Can't do it anymore

[Eatsleepteach]

Been teaching for 12 years, had a horrible, stressful end of term and am already dreading going back! Much of this is down to exhaustion I know but I have 2 young children and hate the fact that they barely see me for much of the year.
Im so disillusioned, I think I'm at the end of the teaching road. Any success stories of new careers please?

Rather than a change of career maybe put your experience to use in another sector? Private school, Special school, AP, advisory work?

I work in SEN, and although it is a challenging working environment, I find I am still trusted to teach in the way that suits the children best and there is less mundane paperwork (there is lots of paperwork, but it tends to feel more relevant). I teach some really bright and interesting kids and even though I am totally exhausted right now, I am looking forward to going back to see what next year brings.

Hello,

I wanted to offer some kind of support because I am at this stage too. I have 3 days left and keep telling myself I can get through it.
Also, knowing I have to go back is creating a shadow over the summer holidays.
I have decided to leave for Christmas, without applying for another teaching post. I have been teaching for a long time!
My plan is: tutoring (I have started this up and is going well), a bit of supply teaching and possibly an ironing service (if I can get business in my area).
Although this is still teaching, it's all term time or working hours to suit me. I have a child that I want to spend time with too. Who knows what it will lead too...
I'm done with assessment, the endless accountability and not being trusted as an adult.
I wish you well and hope you look after yourself in the meantime.
We are all replaceable, your health isn't!

Moving from full time to 4 days a week has been a real life saver for me.

I have also emotionally detached from the job - I go in, do the best job I can and go home ASAP. At times it can still be stressful, but because I spend my day off working I never work at weekends and rarely in the evening.

I have also turned down any TLRs for September. I think I do have a reasonable work life balance.

Thank you for the kind replies.

Bekindtoall78 how did you set up tutoring? What kinds of hours do you do?

It's sad that a few of us are in this position - I used to love my job.

I am actually dropping to 4 days next term but I'll have a preschooler running around so not much opportunity for work in the day.

Eatsleepteach,

Hi, all I did was put out an ad on my local ‘spotted’ site on Facebook and offered free consultations.

I have 3 jobs already and 2 more lined up. I do evenings and charge £20 (which is the lowest end but kept it in line with where I live)

I have felt so run down but compelled to get out of this hole that is exhaustion and bordering on stress.

Please feel free to ask me anything.

It’s a horrible time but we are teachers and surely resourceful people 😊

I've just left after 11 years. Like you, I'd got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. I've got a new job in teacher education and I'm setting up a tutoring business with a friend. I already feel like a different person - that weight is gone. I hadn't realised how worn down I'd become.

I left about 4 years ago. I probably should have left a year or so earlier and it took me almost a year to get my head back together. So whatever you do, don't leave it too late for you. At some point, if you feel like that, you just have to put yourself first!

Move to private. State is awful

I felt like this then moved to Private. Different pressures in some ways but on balance a great deal better