Chest infections - time to go?

[UncertaintyJones]

Just that really. Nearly my whole tutor group has been off with covid or flu. I got it and I know management are fed up with me. I tried to struggle on (and I was told to) but was very obviously unwell (They don’t enforce masks/cleaning/social distancing though) whatever I’ve had has turned into a chest infection with fever etc.
Thing is I have this now most years at this time - last year about November I got covid and was ill for weeks - this is a new job and I’m already sick.
I love teaching but is it time now to say that’s it - I can’t seem to prevent this type of illness and each year it gets worse. I just can’t guarantee 100% presence and I hate feeling so guilty.

I also feel so frustrated as I said this would happen because of the lack of masks, cleaning, ventilation and social distancing, but I’m the one that has let everyone down

(And I feel so ill )

Hope you get well soon.

It's inevitable that teachers will catch viruses with overcrowded classrooms. It's not your fault and you can't be the only one who takes time off.

Be kind to yourself and ring I sick if you need to. You've already struggled in as we all do. The guilt is a bitch but it's just unavoidable.

Yes don’t be hard on yourself. We’ve had so many staff off sick over the past few weeks…it’s been causing a huge headache for management, but not a lot they can do. Some staff have returned partially well, only to succumb to longer term sickness shortly after. It’s inevitable, when we are surrounded by hundreds of children who are carrying one bug or another. Often coming into school, with temperatures and nasty coughs, in spite of COVID recommendations.
Look after yourself, it is beyond your control

Thanks @Homez @Invasionofthegutsnatchers

I think I was really low yesterday - it’s so frustrating though I just get so ill and tired and nothing stops the germs.

I don’t think my new work are happy, the problem is it’s my first year there, though I’ve flagged up the absence numbers in both my tutor groups for covid and flu. Which in one is over 80% of students

I’m going to use next week to think about alternatives and possibly go at Christmas, if not then July. You can’t be ill in the state system, I don’t feel there’s any understanding that being around sick children means you are likely to be ill, even if you wear a mask and disinfect everything and I can’t stand the guilt.

I do love teaching and I’ve tried to make sure all my students get good grades at GCSE and Alevel and are inspired to love or at least enjoy the subject, many have gone on to be very successful in this area and I’m proud of them. Some have just survived awful home lives and are happy, I’m even prouder of them, but I think I’m done.

Autumn/winter in schools are always bad for illnesses, even without covid.

I am a faculty leader and have had so many staff with absences this half term. More than you normally get at this time of year.

Yes, it's a headache with cover but I would never let any of my team know that. I just tell them not to worry and to get well soon. They can't help being ill.

Think carefully before resigning-you may have had your illness now and be OK next term.