Off sick - what would you?

[TeacherPrimaryabc]

I resigned from my teaching post to leave in the summer, after many years, not a single day off sick but this year I burnt out. I'm done in full time teaching. I got ill. I just couldn't keep working so late every evening and weekend with lesson observations, pressure and the rest of it. I saw my doctor and was signed off with stress for a month, not long after the summer half term.

This takes me to a week and a half before the end of term. I either get signed off for another two weeks, taking me to the summer holidays, therefore never returning to say goodbye etc, or I go back to work for the final week and a half. I'm still not feeling great, but is it worth just going back for that final little bit to leave on a good note, make my peace and wish them well? Obviously what I say to my doctor will guide what the doctor does. Yes, I am stressed (improving as I rest) but have the summer holidays to recover and it's only a week and a half. Here I am, not sleeping again, worrying about what to do.

P.S. I will need a reference from the school to do some supply, or for another job completely at some point when I am ready as I dont have a job to go to. Will they think better of me if I go back, say my goodbyes and leave on a good note? Would they still give me a decent reference if I didn't return? My time there has otherwise been successful, but the workload and pressure are horrendous: I just crashed in the very last term and couldn't last out 😪. Another decision, more stress!!! 😬

What would you do?

Personally I'd go back, knowing it's only a week and a half to get through, as I'm the kind of person who needs closure. I think it will do you good to draw a line under that chapter of your life. No matter what is throw at you in those last days, you can get through it knowing the end is in sight. Surely they won't be doing observations in the last 2 weeks? It's usually wind down by then, and quiet a nice social time with the kids who I'm sure will be pleased to see you. It's nice for them to be able to say a proper goodbye and thank you too (depending on how old they are).

That's what I would do, but obviously only you can decide what is right for you. Getting signed off until the end of the term is probably the easier option, but you don't want to regret how it all ended. If you can face going back for a very short while, I think you'll be glad you did in the long term for that proper closure.

I'm so sorry you have been so unwell- please don't feel bad for prioritising you and your health.

If you can, I would go back for that last week and a half so that you can say goodbye properly (for you, not anyone else!) And leave on a positive note - again for your benefit.

You will know it's only a week and half, so, 7 days? Things will be winding down for summer and there will be some nice activities.

The you have the summer to relax and refocus yourself.

Best of luck x

Thank you❤️.
Two very helpful responses and much appreciated. I agree with what has been said.

I'm going to go the other way and say if it's affecting your health even thinking about doing it, don't.

There is nothing relaxing about the end of term!

I would go back. You deserve more than just to fade away. Im sure your colleagues and the children would want to say goodbye. I wish you good luck for what you do next.

Go back. If you're feeling better and the end is in sight it isn't going to burn you out, but emotionally will end your time there as you'd hope.

I was in the same situation and did not go back. I don’t regret that decision at all.

I wouldn’t go back.
At the most then a visit to say goodbye but not to teach.