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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

Anyone left teaching and regret it?

39 replies

CanYouGuessImATeacher · 17/10/2017 15:41

Just that really. Anyone left and realised that the grass isn't actually greener?

Or left and realised the grass was just as wonderful as you'd imagined?

OP posts:
DadDadDad · 17/10/2017 15:49

Left teaching 18 years ago. I don't regret it, but the fact I'm earning a lot more, in an intellectually stimulating job probably helps.

Of course, there are things I miss, like that buzz from engaging with young people, and the satisfaction of seeing them make progress in a subject. A teaching background has occasionally helped me bring something extra to my current role - for example, I think I'm quite good at doing presentations and explaining complex ideas clearly.

I should point out that I have a degree in Maths so that meant there were alternative careers readily open to me. I appreciate it might be harder with some subjects. Best wishes whatever you decide.

Mrskeats · 17/10/2017 18:38

I left teaching in a school setting and now tutor and write/edit
Best move ever. Low stress and get paid much more

BobbinThreadbare123 · 17/10/2017 19:32

Nope! The grass is so shiningly green outside teaching....!

blue25 · 17/10/2017 19:40

No don't regret it. My life is so much more enjoyable and relaxed. Got a higher paid job with less hours though which helps!

whitepearl17 · 17/10/2017 20:07

I left for job on same pay and less hours. Absolutely hated it, am now back teaching.

Whensmyturn · 17/10/2017 20:14

I left and can't believe how much I love it. I retrained so am in a completely different career. Love spending time with adults during the day. Love being appreciated. A recent thread about a teacher being observed two weeks before beginning maternity leave who feared she might be told off for not moving round the classroom struck a cord with me. I felt teaching was like being in an emotionally abusive relationship.

wobblywonderwoman · 17/10/2017 20:16

Wondering the same thing... Nearly ready to pack it in.

IfYouGoDownToTheWoodsToday · 17/10/2017 20:17

The only thing I regret leaving behind was the fab pension. Other than that, no, not for a moment.

ladameauxcamelias · 17/10/2017 21:07

What jobs do you now have? I've just about had enough of teaching but feel I'm trapped as I'm a lone parent and need a decent salary. I just dont know where to start.

Original poster
CanYouGuessImATeacher · 17/10/2017 21:11

' I felt teaching was like being in an emotionally abusive relationship.'

😂😭 I'm laughing because it's funny but also because it's true!

I have been beaten down by teaching, by the constant scrutiny and by constantly feeling like I can't do it all (can anyone?!) and that what I do just isn't good enough.

It's made me feel worthless and I'll never get it any better anywhere else (just like an EA relationship!)

OP posts:
AssassinatedBeauty · 17/10/2017 21:25

"I felt teaching was like being in an emotionally abusive relationship."

I've just realised that's what it was like, and that's why I left. I almost wasn't brave enough as my confidence had dwindled, but looking back I'm so glad I did.

MyBrilliantDisguise · 17/10/2017 21:28

I've just realised that's exactly what it was like, too. I felt like my brain was going to explode, reading that.

I left and though I loved the students, I don't regret it for a nano second. I think I had PTSD for a year after leaving.

Whensmyturn · 17/10/2017 21:30

I considered retraining for an NHS role by doing an MSc in occupational therapy or you may possibly be able to do radiotherapy. These are more reliable options if you're a lone parent and some may offer bursaries. There might be distance learning courses where you could retrain over time. There are professional development loans that might help. I looked at it long term. I didn't think I'd be teaching very long with how I felt so the cost of retraining was an investment in my future earnings.

Bertsfriend · 17/10/2017 21:30

No, I left last year after 25 years, I hated it for the last couple of years. I taught A-level maths and accountancy. I've paid off my mortgage and have a couple of rental properties so I don't need to earn much, I now work part time in retail. It's great, no responsibility, no work to take home, I can get up an hour before my shift and sometimes my face hurts from smiling all day. I feel like I'm on a permanent holiday or retired and I'm only 49, it's bliss.

blue25 · 17/10/2017 21:32

I also retrained. A three year course, so it took some saving/planning. More than worth it now though!

Fragglewump · 17/10/2017 21:37

I left and did supply for a while which was lovely. But I'm now a foster cater for mums and babies which means I 'teach' 1 to 1 and spend more time at home.

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 17/10/2017 21:46

That statement is so terrifyingly true and I have never regarded teaching that way before. Confused

I haven't left it, btw. What else would I do?

Thirtyrock39 · 17/10/2017 21:53

I left 9 years ago . Fortunately dh remained teaching and is now in SLT so main breadwinner . I've been lucky enough to work in a different t health role which I really like however I miss the status and pay and progression of teaching. My current job is entry level and limited progression. I much prefer it day to day but couldn't support myself or kids on the salary. I don't miss the pressures of a school environment but I do miss feeling a key part of the school and didn't realise T the time that I was valued highly and involved in lots of important decisions. Also fellow working mums that remained teaching have definite careers whereas I very much have a job. Though it is a job I enjoy very much

Speckledtulip · 17/10/2017 21:55

I left teaching in an awful academy to become a childminder. I swore I would never teach again.
However, I found childminding boring and I felt my brain was turning to mush after about a year.
I returned to a much nicer school and haven't regretted it.

Hugepeppapigfan · 17/10/2017 22:40

Following...

IHeartKingThistle · 17/10/2017 22:44

I left. I teach adults. Loads better hours, loads of fun but still work evenings, still have to jump through hoops for observations, still drowning in paperwork, appalling pay.

All just seems like grass to me. Not sure I want grass anymore.

Graceflorrick · 17/10/2017 22:46

I have never regretted it.

TheRealGussieFinkNottle · 18/10/2017 01:22

I think I had PTSD for a year after leaving

Oh my god me too!! And I was only actually doing it for ten weeks BlushBlush (was a trainee). Couldn't get out of bed some days after resigning because I was so depressed.

WontLetThoseRobotsDefeatMe · 18/10/2017 08:00

I left teaching after 9 years, several years of undiagnosed depression and a mental breakdown at work the first day back after Christmas a few years ago. Abusive relationship feels like the right way if describing it for me too.

I got a grad place as an accountancy trainee - I'm thirties, so older than the others but no less welcome and I love it! Being treated like an adult, constructive criticism rather than lists of negatives, far fewer hours - even when studying for prof exams! It's been a pay cut, but qualification will mean I'm earning more than I did teaching.

PlateOfBiscuits · 18/10/2017 08:09

What a good question OP.

whitepearl17 do you mind me asking why you hated your new job and returned to teaching?

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