Leaving education; am I mad?

[indecisivewoman81]

I've had enough after teaching in various schools for 20 years. I'm thinking about changing jobs completely but people tell me I am mad to lose all that holiday. Am I?

For the first time, I’m starting to look at jobs outside of teaching. I’m exhausted, and I can’t see any lights at the end of this particular tunnel. So no, I don’t think you’re mad.

no not mad at all

Many people are leaving the profession altogether.
If you can find a role and a career that you know you will enjoy then go for it.
In the 23 years I’ve been in education, there have been many times when I’ve wanted to move on.
I’m now at a stage in my career where I’ve got 20 years till I retire - I might as well stay where I am and hopefully step up in the next year or so to headteacher (currently a deputy) and go from there.

I left my proper teaching job 8 years ago.

I now work freelance as a writer, tutor and do occasional supply. I probably work around 35/40 hours per week, so 'full time'.

I genuinely don't miss the holidays because I'm not exhausted all the time.

I'm thinking of leaving too. Been teaching for 28 years.
I'm 55 so 'could' retire but there's not enough in the retirement pot yet.

I've also got an ongoing health issue as a result of cancer which I had in 2021. My whole mindset has changed. Everything about the job annoys me. I used to love it but it's all so pointless (apart from the actual teaching).

I've looked at doing bank admin part time for the NHS, that's definitely something I could do to supplement my pension.

The next 12-18 months are definitely going to be different.

Thank you for the replies. I'm glad but also sad to hear that others are in the same boat as me. There are parts I love about teaching but I just don't think I can do it any longer.

It's not the teaching ... it's all the rest that doesn't work. Good luck OP🙏

When you add up all the weekends, evenings and holidays we actually work I think we end up with the same amount of actual holiday as a non-teaching job. I used to love my job but will be leaving at the end of the year. Looking to do something completely different.