Dilemma! Should I risk handing my notice in...

[Tillyscoutsmum]

... without a job to go to?

I'm really not happy in my current school. Went for a job this week and the feedback was very positive and I was told they would happily have me work there but ultimately went for someone with more experience (I'm an RQT).

There are a couple of jobs being advertised at schools I would love to work in, but the closing date is after half term. I also know there's likely to be an influx of jobs coming up after the notice deadline and obviously, "the competition" for jobs is then reduced to NQTs or people on supply/without a job.

I really don't know what to do 😖 The thought of another year at my current school fills me with dread but, equally, the chance of not having a permanent post in September and having to muddle through financially doing supply/tutoring also worries me.

Has anyone taken the risk? The one school advertising is one I know well (used to be a Governor there) and I've always wanted to work there. I've spoken to the head and I've been told they "would love to receive an application" from me. But obviously there are no guarantees.

Arrrggghhh. Anyone have a crystal ball?? Or some sage advice??

I don't know, but I'm in exactly the same situation!
I am very unhappy with my current school and I am contemplating just handing in my notice.
I don't even know whether I want to stay in teaching or not. I am an RQT, too. I suppose I could just go back to my old job.

Primary/secondary? Which subject?
Obviously for some people this would be more of a risk than others.

The other schools are leaving it quite late for recruitment so will be looking at the tail-end of the PGCE intake which could be to your advantage.

Yes, I took the risk. Resigned Oct half term a few years back and subsequently got a new job for January.

A couple of years later I decided to try supply/tutoring and resigned again. I'm very happy doing supply and have been doing it for three years now.

Do it.
I didn't. I ended up staying 19 years in a school I knew after only three weeks just 'wasn't for me'.
Get the hell out while you can.

Do it-there will be loads of jobs after half term!

Agree, do it!

You can always sign up for a supply agency until you find a job you love... Unless you turn out to love the random freedom of supply teaching

Thanks all. I think I'm going to go for it!

Financially, having to rely on supply would be problematic (lone parent so sole earner) but I could do it short term if I needed to. I think the prospect of seriously having to tighten the purse strings is more appealing than staying where I am now though!

I'm obviously hoping it doesn't come to that though and I can bag a job in my "ideal" school after half term!

What's the recruitment situation like in your area? Round here, there will be schools fighting to employ you now and if you are actually available after half term for a September start they will plead with you to work for them. Especially as an RQT you'll be comparatively cheap.

What's an RQT?

That's kind of what I'm thinking/hoping tbh. I've always got any job I've gone for so far, so I think I'm a reasonably good candidate. And a bargain

RQT - recently qualified teacher. So just completing my first post NQT year

Oh and primary in the Midlands. I know in previous years there have been loads of jobs advertised after half term. Fingers crossed it's the same this year!

I'm London fringe, also primary - probably similar to the midlands in terms of number of local schools/jobs. I would think you'd be OK, especially as you're still relatively cheap but not a risk like an NQT. And supply, if you end up there, isn't as bad as you think. I did it as a stopgap (fed up with teaching but not sure what to do instead) and found I loved it. 'Random freedom' as the previous poster put it, is a really good description!

Thanks. And good luck with your decision xx

Sorry to jump on you thread, but I'm in a similar position. My school is actually ok but I struggling with childcare due to my commute. Contemplating handing in notice and looking for new role closer to home/part time. Like you financially this is a big risk 😬 Those of you who do supply would you be able to give a rough idea of the daily rate for an RQT?

Sleepymummy it varies according to the agency, the area and your experience. I'm London fringe and was top of UPS when I last was permanent, and I get £130 a day. Ask around and get recommendations for agencies from friends/acquaintances actually doing supply. Some are better if you haven't been qualified long and some are better if you're more experienced. The SupplyBag website (also a FB page I think) is a good resource.

If you could manage financially for a term on supply then yes, I would do it.

On the topic of supply - be absolutely firm that you will only take a teacher's day rate. I am aware of some agencies who will try to send teachers out on a cover supervisor's rate.

Sleepymummy - Good luck with your decision. My application for my "dream" school is in and my resignation has been handed in today . Feeling slightly sick but just know if I don't go for it, I will constantly be wondering "What if?"