I've done it. Notice handed in

[TeacherPrimaryabc]

I've done it. I have handed in my notice to leave in the summer. I am in my 40's, I don't have a job to go to, but I am fed up of working every evening, every weekend. Fed up of book looks, planning scrutiny, and observations by people who don't have a class, just breezing in and out of class because they have a lot more time than me, being a pain, suggesting this and that, as they leave the building at 4pm because they just go around telling people what to do.

Fed up of spending hours writing IEP's, only to put them in the cupboard and never to be seen again, until we are told to write them again. Why do we put up with all this nonsense? What's the point of writing an IEP, only to print it and never use it or read again until the next time we qrite them? why doesn't anyone say "What's the point of spending hours doing thi gs for no rewson?" Fed up of lying managers who are just out for themselves, their own promotion goals and who are no better in the classroom than the people they are supposedly coaching and "supporting". I am fed up of entitled children and parents, who are just selfish and immature. Goodness knows what I am going to do, but I have to get out.

Good for you, get out when your young enough if your not feeling it.

I retired last year after 40 years in social work with LA but had enough I loved visiting people but god the paperwork and process to get someone support was ridiculous.

I am enjoying just being at home doing what I want when I want.

No getting up silly o'clock in winter
travelling to and from places is the best part for me.

@TeacherPrimaryabc good for you. I'm Counting the days down too.

Hey OP! I could have written this! I handed in my notice on Friday. I was told by my SLT that my resignation now means the school (2 form entry infants) has gone from being in a strong position in September to a weak one!!! WTAF???? I just couldn’t do it anymore - the system is broken and don’t even get me started on being in a large trust. I have given up so much of my life to this school and I’m done.

@Undertherainbow00 Hey! Glad you have come to the same decision and good for you too, for doing it. I am giving up on an M6 salary, I don't have a job to go to, but I can't work every evening to 10pm and every weekend anymore. I am so stressed, tired, frustrated and fed up. There is never any thanks. Just book looks, observations, deadlines and the rest of it. There is another life out there. There is always supply. I will sign up to some agencies for the time being I think, and see what else I can do. Ideally, I want to get out of teaching, but it's not going to happen straight away. I could get used to doing supply for 3 days a week for a while.

Have you considered tutoring? All the good bits of teaching, without any school politics or stress. I really enjoy supporting children 1:1, at their own pace, and seeing the progress they make. Most of the children I work with have dyslexia and or ADHD and I find it so rewarding. Others I know specialise in 11+ prep or group tuition but I particularly enjoy supporting those with additional needs. I work with lovely families. After 25 years full-time in the classroom I feel so lucky to have found this alternative path.

@southchinasea
Thanks for your reply. I have considered tutoring and I am interested in it, but hiw do you start? Do you begin tutoring through agencies?

Have a look at online training for speed awareness courses. I've got an interview with them soon.

@TeacherPrimaryabc I haven't needed agencies, I just work for myself. I set up a Google maps business listing and Facebook business page and have a website too now. But many of my families come through word of mouth. To begin with I had a couple from my old school and a few friends of a colleague's primary aged daughter, and it built quickly from there.

On Facebook there are some really helpful supportive groups:
Tutors who thrive - grow your tutoring business
Twinkl private tutors
Tutors supporting tutors
Katie's tutor support

Good luck.

Many thanks 😊
Now completing my notice. Had a staff meeting until 16:45 when we were told all the school displays need to be refreshed, then I had to ring parents about their child's IEP before I write it (apparently that's a necessity now to get their take on it), then had to photocopy good work from books ready to go on display, have got weekly planning to do, couldn't get all the marking done because of the staff meeting, this is after a half term writing 30 reports, I just can't wait to get out!!!

I was in a similar situation and left. I couldn't find anything that interested me, I would love to be an author for phonics books, or a phonics consultant for a publishers, but that's few and far between!

Anyway, to cut a long story short, a friend and I have started our own tuition agency! It's early days, but I'm loving it. So many friends know someone that has left their school to begin tutoring. You could do that or supply if you find a nice school or two that you get to know. There's a lot of flexibility then in when you work. 😁

Thank you for your response and I am pleased that you have found another job after getting out of teaching. Good for you 👍. I have 2 more days left, and the first thing on my list is to get myself listed as a tutor on Google businesses. I have also joined a supply agency, so I will see how it goes from September onwards. I have also reached a time in my life where I can afford to earn a little less. Happiness and my mental health must now be put before money.

I have been in full time teaching for a good number of years now, so very relieved and excited actually, that I am about to get out! Only just made it, having been off sick for a few weeks before the end of term, but been back for the last few weeks. I really can't wait to see the other side (free from observations, book looks, pressure, nothing is ever good enough, late evenings and working weekends). 2 more days, I am out 🍾 😀 🥳

@TeacherPrimaryabc I'm pleased for you that you made the jump. You won't regret it and you sound much chirpier and positive for doing it. Enjoy the last couple of days with your colleagues and then look forward to a brighter happier future 🤗