To become a teacher?

[RudyCJ]

Hi - I’m approaching 40, my youngest starts primary school next autumn and I haven’t worked in 7 years. I’m seriously considering retraining as a teacher. Has anyone else trained “late” in life? Is it worth it in terms of it’s fulfilment and career happiness?
For context I have a university degree, corporate work experience and I wouldn’t be getting into it for the money.
Really looking for anyone who has some words of wisdom! Thanks

I went into teaching (secondary) at your age and I think it’s because I started late that I was able to continue full time until 60. But it seems to be a far more difficult job now than when I started in the early nineties.

The workload is unsustainable, the expectations are unachievable, the level of scrutiny is unendurable and the behaviour of the children is un shit.

As a forty year old, with similar circumstances to yourself, who recently left a pgce (secondary) I would say do not.
I am strong, I can put up with ANYTHING and I couldn't hack the workload of uni and the working week plus planning. The university was not supportive at all, so maybe a school direct might be better? I also didn't find the school a nice place (slt were bullies).

Regardless I watched different members of staff cry most days. It was horrid to witness. I cut my loses and left. I ended up ill myself. I was a shell of who I was and that was only after 2-3 months of the course.

The children were the best part but my God it's a tough job and I have soooo much respect for teachers. I literally couldn't juggle my children and the course. It almost killed me.

I retrained at 39 and am teaching still 13 years later.

Schools vary a LOT!

My DH has always done his fair share though and has a more flexible job. That's made a huge difference.

I retrained at 39 and am teaching still 13 years later.

Schools vary a LOT!

My DH has always done his fair share though and has a more flexible job. That's made a huge difference.

Apologies for duplicate.

I retrained at 44 and I love it! I am at a state grammar school. Choose your school carefully! I actually love my subject (maths) and my classes are generally really fun. Teenagers are the best! I teach big classes (33 in my year 8) so you need to be high energy….

I love my job - you should go for it.

Would anyone retain at 48? With older teens, so no need for flexibility and missing school plays?

I'm just looking at winding down my business and doing a PGCE, would that be the right way in?

No need necessarily to do a PGCE - can do a SCITT - school-centred initial teacher training.

Consider it very carefully - I would volunteer at a school first and even ask to shadow a teacher to see the reality of the job. Only you can decide if it is worth training for.
There is this idea that mumsnetters are negative about teaching but teaching is a hard profession to get into right now.
The level of responsibility and scrutiny is enormous

@orangeblossom23 I've arranged this with a teacher I know she's happy to let me shadow.

@orangeblossom23 sorry forgot to add great advice, thank you!

Current number of teaching vacancies in UK today

TES.com = 8,600
Indeed.co.uk (for search term 'teacher') 15,241

I don't think you will find it hard to get a job if you decide to train as a teacher.

Wishing you all the best! The system needs teachers ! Loads of vacancies available as there is a recruitment crisis.

Workload varies between subjects. English teachers have the heaviest workload by far. Choose your school carefully if you want to be an English teacher.