I've resigned!

[emmarocks]

I've been dithering about leaving for months now and have finally done it. I sent an email because I wasn't absolutely certain on the last day. I haven't had a reply yet. A few weeks ago I thought I'd be OK till the end of the school year but I have realised I want to go sooner.

I do feel guilty and I worry that SLT will be really pissed off with me. I also worry that I won't be able to get another job (if I want one that is!)

I'm planning on doing supply for the rest of the school year which will give me some space to decide what I want to do- stay in teaching or retrain or just find a non stressful 9-5?

I really hope I've made the right decision. Anyone else in the same position or has been through this?

Does it matter if SLT are annoyed with you? Presumably they are a contributing factor to not sticking it out until the end of the year?

I am sure you will be able to get another job, but if you can find a less stressful role that you can afford to take, why not give it a try?

You got to put yourself first and if you don’t feel right being in that job then you need to move on and it’s good that you have made that move already. As long as you are serving your contractual notice period then there is no reason for the school to have an issue.
It is down to the school to recruit your replacement. Admittedly it is harder to appoint someone mid year but they will find someone even if they draft in a long term supply for the interim.

Glad for you!

Well done! I'm still at the dithering stage- if I could afford it I would do it tomorrow.

Thanks all, I had a blunt but professional reply from my head. I think I have annoyed them but it's done now and definitely the right decision.

I've got supply arranged for after Easter and have applied for a couple of admin jobs (one has already asked me to come for a test.) I've also been looking at retraining options. Just need to get through the next few weeks!

Bit scary to leave with nothing secure, especially as I'm in my late 40s but hopefully it will all work out. Good luck to anyone else in the same position.

This is such good news to hear. I must remind you of the retirement age 😱. You are a youngster, you have twenty more working years in you (or at least the government have that in mind for you!). You have made the right decision. Twenty years is a long to time to feel unhappy in your profession. Onwards and upwards.

Good luck!

Dont make the mistake I did. Slightly different circumstances. I did Supply as a sort of Return to Work after a long time out. I’ve been doing it nearly 10 years. I’m approaching 60 now.

I would use Supply to keep me solvent while retracing / applying for other careers.

Given you’ve got some admin jobs on the go it sounds like you’re more sensible than me.

Well done for being so brave!

Oops, meant retraining not retracing

Congratulations OP! Until teachers are started to be respected in this country like everywhere else in the world more will follow in your footsteps.

Good for you, OP. I left an unbearable job with nothing to go to. The HT was furious and never spoke to me again. I did supply and by the end of the academic year had a much better promoted post in another school.

There's always a better job out there, in school or out.