So who has left teaching?

[Carrotcakeorchocolatemuffin]

I’ve thought about leaving teaching many times since having my DC. I was part-time for 3 years and have been full time this year. I love teaching but don’t want to work full time PLUS all the evening and weekend work and part time isn’t an option at my school now.
I’ve seen a job advertised that I think I would enjoy but it’s non-teaching, 37 hours a week, 32 days holiday....

Has anyone moved out of teaching and regretted it?
I’m on the leadership scale so it wouldn’t be as easy for me to step back into my role if I changed my mind!

Has no one left and regretted it?

I've left and don't regret it ...

Left at Easter after I realised the job was making me ill. I now tutor and write freelance. Much less holidays but I'm in control of my own workload for the first time in 16 years!

I realise you were actually asking for people who regretted it, sorry!

Ha ha ha! Well to be honest I was hoping that there are more people who don’t regret leaving! I like teaching but I detest working at weekends and in the evenings all the time. The job I’ve seen would be 9-5 with 32 days holiday....

Rose

How did you find out how to write freelance? Do you make proper money from it?

I've left and don't regret it. I spent time working in a nursery as deputy manager and I'm now back in schools doing a supporting role, working with families, so I get the holiday benefits with out the work from home.

I left. Teaching totally broke me. I had a break down which 2 years down the line has still left me fragile. I still work in a school, for a lot less money but I'm happier . When I leave work my time us my own.

I left. Now work in an interesting role in the civil service that involves nabbing baddies. I have never regretted leaving. I have my life back and am 100% happier and have very little stress in my life now.

Bluetrampolines

Through pure luck I was offered the chance to write a sample for a big educational publisher through an acquaintance, this had led to some more writing work and I've earned around £7k so far on writing projects this tax year. I tutor as well and I work for a maths website writing content on a part time basis (this was advertised on TES). I have a couple more writing jobs in the pipeline but with it all added together I probably make around the same as I did teaching. Less holidays but much less stress and more downtime as I'm not constantly thinking/worrying about school!
I'm self employed though, so no sick pay and no pension.

And carrot cake, 32 days holiday is practically 7 weeks mon-fri. I'd say that's pretty good assuming you can take it whenever you want and not have to spend half of it working from home!

I too was becoming very ill in my last teaching role. Migraines, panic attacks and chronic lack of sleep. I definitely did the right thing. My family have their mum and wife back! I look back and can't believe I put up with so much crap!

Left and don't regret it. Retrained and now work in child mental health.

Well done you Rose. That sounds amazing.

Left to be a SAHM. Now desperate to get back into it. Last time I tried to leave for an office job I lasted a couple of months before I was desperate to get back in a classroom.

Yes I have been told several times by various teachers that I'm bloody insane.

The role I’ve seen advertised is still quite a senior one in a different part of the public service so I’m not sure if there still will be lots of weekend and evening working. I will try to ask around.

Hmmm worth checking that carrot cake. You don't want to be out of the frying pan into the fire! Having said that, my sister in law is a social worker and although her hours are long, she gets extra pay or TOIL for extra hours worked - she was stunned that teachers don't.

I left and only regret not leaving a bit sooner!

I don’t miss the holidays, as I can actually relax in the evening and at the weekend. Plus the ability to take time off when you actually need it is priceless.

I left 10 years ago to be a Mum and I write now, I only made enough at the moment for treats and holidays. I need a plan of action soon because all bough my DH earns enough, I don't have a pension.

I LOVE the flexibility and I have so much admiration now for my children's teachers and I try to be supportive. I've never told anyone at either schools that I used to teach.

I’m about to leave - 6 days left and already the relief is amazing. Perhaps I will regret it one day, but if I do I can go back. If you have an alternative, I’d aay give it a try.

I gave in my notice on May 31st hoping to secure a new PT post, but haven’t so far!

I’ve had a few things offered, but the pay was far too low. I’m currently on UPS and would like to be paid fairly for my experience and expertise but sadly to many schools are struggling financially.

With the low rates of pay being offered to me atm, I’m thinking I may well be better off working in another sector where I can simply walk in and out again with no work to do at home. So I’m going to follow this thread for career ideas!