Returning to work - I would like your thoughts!

[Donk]

I am returning to work (as a science/physics teacher) after 4 years of being a SAHM. After discussion with DH I started looking for a part-time post since a full-time post is a huge time commitment (I used to spend about 50-60 hours a week on work).
However no part-time posts have come up in the last 18 months in Leeds (or they haven't made it into the bulletin), and short term supply work seems non-existent since the advent of cover supervisors (the agency haven't given me a single call yet...). The agency have just 'phoned to see if I am interested in one term's FT work at a school in Leeds. We could really do with the money. I don't know what to do!

I'm in a similar position - English here, but SAHM at the mo. Looking at possibly returning to work in the near future. I'm seriously considering a term's FT maternity cover rather than longer-term PT work.

My main reaon is that it will be 8 awful, chaotic weeks but that we can then return to normal life asap. I also have the luxury of a mum-in-law who has offered to help with school pick-ups etc, so this helps A LOT.

Not sure though.

Take it! You can do 1 term and it will get you an "in" as well as helping you decide what hours you really want to do

I'm based in Leeds - I work PT as town planner, but do Pampered Chef as well - flexible, and it means that one or two evenings I can hand over ds to dh and say 'I'm off to work' so he has to do bath and bedtime routine (good for both ds and dh afaic) - might be able to help out until the right P/t job comes along - if you want to know more contact me on saraharushtonatgmaildotcom - with relevant punctuation of course.

Have talked it over with DH - neither of us keen on a permanent FT post, but aware that next term is VERY short due to early Easter....
so at the moment I am thinking that this maybe the way to go...
Aaaargh! How I will fit everything in I do not know!

ANy more thoughts anyone? (Its City of Leeds school for any Leeds teachers who know it)

I think knowing you have an end date will make it a lot more bearable!

Try and tie up all your childcare in advance if you can (including emergency care, back ups etc.). That will mean you don't have that worry when you start (because in my mind, that's always one of my biggest worries and it's a pain to have it in your head amongst all the other work concerns iyswim!).

It will help get your foot in the door as someone else said and it is only a short bout of chaos. I would be inclined to take it. Good luck. ( I work 0.6 in primary BTW)

Anyone else? Martianbishop is in Leeds if I recall correctly - do you have any comments?

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Ok if no more thoughts, I shall go ahead and give it my best shot.

I work in York, and we need a FT Chemistry teacher for two terms, the way it's going at the moment you could definately negociate I think! Don't quote me though, but email me if you want me to find out more details.

CarrieBlue
I'm a Physics teacher - and used to work in York. Which school are you at? I can't e-mail you since I don't know your e-mail.
Mine is margaretatnospamthiseeaterdotdemondotcodotuk
remove obvious bits and redo the punctuation

oops that won't work
margaretatnospamthistleeaterdotdemondotcodotuk

Sorry, I'm fairly new here so I thought you could email through my profile or some other magic! I'm Physics too, at Huntington.

Sorry again - meant to say I'm not in tomorrow, but could find out exactly what the situation is on Friday and get back to you if you like? An NQT has handed in his notice (not wanting to put you off already!) and a potential temp has fallen through today I believe.

Ok - I don't know what will turn up with the Leeds job 'tho. It's Physics, and just for one term which may suit me better initially.

No worries, I'd rather teach Physics than try to remember any other science ! One term at least has light at the end of it, and it is a ridiculously short term too!