How bad is it to ask for a week to think about a teaching job offer?

[IHeartKingThistle]

I'm returning to teaching part time after a few years and I need to make sure I get this right - I'm paralysed by indecision!

Interviewed for a job yesterday and was offered it. The job fits all my requirements in terms of hours etc. and I liked the school and staff more than I thought I would. It's a school that is improving and still has a way to go, but their ethos fits with mine really well.

But there are two other schools nearby advertising part time roles. One I know fairly well, which has a good reputation and has asked me to apply. The other is an independent which just looks lovely - a bit out of my comfort zone but I'd like to check it out at least.

I have to speak to the first school this evening or Monday. Can I ask for a week? It may be that the first school is the right choice but I don't want to take it and wonder whether one of the others would have fit better. I was the only person interviewing yesterday if that's relevant.

Please give me some no nonsense advice!

I actually think a few days to think about a job offer is entirely reasonable. It's not how schools generally do it, but it isn't a ridiculous request.

What sofa said.

It sounds like the fucking mafia!!

It would be very unexpected. You are normally expected to say straight away on the phone, not even waiting a day really. My worry would be your fear of missing out on some imaginary better offer would put in jeapody your actual real offer. Unless you are very tempted to say no regardless of the other potentials I would jump at it.

I am a teacher and have always had to sign contract on day I interviewed. I would never take a job and apply for another straight away as your reputation will be shot. You will have to put down on your CV that you only stayed one term as the earliest you could resign would be after half a term so work out until end of term. For the rest of your career every time you apply for a job you will have to explain yourself. It is not worth it, either accept job or decline and apply for other posts which you may not get offered anyway.

I would never take a job and apply for another straight away as your reputation will be shot

Does anyone know somebody who this has actually happened to recently?

In areas where the recruitment crisis has bitten you are happy to fill a role with a human with a clean DBS who doesn't obviously hate children. The fact that they once pulled out of a job before starting in some other school just wouldn't even factor.

LOL low and there was me thinking they thought I was good!

Sorry Thistle I'm sure you are amazing!

In the school I worked in (Fringe, undesirable area with crazy house prices) we once went into the summer holidays with 10 vacancies (4 from entry primary). Teachers had to be 'bought' at a recruitment fair for overseas staff.

An experienced, British teacher with a good record would not have been turned down because they were once indecisive about some other job.

Just ask and be truthful - I have taken a couple of days in the past and not had a problem. That said I did know of someone who asked to speak to her husband that evening when a job offer was made face to face and they said no! If she wanted the job she shouldn't need his input or permission, and then rescinded the offer before she had a chance to accept. That school was bonkers though!

Don’t forget that Heads can phone up other Heads to discuss these sorts of things and could backfire on you. Teaching is so bloody weird...

I think I'm going to take it.

Welcome back to teaching, Thistle :)

I think if the ethos and feel of the school is right then take it.
The transfer window for next year is closing so to speak so schools are a little edgy about appointing right now!

Thanks noble! It's going to be weird leaving Adult Ed but it feels like the right time.

Doing the interview lesson was really helpful - amazing how it all just came back, like flicking a switch.

Scared though!