To step down or to step up

[LostLeader]

I am a deputy headteacher and mum to a 4 and 3 year old- with a very supportive DH. I work 4 days a week (11 hour days)

In my role I have a lot of accountability and the to do list is never ending. However, I am first port of call for unhappy parents, unhappy teaching staff and dysregulated behaviour. The past 2 weeks have been tough, all day every day I have moved from problem to problem, meaning that my own work then needs to be done in the evenings and weekends. Whilst I have been in teaching for many years and I know this is part of the deal, I am growing increasingly resentful that I can’t seem to get an hour to myself at work to get something done. I am also not enjoying my job as I am dealing with the shitty end of the stick all day every day.

AIBU? Yes: you are there to support others get on and do.

No: take a stand and explain you need some protected time or consider stepping down to a teaching role. This would mean I would lose 500 a month after tax, which we could absorb but is the grass really greener on the other side? Also new HT coming so could hang on in hope of improvement?

It sounds like you’re going above and beyond your duties at the moment. Is there no one else on the SLT who can take some of this away from you? Are you paid 0.8 or full time ? 11 hour days seem unsustainable, something has to give

Most days I am the only non class based member of staff available. Sometimes both me and the head are both firefighting different things at the same time.

Usually 11 hours in the building and then another 2-3 in the evening each day. I am paid 0.8 as I am in the building 4 days. The job was manageable at first but we have had a number of new starters with high needs.