Is it too soon to leave teaching??

[1944dadhelp]

I am an NQT + 1 and tbh have had enough. I trained as a mature teacher (now am 43), I love the school where I work. My team is amazing BUT my family life is suffering loads more then I thought it would. I have 3 dd's aged 10, 13 & 16. I never have time in the evenings to see them:(. I have been head hunted from an agency from my previous life offering more money, only set back being no school holidays off! Would you leave so soon?

If you want to leave, leave. The profession is hard, government dictates are ridiculous at best BUT it is a profession, more than a job, more than the pay or the holidays. It can work, nothing is ever perfect and often the to do list is never finished but it is often our perfectionism that cause us the angst. Sometimes we have to say no. I've taught for 30 years, 26 as a class teacher and now as a head. My staff have a work life balance, evenings where no work goes home, time off when they need it...I'm not a super head but I am prepared to say enough is enough and so are my staff. As a profession we need to say no more often!

I'm a primary teacher and I love my job. But...I'm part time. I have a great job share partner who does 2 days a week and I do the other 3. I'd hate to be full time but I love my job part time. Is that an option for you?

Rainbowcolours1, just interested; have you asked your staff if they think they have work life balance or is this your opinion?

But why can't all heads say that, and be held accountable if it isn't?
Why are so many schools still run like independent dictatorship, with the workers wellbeing at the whim of one autocrat?
If they are benevolent, all is well. If not, then we have NQTs, part-timers and breakdowns. Staff are either trapped or running for the hills.
Turn of a card, toss of a coin.

In my place it's definitely not the Head's fault, she does all she can to make sure we have a work life balance. The focus away from children and towards data is spirit crushing.

I think anonymous exit interviews should be conducted and staff turnover a key measure. Yes there will be schools where turnover is slightly higher but I worked in a school which had 70 teachers leaving in 3 years - now that is a problem. And of course never questioned or raised.

treating staff well should be the number one priority. If they are happy that will affect everything.

Absolutely Iguana! With all the accountability flying around, you'd think that some of it would apply to how schools manage their most expensive & potent resource.

Amazing replies and consequent discussions!!
So... I have a meeting on Thursday with prospective new employee. It's in the evening so I don't need to have time off or tell school.
Fingers crossed it will be a successful meeting.
My next concern, I'm dreading the possibility of telling my head of science I'll be leaving. He's such an awesome boss and has always looked out for me....

All the best 1944!

If your boss has always looked out for you he will completely understand your decision,

Thanks jelly xx

He'll probably want to join you.

I think rainbows has a point. Sometimes for my own sanity I just have to say no more. I have marked and planned solidly all week and am organised for the following week. I am doing absolutely nothing this weekend for my own sanity as I am knackered. I was also asked to team teach as of Monday to assist someone who is cracking. I am full time so this takes me over 22 and lacking in ppa....
I should say no....own worst enemy but I am trying to help. Saying that the man is off sick so I can see me teaching extra lessons I know nothing about Monday.

Sorry, another question, should I tell school I'm going for the meeting with potential job, or just go and somehow go sick??

I wouldn't say anything yet.

I wouldn't say anything yet either. Get the lay of the land a bit first.

It's never too soon :( I went on maternity leave straight after my NQT year, and never went back!

This all makes me so sad and ANGRY. It doesn't have to be like this.

Someone posted this petition on the (both hilarious and tragic) 'Get into Teaching' Facebook campaign comments. I've signed.

A system that breaks its teachers is itself broken.

www.change.org/p/hm-government-save-childhood-and-take-back-our-education-system?recruiter=88921672&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_email_responsive

Why would you need to go off sick if it's in the evening? If you're thinking of sliding off without giving notice then really don't. You will be in breach of contract. The next time to hand in notice is 28th February to leave 30th April.

Hi Iguana, it's late pm so I'll prob need to escape before the school bell, thank you for clarifying the notice dates though, I'm still new to how this works!

I have just resigned after ten years and despite being very concerned that I won't have a job to go to in sept, am counting down the days and weeks.
I would do it in a heartbeat if I were you!

Another vote to do it. If I didn't need the school holidays off then I would also be out.
I'm another person who's interested in rainbows view of work life balance? If that's what your staff say then can I work for you?!!
Interesting OP that you're in secondary. I know I'm heading for a slating... But the general opinion seems to be that secondary teachers have a much better work life balance than primary.

Why did you leave your previous occupation and retrain as a teacher? The grass isn't always greener. Don't forget the things that made you give up your previous occupation in the first place.

Hi Bbbunny, basically I had a big career break whilst dd's were young and volunteered in a school, which led to being offered a t.a position and then was it was suggested I would be good at doing a PGCE, the £15,000 bursary was a big attraction and it seemed a good route to follow. Part of me is gutted as I love the 'teaching' not all the extra's.
Millimat secondary science is a nightmare, having to teach all 3 sciences to year 11 plus one at A-level.