Quitting after children

[Tiredofteaching]

I have returned to teaching, 3 days per week, after having my second baby, who is now 20 months old. I am having a really hard time. Mentally and physically, I am just exhausted. I have totally changed year groups, (think one end of primary to the other) which has been like starting a brand new job and I am running on empty all of the time. I feel like a rubbish mum and rubbish teacher. I know I need to leave teaching but I am terrified! Worried I won't get another job, worried that the grass isn't greener, worried that my new job will be paid much less and my family will suffer.
Has anyone done this? Did your life change for the better? Did you regret it? Any advice much appreciated. Thanks.

You will get another job. It may take time but it will happen. The nature of teaching and the behaviour of some SLT will mean that you will feel rubbish (not everyone one will get their target grade, Flossie still has her earrings in after form AND YOU DIDNT SEE THEM and Johnny still has his shirt hanging out that as we all know this is a fail by OFSTED) Joking aside we all know the ridiculous pressure we are put under.

You have half term coming up. Take a couple of hours and write down all the good stuff about the job and all the bad stuff and the 10 things that are most important to you.

After this if you think that the job is still worth it, then look for alternatives within teaching. Supply for a few years may help. There will be a cut in wages and pension but it may ease the pressure and if the school you are at is not working out then go. I have done that several times. If it is the school ethos then look for a second school

There are alternatives, museum work for one. Again there might be a cut in wages.

I think that there cannot be a teacher who has not felt at one stage the way you are feeling.

There is a holiday coming up. Time for a break to recharge the batteries

Remember in teaching it is not you.

Thank you for your reply. You are right, it is just so scary taking the leap to leave when it all feels so unknown and teaching is all I have ever known really. I feel like I spend all day running around like a headless chicken, trying not to forget the hundred things I need to. I feel like I'm sending myself to an early grave, and it is just not worth it.

I would also be curious to hear from others who have done this. You have my full sympathies OP. I have been through this in my own head for the last few months. I also work 3 days a week, but my children are a few years older. I feel like my patience has run out by the time I get home and I’m always mentally and physically exhausted. As you know, the job is never done and it permeates your home life. I returned to work when my youngest was 2. I was full time for a year but it was awful. I struggle with 3 days. I’m hanging on in there for the time being, but that may change in the very near future. I’m considering library work, museums, local government or self employed tutoring, but it is very scary.

I did this, 3 days, my youngest is now in Y5. I can honestly say it does get better but it is not perfect. I think this is probably true of any job.

A much wiser part time colleague once told that if you are part time you cannot do everything a full time member of staff can, and you cannot be everything to everybody. I now often throw things back to line manager - what would you prefer I do …., what takes priority as I am not at work until …..

I do like teaching, I like my classes but what makes me stay is the holidays. I have a very tricky line manager who has always worked full time. She has 4 children but loads of family support. I would say she has been the harshest, SLT are generally decent and fair.

I do like teaching too, but I feel like, when you're part-time, everyone has a lower opinion of you whilst you are simultaneously working harder for every pound you earn because you miss out on so much when you aren't there.

I don't know that the holidays are worth it , especially when working part-time, as much as I would really miss them. I find that they are just recovery periods really.

I definitely need to leave but will need to stick it out until the end of the year, I think.

I feel the same as you. My patience is all used up by the time I'm home. Even on my days off I am think about previous days/the next days at work and it really takes away from my time with my own children.