Big dilemma

[losingmymindiam]

Apologies, it's a bit long.

I currently work in a small school with a tiny sixth form. Numbers are more like tutoring rather than teaching. It's calm and easy and my students are lovely. It's a dream. But there are no progression prospects. It can be a bit dull. And it's lower pay than I have previously earned, or would earn in a normal school. It's also a bit of a commute.

A closer job has come up that's pretty much the total opposite. About 80 A level students over 4 groups. More money because UPS and TLR. It's an ambitious school with a selective sixth form.

I don't know whether to apply for this new one. I'm constantly in dilemmas over teaching because really I'm a bit fed up with it but not really sure whether to get out or not.

I would really appreciate any thoughts!

I would go for it. On interview day you will soon get a feel for whether it’s for you or it. You can always withdraw on the day.

Not, not it!

Have you visited the school?

20 per a level group still isn't bad, I've been up to 24 before. Is it an essay subject? If not, I'd definitely go for it! If it is I would be less sure.

Yes I visited and it was really nice, seemed well resourced, reasonably new building, friendly staff. Just the marking... and it would be back to 'performing monkey' which is what I don't have at current job and so no stress. However it is absolutely not going to go anywhere. And I could happily stay there for twenty years but I think I want a bit more. But I don't want to get stressed and overworked as I've been there before...

It's an essay subject yes. It's the marking that's putting me off most...

I would stay where you are-any job that is ‘a dream’ is worth staying in.

Hmm if it's an essay subject than I would go, do the interview (if you get asked!) and see what it felt like. If they are a highly selective sixth form then at least the standard of work will be good, which tends to speed up the marking process.

Yes I am totally appreciative of the set up I currently have, but...

And yes, is a hypothetical debate as I haven't even applied yet. But I feel totally disloyal to my current school as they are so lovely, so I only want to apply if I'm really really sure...

I'd stay put, where you can do a proper job without stress. The stress in a busy school can be huge.

I think it depends on what you’ve got going on outside school. If you’ve got a fairly flexible life, then getting more job satisfaction in a busier and more demanding role could be a good thing. However, if your home life is already demanding with people depending on you then a less demanding and ‘cosier’ role is definitely worth holding onto with both hands.

That's a good point and my kids are needy (but secondary age) and home life is not calm and easy so work currently is welcomely low stress. But then I feel a bit crap as I am paid less and have less responsibility than I did 3 years ago...

Have you spoken to teachers in mainstream schools? Have you read threads on here? I taught in a sixth form for many years and the stress levels were incredibly high. Our situation was made worse by having very bad managers but even before they started there, it was very stressful.

I think we would have all taken a pay cut just to be able to do our jobs without that stress.

Also, what age are you? I'm assuming you're in your 40s if your children are in their teens.

In my experience once teachers hit a certain age, many managers want to replace them with younger and cheaper alternatives. It sounds as though your current school is not like that.

I have worked in mainstream schools with high level of students, part time before. This job could be part time, but HOD do not that part time. In my current job I am left alone. Quite literally although everyone is friendly and likes their job so it is a good atmosphere. I just keep thinking that I don't want to turn around in 10 or 20 years time and think, oh is that all I've done?...

I'm in my 40s yes.

In my current job I am left alone. Quite literally although everyone is friendly and likes their job so it is a good atmosphere. I just keep thinking that I don't want to turn around in 10 or 20 years time and think, oh is that all I've done?...

The more you post, the more I think you should stay. You will NOT be left alone anywhere else.

Do you want to turn around in 5 years having either left with a nervous breakdown or been got rid of on capability with a bland reference because you were too expensive?

Honestly, your job sounds amazing.

Having said that-maybe I’ve been too hasty...where do you live? You go for the new job and I’ll spend the next 20 years happy and doing yours...!

Perhaps go onto the TES forums and ask that question? I think you would get some swift responses!

The thing is, regarding your career, nothing would be guaranteed in terms of promotion if you moved, particularly if you were part-time. And with so many other people wanting promotion it can get quite difficult to cope with colleagues who resent your authority if you do get promoted.

It would be a promotion from where I am now as it is HOD managing one other teacher. I am erring on the side of staying where I am but I feel like I should be going for more important jobs after years of part time putting my family before my job and stagnating really...

Honestly, stay where you are and find some interest on the side:

Tutoring
Postgraduate course
Mentoring
Doing some action research
Small business

Thanks, for your opinions, really helpful! I've pretty much decided that I will stay where I am for now (well not go for the other job) and find my fulfilment from outside school - start looking at other careers and what courses I can do for that.