Advice - Applying for another job

[Longtimeteacher]

Hello,

I’ve worked at my current school for nearly 20 years. I have recently had a promotion, which I interviewed for.

However, a job has come up in another school that I would like to apply for.

I want to do this as respectfully as possible and I know that SLT are unlikely to be happy as my exact role is not going to be easy to fill.

Do I need to let anyone know I am applying before I apply?
How do I deal with the disapproval/disappointment from my colleagues?

Are these feelings and worries normal when going for another job?

Many thanks

Hiya,

I posted something similar the other day about who to tell when you’re applying.

I spoke to the head about it before applying - he’s a reference on my application so would’ve found out anyway and it seems courteous to say. I did also tell my head of department I was applying.

I haven’t told anyone else and don’t wish to at the moment, but both the head and my HoD were appreciative that I’d told them - I can’t say it was the most comfortable conversation but it had to be done, and although they seemed somewhat disappointed they were understanding and supportive.

Totally normal to have mixed feelings about leaving. I really like my current school but have just found somewhere I’d like even more.

Hope this is some reassurance for you!

Personally, I wouldn’t apply for it. You have just had a promotion at your current school. I would wait for a few years and then look to move on - unless of course your personal circumstances have changed. As a HT, I would be pretty annoyed if one of my colleagues had done this.

Thank you. That’s very helpful.

I do understand and I have spent a lot of time thinking about this. However, this particular move would mean a significant improvement to our finances and quality of life, as it would allow us to move to a different part of the country and out of the city altogether.
The likelihood of something else coming up when it’s more convenient in this particular area/school is slim.
I am unlikely to get the job in truth, but I feel I need to at least give it a shot…or regret not trying.
I hope my HT is able to understand.

You owe the school no loyalty beyond your contractual obligations.

Ignore previous poster, guilt tripping you into doing what is best for the school at the expense of your own best interests is not a good way to live.

Go for it.

Thank you. I have applied, and with the support of my current school. My HT was just lovely about it and very understanding. It actually made me doubt whether moving it the right thing after all 😆

So I’ve filled in and returned the application. The deadline was Friday and I didn’t hear anything that day. As I said, I doubt I have much chance, but at least I’ve tried.

If I end up staying at my school, it isn’t really a problem. I have a fantastic SLT and I know what o do really well. Plus, I’d miss our kids terribly (well, most of them 😄).

Good for you- good luck

Hi OP, wondering if you have heard back?