:58

Do it. I'm looking at jobs where I can more or less match mps6 +, can't afford too much of a drop, but if I could, I would definitely take a retail/low skill job for a year or 2 to recuperate before looking for a new career.

TodayForTomorrow · 07/11/2023 17:59

I did 6 years in retail before becoming a teacher. Retail is far less stressful, unless you're the owner. It can be really busy at times but I always loved the buzz of Christmas in particular, and while I'm happy teaching now, I'd have no reservations whatsoever about working in retail again if I ever needed a change of pace.

Delatron · 07/11/2023 18:01

I think if money isn’t an issue then go for it.! There must be a huge variety of retail jobs? Working in a hectic supermarket versus a lovely little bookshop? I’m pretty sure the ladies in our local bookshop don’t get any abuse! Or any of the little boutique clothing stores.

Sounds like you definitely need a change/break.

John Lewis staff seem to get lots of perks. I always thought that would be a nice place to work..

Original poster

crochetmonkey74 · 07/11/2023 18:02

Lots to think about here. Will be keeping my eyes peeled for anything that comes up.
Interesting points about the physical challenges on knees etc

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Peablockfeathers · 07/11/2023 18:03

I would leave teaching, I wouldn't go into retail though purely for the fact most contracts are zero or low hours so its not really a constant income these days. I'd consider an office job (yes they come with their own stresses but not the same), ideally in a LA or similar so you can continue on with your pension.

Original poster

crochetmonkey74 · 07/11/2023 18:03

Yes @Delatron I have thought of John Lewis or Waitrose or M &S. Or a local garden centre where the seasonal displays are awesome

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Original poster

crochetmonkey74 · 07/11/2023 18:04

Peablockfeathers · 07/11/2023 18:03

I would leave teaching, I wouldn't go into retail though purely for the fact most contracts are zero or low hours so its not really a constant income these days. I'd consider an office job (yes they come with their own stresses but not the same), ideally in a LA or similar so you can continue on with your pension.

Someone did mention a civil service job type office job. I do like the education officer type jobs too

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AnnListersBlister · 07/11/2023 18:06

At least one person has suggested tutoring online from home.

That's what I do-I've never taught in a school so I can't compare BUT I will say It's VERY stressful and I am dying to get out. SO much work, marking, admin, forms forms and more forms, tutorials, meetings-I never get a day off even though I'm contracted to only actually teach two days per week. I've set this evening aside to catch up as I've been busy today and yesterday-and I will still be doing it in the early hours as there's just SO much. Companies/colleges want bums on seats so they give you BIG classes. And that's before anything goes wrong-which it does!

The Further Education system is a mess.

LoudSnoringDog · 07/11/2023 18:06

I worked in retail before becoming a mental health nurse. My days in retail were very stressful in comparison to be honest. Retail is a genuinely thankless role ( and I say this as someone who has been physically and verbally abused in my current role). I wouldn’t go back to retail. The general public are overwhelmingly arseholes tbh

mamaduckbone · 07/11/2023 18:06

My dcs' reception teacher took early retirement and works a couple of days a week in a local jeweller. She said it's lovely to just go home and not have to worry about it.

Peablockfeathers · 07/11/2023 18:07

crochetmonkey74 · 07/11/2023 18:04

Someone did mention a civil service job type office job. I do like the education officer type jobs too

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Honestly I'd look into this- flexi time, hybrid working, going into a lower responsibility and stress role if you choose to will make the world of difference whilst being a stable career with decent 'perks' etc.

Original poster

crochetmonkey74 · 07/11/2023 18:08

AnnListersBlister · 07/11/2023 18:06

At least one person has suggested tutoring online from home.

That's what I do-I've never taught in a school so I can't compare BUT I will say It's VERY stressful and I am dying to get out. SO much work, marking, admin, forms forms and more forms, tutorials, meetings-I never get a day off even though I'm contracted to only actually teach two days per week. I've set this evening aside to catch up as I've been busy today and yesterday-and I will still be doing it in the early hours as there's just SO much. Companies/colleges want bums on seats so they give you BIG classes. And that's before anything goes wrong-which it does!

The Further Education system is a mess.

Yes this wouldn't be for me, I enjoy the social side of work so wfh would be no good for me. I have a friend who does what you do and I hear this from her a lot so I know how tricky you have it

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Original poster

crochetmonkey74 · 07/11/2023 18:09

mamaduckbone · 07/11/2023 18:06

My dcs' reception teacher took early retirement and works a couple of days a week in a local jeweller. She said it's lovely to just go home and not have to worry about it.

This sounds like heaven!

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MrFlibblesEyes · 07/11/2023 18:09

My dad left his job as a teaching deputy head to work in the plant shop at a tourist attractions garden centre. Best thing he ever did, the stress was making him ill and he never looked back!

Original poster

crochetmonkey74 · 07/11/2023 18:14

MrFlibblesEyes · 07/11/2023 18:09

My dad left his job as a teaching deputy head to work in the plant shop at a tourist attractions garden centre. Best thing he ever did, the stress was making him ill and he never looked back!

Wow this is fab. It really can make you ill but you get so tired you can't see your way out of it or even work out how to leave

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menopausalmare · 07/11/2023 18:14

I've taught for 23 years and have 10 years to go until I'm 60. I hope to leave, over house, get a rescue dog, tap into part of my teachers pension and get a job in a cafe. Can't wait 😄

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 07/11/2023 18:15

Not yet but I'm trying. I've handed my notice in to leave at Christmas after 15 years. Currently have nothing to go to with a young family. I just can't do it anymore

Acuppaisbetterthanprosecco · 07/11/2023 18:15

You'll be leaving a good pension scheme behind, but I get it that you need out. If you can afford to lose salary, yes look into something else. There are other jobs like pastoral roles in sixth forms where you can use your skills with less pressure.

LuluBlakey1 · 07/11/2023 18:20

Many schools are high pressure places at the minute for all staff. Today in a small Reception area of a large secondary school, whilst waiting to meet a Deputy Head, I witnessed: A very angry parent swearing and making verbal threats to the reception staff and behaving aggressively because the Head was not immediately available and they had turned up without an appointment upset; A teenager shouting down her mobile phone to her mum because she was being put in isolation for the day because of an assault on another child yesterday. She knew it was going to happen but thought she could just refuse; A group of 3 teenage boys banging on the glass of the inner door demanding to be 'buzzed through' by Reception staff because they wanted to see what was going on. There was a younger girl (Y7 I'd say) crying, sitting with her mum who was muttering at staff and the phones were ringing continually. Two Heads of Year were taking the brunt of it. I wouldn't have blamed any of the staff for leaving.