Leaving permanent job for supply

[Whatshallidonowplease]

Has anybody left their permanent role to go on supply and found it was the right move? I’m at the end of my tether at my current school - bullying leadership team, ridiculous workload and unrealistic expectations and need to get out for my own sanity.
We’re part of an academy chain and HR have agreed I can leave at the end of the year should I want to. However, there are no permanent jobs out around here now so I’m thinking of going to long-term supply while I look for something permanent, although I’m terrified.
I need some encouraging words, please. I’m primary, if that helps (and three days a week while DS is still little, ideally).

Yes I did and it was the best thing I every did. 8 years on, I'm stil on supply and loving it! When I want to I can do a long term position or if I want more flexibility, I do day to day. The best thing is, if I'm every unhappy, I can leave. Money is the only downside as I don't earn as much as I did as a permanent teacher but for me it's worth it. I hope it works out for you.

Yes, I'm leaving this year. I have been wanting to for years and also in a trust. The feeling of making that decision is brilliant, a massive weight lifted. Do what's best for you! You deserve better, I have a temporary post and after that supply or see what opportunities arise. I have always gone with my head and thought of financial security but I couldn't do it anymore, it's not worth it. I was scared of the idea of being experienced and on supply but there isn't an option to stay anymore, my mental health is shot and my morals were compromised. Take the risk! It'll be ok in the end.

Thank you both for your replies. It’s good to know that the grass can be greener (if not a little scary, too). I’ve registered with an agency but by chance was offered a long-term supply post in a previous colleague’s school through the agency, which I’m looking forward to.
@Traceability i hope your mental health improves with a change in jobs.

I’m also considering this. Watching with interest.

It depends on which part of the country you are in. In some places, supply is very scarce and the pay is crap

I left and do supply now (Primary) and it was the best thing I have ever done. Work-life balance is better, mental health is much better, no more life wasted on pointless admin etc... I also think it's made me a better teacher. Pay is not good though, but you can't put a price on having a life.

I did it too. No regrets. Supply teaching was a picnic. Actually loved it after 14 years in main stream it was like i was in holiday. In fact loved the cheap term time hols!

I was intending to leave teaching altogether but found a lovely school after half a term who gave me long term them made me permanent member of staff.

I am in a permanent 2 day a week job share (primary) and supply at independent schools for the other 3 days.

It's an ideal balance and since I don't go through an agency for the supply schools, the money is great!

How do you do that ?

My friend did and she even went further than that. Dropped a permanent teaching role and is now under agency as a supply teaching assistant instead. She loves it. Yes, she doesn't get paid in the holidays, but her mental health was so poor. She's loving the challenge and has a long-term role till the end of this year in a primary school.

I have never done it myself but I know a few people who have.

I would only recommend doing supply if you have a stable secondary income (partner) where you can still afford to pay mortgage/rent and bills as well as food OR you have savings that you can fall back on.

I wouldn't recommend it if you haven't - you cannot guarantee an income (unless you are long term supply)

I had a teacher who retired a few years back and after about 6 months decided to do supply teaching day-to day just to keep them active and out of the house- no commitments and you are not tied down to what would come with a longer term assignment or a permanent role.