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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

I think I made a mistake

19 replies

GravityOfJoy · 29/04/2015 20:46

I have a couple of months left in my PGCE and I'm pretty much certain I don't want to be a teacher. I knew it would be hard before I started, but I had no idea it would be this hard! I had a really bad first placement, my second one is much better but I still dread everyday. I constantly feel like I'm not good enough and my confidence is non-existent. I'm going to see the PGCE through to the end but I have absolutely no desire to apply for a job in teaching. Even the idea of it makes me feel sick. But what else can I do with a PGCE? I've worked as a personal tutor for many years and love working in small groups and one to one but I'm not sure if I would make a decent wage from that. I just feel so disappointed in myself. I went into this with so much enthusiasm and optimism, I feel like in just one year that has been completely knocked out of me.

OP posts:
iwantavuvezela · 29/04/2015 20:50

Do you have a careers advisor, I would seek support from a career specialist who can advise you other types of work you can do, e,g, look at the skills you have, what the course has added, amd go from there. There must be other jobs within education, and you will come to it with a grater understanding of teachers stc. This could be an advantage. I think it's fine to study and change your mind. There are many paths to take from a qualification.

RescueRangers · 29/04/2015 20:51

What is your specialism?

EAL withdrawal is lovely.

ImperialBlether · 29/04/2015 20:54

You've made the right decision! Finish your PGCE then look around.

Do you want to travel? If so, you could do a TEFL course.

MrsEvadneCake · 29/04/2015 20:57

Learning Mentor? Supporting individual children to reach their targets and celebrating their successes. It's very rewarding (hard work but worth it)

Original poster
GravityOfJoy · 29/04/2015 21:01

Wow thank you for the fast replies, I already feel a little less alone. I'm doing a primary pgce but I used to be a scientist. If I could find something that combined the two without being a teacher I would be happy. I've already travelled quite a bit and my dp's job ties us to this area. I think talking to my careers advisor is a good idea. I don't know how you teachers do it, this is the hardest job I've ever done!

OP posts:
westcountrywoman · 29/04/2015 21:04

How about education officer for a zoo / wildlife organisation / aquarium / museum type of place. They usually employ qualified teachers to run their schools programmes.

trice · 29/04/2015 21:12

Have you considered adult education? They are generally less violent.

Original poster
GravityOfJoy · 29/04/2015 21:20

I've actually been looking at zoo jobs west :) that kind of thing would be perfect for me I think. I've also thought about adult education but haven't found many jobs yet. It's nice to know all is not lost if I don't go into teaching. Other teachers keep asking me how I'm getting on with applying for jobs and I just quickly change the subject. I was honest with one teacher though and she said she wouldn't recommend this job to anyone.

OP posts:
SunsetDreamer · 29/04/2015 21:35

Just get out. Escape. You are young enough.

Don't worry about retraining/ getting a different job for experience. You have youth on your side. Sorry if I sound dramatic, but I'm 13 years into the profession and desperate to get out. I don't have youth on my side...

Really you have your career ahead. You don't even need to do anything education related even though you have a PGCE.

Brookville · 29/04/2015 22:19

I agree with the above posters about getting out. Don't feel you have to stick with it because you've invested time and mental energy into your PGCE. As a mentor said on the first day of my PGCE, 'it's more fun to travel than it is to arrive'. And how true it was... Just like you, I was really looking forward to changing my career and getting into teaching. I was not prepared for the stress and constantly feeling I wasn't good enough. I'm 10 years+ in the job and I still feel that nausea about what's facing me tomorrow. And now, at 10pm, I have to still tinker with my lesson plans after 10 years! Would much rather being reading a novel!
What Colour is Your Parachute is a good book to read in terms of finding a new career which combines your skills. Good luck.

ImperialBlether · 29/04/2015 22:25

Don't even think of adult education! Seriously. It's really awful and salaries are actually reducing. In my last college the top of the pay scale is going down from £35500 to £28000. Really, don't consider it.

peacoat · 30/04/2015 19:47

Good god don't worry if you don't go into teaching! You will have learnt resilience if nothing else doing a PGCE.

I'm 15 years in and working full time/studying full time to get out. As pp have said, you have time on your side, so just don't worry.

momtothree · 30/04/2015 19:56

I think your post is very sad. Its a very much in at the deep end job. Not a lot of support and more paperwork than necessary. Shame your union does little to change this.

SunsetDreamer · 30/04/2015 20:13

The unions do try. We are supposed to be working to rule (action short of strike). How many teachers are actually doing it, though? We are sometimes our own orst enemies...

Russettbella1000 · 06/05/2015 23:09

Agree with other posters-I'm over 10 years now after careeeer changing via PGCE & now very excited to be leaving at the end of term!
I'm currently 0.6 part time and even doing PPA cover/occasional planning etc I just think life's too short & there are far easier, less stressful jobs out there where you have a full lunch hour, at least one coffee break & time to pee! I rarely get any of these perks and I honestly do not believe in the 'cult' of education any more...Especially sad as my child will be starting school in the next few years..shudder

MrsUltracrepidarian · 07/05/2015 06:34

Teachers are their own worst enemies.
Yes, misplaced sense of loyalty. Loyalty will not get pay and conditions improved - and see how loyalty is rewarded by SLT (not).
A friend left primary teaching because she was pushed out to make way for cheaper new staff.
She now does primary supply, but can't get out of the 24/7 mindset and so goes way beyond a supply teacher role. Schools are delighted - they are getting her to work like a dog without even the permanency or job security. Tried to persuade her just to do a fab job and then leave at then end of the day and got get embroiled in other stuff.. But she feels sorry for the class teacher she is covering....

HagOtheNorth · 07/05/2015 06:48

'She now does primary supply, but can't get out of the 24/7 mindset and so goes way beyond a supply teacher role. Schools are delighted - they are getting her to work like a dog without even the permanency or job security. '

Yes, as a primary supply, I may work 'til 6pm marking books. But I go home and I can't take anything with me, because I'm not there the next day. I don't stress out over the weekend, because I don't know what I'm doing most of next week and it's not my responsibility.
I have worry and work free holidays.
The money is sometimes a problem that causes me occasional stress, and treats are off the list. But I have a life and unbroken sleep and everyone is pleased to see me when I show up.
It is worth it, after years of being a class teacher.

icklekid · 07/05/2015 06:59

what about science educational resources a friend has done it combining her science career and secondary teaching. Lots of different opportunities and she's worked her way up within a company and doing very well now

MaryKatherine · 08/05/2015 18:30

What sort of science job did you have?

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