Help - one week to decide

[punygod]

Basically, I hate my job.

I teach English in a small rural secondary school - which sounds idyllic.

It's not.

Behaviour is appalling, SLT are useless, the school is just out of SM and every day there are new initiatives, scrutinies, etc etc. It's impossible to keep up.

I've been observed to death and earlier this year my GP signed me off for three weeks for work-related stress, prescribing sertraline to get me through to the end of the year. He advised that I change my career.

There's a misogynistic 'lad' culture in the staff room - we're talking scat porn being passed around on phones, and last week a cover supervisor exposed his bare arse in the staff room. I came home and cried all night.

I know this job is unsustainable, but the hard facts are I'm not qualified for anything else, my dp is currently looking for work and as a result of some poor decision making, my stbxh gives me no money for our kids (we do 50/50) even though dp and I do the lion's share of buying their things, treats etc.

I have kept our large ex-marital home on because I want my children to have some stability and because house prices mean I would be selling it very cheaply - and it's my main asset.

I have no mortgage and I do have a small income from investments, so I might be able to make ends meet - but the thought of losing the main household income really scares me.

I've no idea what to do. I feel trapped.

Does anyone have any advice?

[punygod]

I did it!

Thank you to all of you - I don't think I'd have done it without you!

I feel like a weight has lifted already!

[HerculeMarple]

Well done - the school sounds awful. Enjoy your half-term and start planning your positive,happy, new life.

[SueDNim]

Congratulations. That is a strong, positive action.

[longtallsally2]

Good luck Puny. I resigned in May many years ago, from a stressful teaching job and bumped into a colleague in the street in September. The texts started pouring in from former colleagues as he had been telling everyone how amazing I looked - apparently I looked 10 years younger already! I did a 13 week admin course and got a job straight away. English teachers have very transferrable skills. Never looked back.

Best of luck.

[twentyten]

We'll done!!! Enjoy half term and then start the escape plan!!

[AntoinetteCosway]

Oh well done

[punygod]

Thanks all

[TeenyfTroon]

puny, I'm delighted for you! Teaching is hard enough without working in such a poisonous atmosphere. Poor bloody kids, wish they could resign too.

longtallsally, please tell me, what sort if admin course did you do? Do they still run?

[Petrasmumma]

Glad you're out. I love teaching but have seen the lethality of a toxic institution. I'm sure you'll find an employer that will pay your more for less stress. Best of luck!