Should I take the plunge into teaching?

[Scweevan]

I am considering applying to train as a primary school teacher through schools direct (on the job) but I am worried that it would be unmanageable.

I have 4 children, 10, 8, 6 and 2 and, to boot, I am the only adult at home. I have wonderful family and friends network but, even so, life is challenging. I feel as though I would make a good teacher, I want to help children to learn. Also, a professional job would be great for my family's future.

Any thoughts? Be as blunt as you like!

If it's midwifery you're thinking about, that's taking you away from being called to work with children ... though it could be a starting point for nursing or health visiting.

There's a link here that has some suggestions on careers working with children. www.open.ac.uk/courses/careers/working-with-children and where you could get volunteer experience to see what feels right.

I recently gave up teaching for a band 3 NHS post. No judging / scrutiny and all my work is done within my working hours. It's a lot less money so I hope I can get training to progress but if not I think it's probably worth the financial sacrifice.

But comparing stress levels of upper band 6 / lower band 7 HCPs in my dept (not nursing) there simply is no comparison between that and teaching. Don't do it.

Currently on ML awaiting my first child. I've already said that unless there's a dire financial need, I'm not returning to full time teaching.

Even without children I was struggling to get everything done and felt that I was neglecting my relationship with my very patient OH. Working every night and every Sunday simply isn't sustainable.

I know some people do manage, and they manage very well, but I know for me it would be a case of endless guilt that I was not teaching well, parenting well, or being a decent partner.

I'll try to find a halfway e.g. Part time work, maternity covers, tutoring, but i don't feel confident that it would be good for my own mental health to be a full time teacher and a parent. But this is my own circumstances, I'm too critical of myself, I strive for perfection and don't know when to switch off, and time management probably isn't my strongest point. For those who do better in those areas, they probably enjoy a better balance.