Would you quit this job?

[PeterCapaldiBae]

I'm currently working as a classroom TA in a primary school. Hours are 36.5 a week and I earn just shy of 20k per annum.

My autistic six year old attends the same school. I moved him there when I was offered the job as his previous school didn't offer wrap around care which would have prevented me taking the job.

I have recently seen administrative roles advertised with the local council and local university which offer WFH opportunities. Pay would be between 22k - 25k per annum for a 37 hours week.

I've worked in customer service since I was 17, then on and off once I had DS. Three years ago I began studying for a FT degree in a humanities subject. I have just graduated with a 2:1. I took on the TA role about six months ago and have been offered another temporary contract until August 2025.

I do enjoy my job and love working with the kids but I really struggle to leave the house every day. I find it mentally exhausting. I suspect, like DS, I am also autistic. I take medication for anxiety and have insomnia too. The smallest things take it out of me mentally.

As part of my role I also have to do breakfast club from 8am which I don't like. DS hates it too and it's a struggle in the morning getting him to come to school because he Dislikes it.

The idea of being able to WFH the majority of the time really appeals to me.

Another problem is that DS is a potential school refuser. At his old school it was hell trying to get him in everyday, at his new school, its been okay but that's because I'm there. If I left I imagine he'd turn into a school refuser again.

The school itself is great as is the management but I struggle with colleagues. I've struggled all my life with fitting in and for some reason most people aren't very keen on me. Another reason finding something hybrid with WFH appeals. But I does leave me with potential school holiday problems.

I also have sensory issues I think and struggle being at work not being able to seek out my sensory things.

I chew on toothbrushes constantly. A specific type and brand. I have a bowl of dry rice for putting my hands in. I really struggle not having these at work.

WWYD?

The financial advantage may not make ypu better off by the time you pay for holiday clubs etc.
So that leaves the issue - can you manage your current job, would that be keeping DS happier overall, on balance?

What would you do if you are working from home and DS refuses to go to school? You can't work and look after an autistic six-year old at the same time.

Realistically can you do your sensory things if you are WFH? I imagine calls would be a no go for chewing on on things and typing/computer work would rule out the rice bowl.

I’d think it far easier to do those things in a school setting from time to time.

Have you ever WFH? It can be harder to hide then working in an office IME.

Truthfully I think you’ll have a problem if getting him into school if he knows you’ll be home all day. I get that it’s a struggle but ultimately he knows that he has to go because you have to go. It would be the opposite if you WFH.

It sounds like you may not be managing well, is that something you can get help with?

Yes, another thing would be Holiday clubs. He would struggle to do those if I had a job that wasn't term time only.