Not working notice

[howyalikedemapples]

Hi, so I started a job as a TA at the start of this term (Scotland). It was a total change from anything I've done previously and I've quickly realised it's not for me, have discussed with my head and she is supportive of my decision but I now have to work until the 8th October. What would happen if I just didn't work my notice? I know I wouldn't get paid and am fine with that but any other consequences? Thanks

Hi - there. What does your contract say? I suspect nothing will happen at all. Someone at the school I just started at as a TA resigned on the 31st August and just didn't come in at the start of term.

What are the things you aren't enjoying about the job? Is it what you were told it would be or have the goalposts moved?

Just asking because I started a new TA job last week and already wondering when I can leave. However I have previously taught and know that the role they have given me is not what we talked about at interview and suspect have been allocated this position because no-one else wanted to do it.

My contract does say I need to give 4 weeks notice so I suspect I'll have to work it, they are I would say overstaffed if anything so I wouldn't feel bad that i was leaving them to struggle just not sure if there would be any consequences I might not have considered by not working my notice. It's such a difference from anything I've done before and I'm just not enjoying it, find it a bit boring and repetitive to be honest and lots of internal politics going on! Thanks for your reply

I would just do it until 8th October. It's really not long and unless you're being bullied or something then you could bob along for a few weeks couldn't you? I've done many a job I've not loved but I've got on with it for the notice period if there was one.

No no issues Julia, it's only that I have managed to retract my notice from my last job but will now have to carry out shifts there as well as work out my notice at the school going to be a tiring few weeks!

Just don’t turn up on Monday they won’t do anything. Write an email saying it’s not for you and you won’t be coming back and don’t expect to be paid. They won’t sue you for breach of contract

That's what I was worried about Red, I had googled and discovered I could possibly be sued! I won't need a reference in the future as I it will be like I haven't actually left my current job!

Little bump for any more advice

There are only two options - work your notice till 8th October in the knowledge it'll be over soon, or do what red panda says and write in saying you're not coming back as the job isn't for you. No state school has the time or the money to sue you for breach of contract. Ive seen teachers change their mind last minute after signing a contract and although it's caused frustration no one has ever sued them.

@howyalikedemapples I’ve got no advice I’m afraid but am very curious how you managed to get the job in the first place if you had so little experience of what being a TA would be like? I’d have expected most successful applicants to have at least volunteered in a school first. Or is it just this particular school that you dislike?