It’s 1st September and I’m at a career crossroads. Anyone else?

[SlouchingTiger]

I’ve allowed myself the summer not to think too deeply about my future.

Left my last job (senior role) suddenly in the summer after a significant traumatic event.

Youngest child has just turned 18.

Anyone else just left a job in education/ teaching and wondering what to do with their life?

I am willing to try something different work wise DH earns several times my former salary so I feel like my earnings potential counts for nothing. Yes, this is a privileged position to be in but isn’t great for self esteem.

I need to find a way to turn this into a positive or a bit of an adventure, rather than an identity crisis.

Anyone want to chat?

Sorry to hear of the trauma you suffered

Maybe leaving so suddenly has left you at a bit of a loss (though I understand why you left!).

Do you want to return to education at all or is that off the cards?

If you do, perhaps a role that isn't teaching would suit you? Learning mentor/TA role?

Or perhaps a different sector e.g. Special education or further education?

If you want to leave education completely, it may be worth thinking about your skill set and how it transfers.

What is your degree in?

Although your husband earns more, you shouldn't see your earnings as counting for nothing. It's not just the money but your own feelings that matter.

Sorry to hear about the tough time you had

I left my job in pastoral care in a secondary school back in July. Lovely colleagues but shockingly poor SLT. Had a breakdown and my mental health plummeted. SLT were unsupportive and actually made things worse for me. It was a bit of a 'if I want to live I need to get out of here whatever it takes' realisation in the end. In August I had the idea to set up my own business as I couldn't bear the thought of 'working for' anyone ever again after how awful my boss was. I've always loved animals and have a huge passion for all things animal welfare and care. Set up my own business providing cat sitting, dog walking, small animal boarding and home dog boarding. Got insurance and a boarding license and just ran with it. It's working out better than I thought (I thought uptake would be really slow!) and I'm 1000x happier and can't understand why I never did this before. I found working in education interesting, loved the kids and have a passion for helping students and families, but looking back it wasn't fully my thing.

If you want a career change, go for it! Think about what you're passionate about. It's not about the money earned (I'll never earn as much as my partner, even if I had stayed in schools!) it's about how good you feel about yourself. You've got this, OP

What are the best bits about your job that you loved - can you find a way to take them with you?

Whilst your earning might not be as much as your partners it does still count, especially in terms of pension, and ease of living. Don’t sell yourself short in that. But it gives you the luxury of taking a bit of time to come up with a plan.

Could you set yourself up as a educational specialist somehow? I’ve often thought about setting myself up as a Lego consultant - buy the kit for the robotics then go into school to do afternoon STEM classes, or run a Lego after school club different school a night.

Or are you looking for a complete change in direction? Give yourself time to think about different options, would they work for you, could you see yourself in that role.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply folks x

@PumpkinPie2016 I still like being in the school environment but wouldn’t work in low paid role as I couldn’t deal with the impact on my pride or self esteem. Also, I’d definitely end up using by skill set and would feel resentful/ taken advantage of in terms of pay. And I’m probably going to sound like an arse but I’d be so overqualified I’d feel like I’d have to constantly justify myself to others as to why I was in that role.

My degree is in a social science subject but I do have additional teaching qualifications.

@BlossomingSlowly I take my hat off to you and that sounds truly amazing. However, DH is the entrepreneur in this household and I’m not sure launching a business would be my bag… maybe if I could think of an exciting idea but I’m more drawn to helping people than making money so I’ve just never seen myself as business minded (sorry, sound like a wanker again).

@VorpalSword the thing I feel most passionate about is making a difference especially to vulnerable pupils. There are a few roles that do appeal but they are so badly paid and I’m not currently in a position to take anything on that requires high levels of responsibility eg attending serious meetings on fixed days.

I think I’ll probably do a bit of tuition and a bit of voluntary work but I suspect that I’ll feel like I’m treading water and that I ought to push myself to do something more…

I’m allowing myself a bit of time to be lazy and maybe even get a bit bored. But I’m not at that point just yet. I reckon I’ve got about a month before the novelty wears off…

Totally understandable that you don't want to work in a lower paid school role. I did about 6 months as a learning mentor when I first qualified (horrible 2nd placement so just needed to regroup) and the college I worked for did take advantage of the fact that I was a qualified teacher.

I think your current plan sounds good - maybe some breathing space will help you to decide on your next steps

I’m a bit late to this thread. I’m almost in the same boat. About to leave Supply Teaching but not given my notice in yet. I just feel so angry after each day at school recently.

I have no idea what todo asIm getting on a bit. Us and earns more and very keen for to quit largely because of the effect the job is having on me.

All the best.