Newly qualified teacher, supply work and pregnancy: reassurance appreciated

[pearldust]

I'm a newly qualified (this summer) Primary School teacher. Even after 4 interviews, I did not manage to secure a permanent job. It was a career change for me, I'm 28. I'm now starting supply work and looking forward to getting out there, hoping for the best.

What I'm looking for is some reassurance from other people with comparable experience, because in amongst all the panic of the last couple of months, I've discovered I'm expecting my first child. My husband and I were not trying but are very happy, he has been very reassuring that we will be okay, but I can't shake the feeling that I've completely messed everything up. No full time job, lots of uncertainty and bugger all maternity leave, which leaves him a lot to do!

We should be absolutely fine on his salary as we've been comfortable while I trained, but any reassurance or advice regarding the entrance into the work force again once my baby is big enough next year, I would really appreciate it.

I feel so ungrateful, because all this is swirling in my head while I've been given such a lovely gift in our unexpected baby.

Thanks for any understanding or advice. I'm just very frazzled.

You can do supply, and - if you can find the right contract, try work with the agency to - complete part of your induction with a longer term supply contract

financially it sounds like you’ll be fine. As a teacher who’s been involved with recruitment I guess I’d want to see that you’d kept up with relevant changes in education while you’re on parental leave, and that you’re keen to complete the ECT years.

the risk imo is that you decide you don’t want to return after having a baby, then another and then it’s several years since your training without doing induction or having more experience. so I guess try not to leave too much of a gap at this stage in your career or it’ll become harder - still def not impossible, but harder.

you could also potentially tutor while off especially if you go through an online agency, which would help me see that you’re both interested and keeping up to date in ways that you can while off

Thank you, I appreciate it. I definitely want to keep up to date with everything. Will be sensible about postpartum and actually consider the impact of choices.