I need to leave

[Anotherdayanotherdisappointment]

I used to love teaching. I could honestly say I would still work if I won the lottery. Loved my job.

Then I started in a new school in September. Started off fine. Now I hate it. I've been crying all weekend. Clearly I need to leave and find a new school but with 2 weeks to go until the resignation...its risky.

If I apply for jobs and am unsuccessful, work will be worse and I'll be stuck. I could just hand my notice in anyway and apply for anything and everything next half term. I've even looked at supply but unfortunately it just wouldn't pay the bills.

I know there's not going to be a blanket answer but just looking for what others would do in this situation?

I was in your situation. Didn't resign. Then as soon as the resignation date was past loads of jobs came up and I really regretted not resigning

That's what I'm thinking...but if there aren't lots of jobs I'm screwed! We couldn't live on DHs salary.

I am in a similar situation. I started at a new school this term. The behaviour is awful but my role has real potential. I have interviews for normal teaching posts this week, which would be stepping down from my current responsibilities, but at schools where behaviour won't be an issue. I can't decide what to do and don't want you risk it not improving and being this miserable until another job comes song next academic year* *🤷‍♀️

Behaviour is definitely a factor in my decision too. Current school 'doesn't have rules' we just 'encourage students to make good choices'.

And no sanctions, just 'conversations to reflect on the choices made'.

I actually think I've made up my mind. DD said one (pretty nasty but standard teenage) comment to me and I started crying, and haven't stopped all afternoon. I feel like I can't face going in tomorrow. I know I will but I really don't want to. I don't think I can manage another year there. I've got to leave. I can't stay.

It's going to look shitty on my application though isn't it? Leaving after 1 year. And then what if I end up at an equally toxic school?

It sounds like you’ve made your decision, and it sounds like the right decision. When I was at my lowest in a toxic school, a lovely colleague took me to one side and said “you’re replaceable at school, but not at home. Go home. Hug your kids. Have a rest”. I resigned two weeks later. No one has ever questioned the ‘blip’ on my CV.

I'm in a similar position but haven't done the year yet --- I have the exact same thought, what if it looks bad on resume but to be honest, in speaking to lots of people it is more common than you think. It definitely shakes your confidence as I thought this school would be a great fit. I'd suggest make a plan, give yourself something to work towards - its awful being in a school that's not the right fit but I'm finding trying to decide on a timeline (specially as there's not much I can do at the moment) is best

I feel your pain. I ended up resigning as I just couldn't bare it. Ended up doing supply for one term - experienced lots of different schools first hand, some shocking, some fantastic, and ended up with a job offer from one of the fabulous ones. It was worth the risk and lower pay for a term to save my sanity.

Thanks all. I'm going to apply to everything going this week and hope for the best. I'll be handing in my resignation on the last day no matter what.

I think I'm still a bit shocked at how this has completely broken me in a matter of months. Just thinking about moving on feels like a relief.

My experience was similar but many years ago.
There are lots of jobs who want qts, but non teaching.
Have you also looked into these?

What sort of jobs do you mean that want qts and are non teaching?

It has crossed my mind the last few weeks but I do love teaching, or at least I did until a few months ago. I just need to find a decent school.

Honestly just go.
I was in your situation and hung in in there for 4 years thinking it would look bad in my CV...things might get better etc.
Wish I hadn't. By the time I left I was broken.

I know you say supply teaching wouldn't pay the bills but could you perhaps do it (and/or tutoring) for a term or so?

I found it a great way to build my confidence back up and also to get a feel for different schools. It also gave me the flexibility to apply for a role that came up outside of the resignation deadlines. I couldn't have done that in a contracted post.

Good luck whatever you decide x

Submitted my first application last night and already been called to interview so fingers crossed! 🤞

That's brilliant, good luck!

Good luck with your applications . I went for two jobs this week and didn't get either of them so looks like I'm going to have to stay put and endure it for the time being.

Even if you didn't get anything right now. Quit. I know a lot of people who've been offered jobs from doing supply

All went well and I can now hand my notice in with security. I feel happier already! Onwards and upwards!

Oh wow, did you secure another job? Congratulations if so.

That's great news!

@likeafishneedsabike

Yes. Managed to secure a job with the first interview which never happens for me! And they're actually offering TLR!

Congratulations!

Apply for everything you see and in your application state your start date as January 2023. I have resigned on the last day without anything lined up and got lucky. Not sure I would feel this brave again.

Well done, Anotherday. 👏