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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

Part time regret

20 replies

R3gr3t · 10/11/2018 07:19

Hi, long story short..was full time and felt stressed so requested part time on temp basis. Asked last year if wanted part time to be permanent or go back full time. Firstly wanted to go back full time, but when it came to the crunch I panicked and did not want to become ill again. I felt I could not lose another year of my life struggling, so chose part time.

I feel well now and feel real regret about giving up my full time job. I think often of the extra income I have lost and also of the fact that I think I could do my full time job well - I see the teacher who has replaced me and think “I could do that!”

All of this thinking is very unhelpful as my contract has been changed now and that’s that.

My logical brain tells me that I feel so well because I am part-time and that is a massive tick in the part-time box, yet the more emotional side of my brain tells me I am a failure and have allowed fear to dictate my decision. Help!!!

OP posts:

Original poster

R3gr3t · 10/11/2018 07:35

So basically what I am asking for is reminders of why going part time was a good idea so I can attempt to silence these regrets!! Thank you

OP posts:

GodolphianArabian · 10/11/2018 07:46

But you're not a failure you work part time.

So extra time for you. You'll be fresher when you're in the classroom as not over worked. You'll have time to do what you do well. When I worked full time I felt like I did a poor job in the classroom and a poor job being a parent as the demands for both were so high.

If you have time on your hands then you could do another job entirely or supply or volunteer. I volunteer and get a lot of satisfaction from it. I've also used my days off to decorate my house saving lots of money.

Finally the decision is not forever. At some point someone will leave, go on maternity, get sick etc and you'll probably be able to switch back if you want to.

Original poster

R3gr3t · 10/11/2018 07:50

Thank you so much for replying. That is what I needed to hear. It’s just hard when a thought worm gets stuck in your head.

OP posts:

ErnestTheBavarian · 10/11/2018 08:00

I am part time. I went back up to 4 days a week and hated it. I could do the job well, but had absolutely no time for me or my family, and was totally knackered. Went back down to 2.5 days a week, and that's exactly where I need to be right now. Actually, my days "off" are my busiest by far. Yes, you could do the ft job perfectly well, but what about the middle of other things that you need to do?

Like Godo said, there's bound to be an opportunity to move back to ft in the future, enjoy the benefits of PT while you have them.

Original poster

R3gr3t · 10/11/2018 08:04

Thank you - I really appreciate that. I know that would be the reality. It is good to get opinions here as there is only so often my DH can listen to the same conversation!! He also truly saw me when I was really unwell, so to him it’s a no-brainer to stay part-time and stay alive!

OP posts:

deary · 10/11/2018 08:10

Bloody hell- the saying that you cannot buy time is true!
If you have time and are well and happy- that is priceless!

Original poster

R3gr3t · 10/11/2018 08:29

OP posts:

GoodStuffAnnie · 10/11/2018 08:41

Enjoy the time off.

Learn a new hobby/ skill. Maybe something that would further your career.

Go back ft next Sep.

Don’t feel guilty.

EvaHarknessRose · 10/11/2018 08:53

NO ONE over 40 works full time at my place, whereas the younger ones mostly do, I have worked out that this is how they prevent burnout. You made a very reasonable decision and if you had gone full time you might well have had more regret I’d say.

OverTheHedgeSammy · 10/11/2018 08:57

If you feel you can do more, then do more, but for other things. Do a few extra things for yourself, or for the community. Make it things that you could drop quickly if it was too much, and see how you go.

Maybe one day you will decide to go back to full time, or maybe you'll get more fulfilment out of a range of activities.

The main thing is you have time, and energy, so have a think of something you would LOVE to do, and give it a try.

Acopyofacopy · 10/11/2018 09:01

You don’t have to be full time to do your job well!!

Original poster

R3gr3t · 10/11/2018 09:21

Thanks so much. These replies are the mental “kick up the bum” I needed and you have no idea what a difference to my day they have made.

OP posts:

ScarlettDarling · 10/11/2018 09:36

Dear God, stay part time. I work three days a week and love my job. The only members of staff in our place who love their jobs are the part timers. Everyone else is stressed to hell and can't wait to leave. The only good thing about full time is the money and tbh money really doesn't make you happy. I went part time when I had my first dc. My children are teens now but I'll never go back full time, I have a great work life balance that no full timer could have.

noblegiraffe · 10/11/2018 12:46

If you were full-time teaching you wouldn’t feel well. That’s why you went part time in the first place!

I’ve been teaching over a decade and I know the key reason I’m still doing the job is because I went part time after my first child. I get a bit annoyed when younger and inexperienced staff are promoted over me (because part timers aren’t allowed promoted posts in my school), but when I think about going back full time, I remember how relentless and all-consuming it was and how stressed that made me feel and think I’m better off where I am.

EvaTheOptimist · 10/11/2018 13:00

I'm part time (I'm not a teacher) and I have no idea how any one works full-time. HOWEVER I do really understand about the money side of it. It is frustrating to be doing a part-time job well and see someone who theoretically works more hours (but doesn't do such a good job) get paid a lot more.

And I've wrestled with similar questions about health as you. I have now just managed to negotiate some extra hours - still part time, but more time. I'm looking forward to that meaning more money and think (hope) I can still do it without getting ill.

Perhaps for you the question doesn't have to be "full time or part time" but can you stay part time but get more hours. IF you need the money.

(Alternative is to try full-time but work to rule, don't do anything extra or beyond the call of duty, a ruthless bare minimum. I imagine with teaching though, that would still be exhausting full-time)

Original poster

R3gr3t · 10/11/2018 13:12

All great points thanks. Eva - I feel the same about people winging it and getting more money and Noble I really dislike being managed by inexperienced, younger staff! However you’re all correct - I need to think of my health and my life as a whole. Thank you.

OP posts:

Mistressiggi · 10/11/2018 15:46

For the extra money, would doing some supply be an option. I’m part time and I can’t imagine going back up other than maybe to improve my pension.

careerchange456 · 10/11/2018 16:09

Slightly different POV but I've just gone back full time and I much prefer it. I hated being dismissed as only part time and doing far more than the 'part' of my part time job.

For me it's the school that is key. My new school is sensible about things and that's making a huge difference.

Original poster

R3gr3t · 10/11/2018 19:12

Mistress: Yes, I suppose that is the great thing about having QTS - there will always be supply to earn some extra cash when needed.

OP posts:

Trying2310 · 10/11/2018 19:35

Before I went pt I had several responsibilities and was quickly moving through the ranks and progression grades. However, this all disappeared once I had children and decided to go part time. For two years I struggled with the fact I became part of the group of staff who were never challenged with new opportunities and the fact that I missed many things as a part timer. I then went back full time and hated it. I suffered and my family suffered. I am now part time again and don't think I would ever go back full time (unless I had to). My quality of life and mental health are so much better doing three days a week.

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