Keep job I love or train for a better one ...

[ninah]

I have a great job (not massive pay though) working with preschool children in our local school. It's full time and fits round dc which is brilliant as I'm a lone p with no support. However, looking to the future and providing for them a bit better I really ought to train up. Can do a bit in this job, but next step is PGCE. I've applied, got an interview, looking at p/t so I can still work a bit (prob not in school as once that's gone it's gone). What scares me is the risk involved - what if after 2 years of struggling financially to train I can't get a job sufficiently close by for me to get back for dc once wrap around closes? In a recession would I be better off sticking to what I have already? I am 40ahem btw

Is there any way you could do a PGCE with your current job on fewer hours? Would allow you to have a foot in both camps then.

Unfortunately no on can predict what is going to happen so it's impossible for anyone to say if you will get a job at the end of it. There is no such thing as a wrong decision. If you hate the PGCE then something else will come along. Mind you, if you love your job and it fits in perfectly with the rest of your life I would be inclined to stick with it for a year or so longer but that's just me. I totally understand where you are coming from in terms of bettering yourself, earning more, etc.

Thanks, it's certainly a thought! my colleague works afternoons and maybe just maybe I could do a deal as I know she wants more hours. What a good idea! I will ask. However, the afternoon 'shift' starts at 1.15 and I wouldn't get back much before 1.30 so I won't hold my breath. There are plenty of others who can do the set hours without quibbling.
It's not so much a matter of hating the pgce or something else coming along, we are out in the sticks, job opportunities are few are far between, I have been damned lucky so far and I seriously can't afford to mess up. If I start the course I will finish it!
Leaving it might be OK. Although given a choice between a lively keen 20 something and a knackered 50 something with serious childcare issues, I know which I'd go for ...
I suppose the thing to do is go to the interview, find out more, and speak to work and come to a decision.

Hi Ninah - I'm in a similar position to you and have been thinking a lot about training as a teacher.

Have you looked into the Graduate Training program? You get paid whilst you train in a school and you get Qualified teacher status after a year.

It would definitely suit someone like you that already has experience working in a school.
Here's the link if you're interested.

ah, man! the decision's been made for me, i fluffed the interview aaaaargh!!!!
gtp is great but nearest provider is next county with lead time for travel I can't fit in with dc
will stalk them try again next year as I now know I REALLY want it!