disappointment!

[Ploughingthrough]

So I interviewed for job A in a school that I'm not sure will suit me, but definitely willing to give it a whirl. I verbally accepted the job offer but I have not yet given my contract back (just getting to it!)

I then get a message from job B in a school I worked in years ago and loved. It's my dream school and I've never worked anywhere that I've enjoyed so much since (left to go abroad with DH for a while). The HoD and deputy have both been in touch to ask me to apply. I was so sure this wouldn't come back up.

I know because I've accepted job A verbally that I cannot go for job B as it's really bad form. The school is in the same county too. But I am so disappointed and gutted that I'm finding it hard to get over!

Job A will be okay I'm sure, but there are so many things about job B that suit my aspirations and style better. I'm really just asking for some tips to get over this, or anyone that has been in the same situation and got over the disappointment!

I would go for B, as long as you are reconciled to the possibility that you might not get it and also lose job A. Years ago, I would have done the honourable thing and stuck to the verbal contract with A. However, I've seen so much bad management over the years that now I'd look after my own best interests.

That's interesting StationView thank you. Yes, I could end up with nothing in this situation if I don't go ahead with signing for Job A and then don't end up getting job B.
The only thing I guess is that it's only March - school A would have time to get another teacher. But advertising is expensive and I am totally aware that in teaching, this is not really the done thing (although I've seen it happen!)

Life is too short - I would go for job B, as long as it wouldn’t be a complete disaster if you don’t end up with that either!

OP, that's a good point about there being plenty of time for A to find another member of staff. I'm very cynical these days - I've seen people promised permanent jobs & then the school has recruited someone else / people appointed with no advert at all, anywhere / people bullied out. Look after your own best interests, because schools are ruthless places these days with little regard for staff.

Thanks StationView I think you're right- schools very much lookout for themselves (and their finances) first.

Just be aware that a verbal acceptance of a job is a legally binding agreement and the school could choose to sue you for breach of contract. (Personally I've never seen this happen, but other teachers have told me it does, occasionally).

At the very least the HT of school A might make a point of telling other HTs about what you did, and you might find other openings closed.

@Ploughingthrough any update on your decision?

Go for B and good luck!

Total rubbish that School A will sue you! They’ve lost nothing - will just go to next candidate.

I decided to stick with school A. Not because I think I would get sued (I've seen this kind of thing happen a few times and never have I seen a school sue anyone!) but because the schools are geographically quite close together with people who know each other - I think it could end up reflecting badly on me as a professional or possibly on school B which I don't really want.

I also wonder if I'm just harking back to a time that I enjoyed, but realistically it was a few years ago now and things will not be exactly the same - management has changed in places (including the head) and schools evolve and change with this. Perhaps it is not a good idea to go backwards...

If the post (or something similar) comes up again in school B then I will apply. I also cannot financially afford to be in a position where I end up with no job so I'm erring on the side of caution and will give my all to job A and see how it goes. Thanks for everyone's thoughts!

Very sensible decision - congratulations on your new job! Thanks for the update x