My plans have gone belly up...

[MissMogwi]

I started my degree with the intention of becoming a teacher, but now I'm rethinking it.

GTP places are like gold dust, infact the Manchester iniative is ending in August. The
PGCE is notoriously difficult to get on. Plus the rise in fees and another years study is putting me off.

I was aware of funding and the competition issues when I returned to education three years ago, however so much has changed in the last couple of years.

I'm starting to have a wobble.

Think about it but don't give up your dream just yet! You've done brilliantly to get to nearly the end of your 2nd (?) year and when you get your degree you'll have options whether or not they include a PGCE or something like 'Teach First'.

The demographics of the teaching profession mean that the g'ment will need to fund the training of new teachers - even if they haven't quite fully realised it yet!

I have similar wobbles - given the age I'll be when I graduate I wonder if I will actually be employable in a new to me profession... so I get particularly narked when people ask me if I'm studying for fun!

I agree, don't give up now!! Pgce is difficult and competitive but don't let that put you off!

I've got pgce interview next week (shitting it!) And tbf orchard I don't get on I don't have a plan b and will just cry. I'm really feeling the pressure atm as I've got so many deadlines looming (including dissertation!) Plus we are moving house on Wednesday and my mum broke her ankle and has been in a cast so had no help with dd.... talk about stressed out! But I can't give up now as I am so close! Blooming feel like it though!

Thanks for your replies. I'll be 34 when I graduate which isn't old, I know, but compared to fresh faced energetic youngsters, I wonder if it will work against me.

Reading about some of the PGCE students on here, it sounds a bit of a nightmare. I have been looking at the Teach First web page too.

I just don't know whether to just graduate and look for a job in another field. But what? My original plan was Access course, Uni, PGCE.

Now I just don't know. (realise I'm being a whinging caaah)

I've just done my PGCE, I'm 32. I wasn't the oldest on the course and if anything my previous experience gives me a good head start against the younger applicants who have only ever experienced Uni and never held a job.

Its hard to get onto and its a tough year - but its enjoyable and the job market in general is so dire at the moment that doing something else may not have much better odds at getting a job either.

I'm back! With more whinging.

I've been thinking about what I'd like to do and discussing it with staff at Uni. They are not optimistic to be honest about the chances of jobs after the PGCE (or equivalent).
More than one lecturer has said to ride out the recession at Uni, and consider a Masters.

I am now thinking of taking a year out after graduation. (I will have to work of course) This would give me time to decide about post graduate courses and build up my experience and skills for any future applications. Also a year away from study is appealing after what will be four years.

Does this sound like a viable idea, or the ramblings of a mad woman?

How about part time masters and part time volunteering in school, or working?

If teaching is still your 'dream' then I'd still continue with plan a... some teachers will be trained and some teachers will be recruited and you already have transferable skills and experience that make you stand out.

I'd only stop pursuing what you really want when you come up against an insurmountable barrier...

Well, I can't see myself doing anything else. Although obviously if I don't get on a teaching course, I'm snookered. I'd have to do something else then!

There are no real barriers. I just need to sort some experience in a school out and keep up the grades at Uni. I've signed up to Jobs4Students, so I can hear about any opportunities.

Really I need to give myself a shake and get on with it, one way or another.