Redundancy... Again

[AJPGreen]

My school have just announced redundancies for teachers. I left a teaching job when they announced there would be a redundancy consultation. I then was actually made redundant from my next teaching job which almost killed me. It has taken me two years to find a new permanent post and less than two terms in we are in a whole school redundancy consultation again. Feeling a bit hopeless and like I can never rely on teaching to pay my mortgage. Constantly fearing losing my house due to redundancy! Of course, as teachers we are not even entitled to a pay out if we continue teaching. Anyone else feel like teaching is fucked? How is it possible to genuinely do this job until your 60s? Has anyone managed to escape? What on earth do people do? I am 13 years deep and have never done anything else.

I'm so sorry that you have been/are in this position 😔 you must be so worried.

Of course, absolutely start looking for another job - I'm sure you are already! Don't wait to find out if you will be made redundant.

Are you in primary or secondary? If secondary, what subject do you teach?

I am secondary science and recruitment is so, so difficult. Many schools are advertising multiple times and getting no one. Our school needs a geography teacher for next year and have had to extend the advert!

I can't advise much on other options as I haven't done this myself. It depends as well on your specific skills/degree subject.

Some ex teachers go into the civil service- maybe have a look at vacancies on there and see what there is?

An ex drama teacher I know set up her own drama school that seems to be doing very well.

If you can look at retraining then there will be more options but of course that is expensive and time consuming so it depends on your circumstances.

So sorry to hear this. I was made redundant twice, the last time 13 years ago. It's taken me this long to even consider teaching again as it's an awful thing to go through. It is very much luck of the draw if you end up in a long-term position or not, isn't it? Good luck!

I was made redundant 6 years ago, and like you it affected me really badly. My advice is to do supply for a bit. You'll get your redundancy pay then, and can try out some local schools. I refound my love for the classroom and found a permanent post within 3 months where I felt fully appreciated. Good luck

Of course, as teachers we are not even entitled to a pay out if we continue teaching

Yes you can. Your job was deemed unnecessary and deleted.. Unless there is restrictive clause, which I can't imagine is the case in teaching, then you get the money and go on to the next job.

I did this, though some time back.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2006/jul/11/workandcareers.drwork

Redundancy is a horrible experience even if in a job you don't like. I got through it and luckily in a new job which I love. So yes possible to survive it and do even better.

What position are you being made redundant from?