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Original poster

Thoughts on a PGCE as route back to work?

47 replies

JellyTheWellyphant · 05/09/2017 06:34

Looking for advice about doing a PGCE. I'm considering it as an option for getting back into work but have been told by several friends who are teachers/have recently done pgce that I'm mad to think of teaching.

My situation: I've effectively been off work for 3.5 years (two consecutive mat leaves, brief return to work before realising that financially/logistically it was impossible, SAHM for a year). To return to my old job in healthcare I would have to do a return to practice course, and would go back at the bottom of band 5 straight into 12 hour shifts (day/night rota). With three children under 4 I don't feel this is workable, especially as my husband is self employed and works unpredictable hours. So I won't lie, my main reason for wanting to teach is the hours/holidays (I realise teachers do a TON of work outside school hours, but it's still not as difficult to manage childcare-wise as 4 night shifts on the bounce). Also I simply can't afford to retrain in anything that doesn't offer a significant bursary to cover wraparound care while I'm training.

So. Although I'm not averse to teaching per se it isn't my dream job and my reasons for doing it are mercenary rather than altruistic, but it's all I can think of that would get me back into some sort of meaningful employment. I am going MAD after 3 years alone with babies/toddlers, and despite applying for various jobs for which I'm probably overqualified I'm apparently pretty unemployable as I don't have the experience/need flexitime/been out of work too long.

Would be grateful for any opinions/experiences!

OP posts:
disconnecteddrifter · 05/09/2017 06:37

It's obviously hard and long hours but if you don't mind not really seeing your children in term time (they might be there but you'll be working or your mind will be elsewhere) then it's worth it. That's how i console myself.

I started to teach for different reasons and I work hard and long and I feel like I can't go on but I also wouldn't swap it!

Talkedabout · 05/09/2017 06:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MaisyPops · 05/09/2017 06:39

So I won't lie, my main reason for wanting to teach is the hours/holidays (I realise teachers do a TON of work outside school hours, but it's still not as difficult to manage childcare-wise as 4 night shifts on the bounce). Also I simply can't afford to retrain in anything that doesn't offer a significant bursary to cover wraparound care while I'm training.

Based on this, don't do it.

You're not that bothered about teaching, are considering it for the holidays, childcare logistics and a bursary. It feels very much 'I'm not that fussed but it sounds easier than other options'.

I'm not going to get into the 'we work so hard and people still think it's easy' arguments, but I think if you are under the illusion that it is family friendly then you're probably a little naive to the demands of the job.

Have you got recent experience volunteering in school? Have you been to visit any schools to see what goes on? Etc.

Brokenbiscuit · 05/09/2017 06:40

So I won't lie, my main reason for wanting to teach is the hours/holidays

Sorry, but I think you're nuts. If you desperately wanted to teach, I'd say go for it, but please don't do it because you think it's compatible with family life.

KeepCalm · 05/09/2017 06:41

Completely understand as self employed married to an emergency services worker who's shifts are unpredictable and change at a moments notice..... it's exhausting isn't it!

Are you a nurse by any chance? Am only asking as my SIL has just refrained as a mature student & within two years has landed herself a job with something to do with schools and works fewer hours than teachers (holiday wise) and doesn't have the work load as it's to do with the immunisations.

She's a jammy sod but she has landed on her feet and it might be worth looking at.

Ironically my dbrother works flexi for the council & her mother stays 2 doors away so childcare isn't even an issue Hmm

Am aware I sound bitter & jealous, probably because I am Grin

tinypop4 · 05/09/2017 06:44

I would do it and then become a supply teacher if it's hours/holidays you're after.
It doesn't sound like your heart is in it as an actual job and for this reason you will find it extra hard, but if you can get through the training and develop some good behaviour management you could make a living out of supply and then you do get 9-3 hours(ish) and Holidays

JamAndBread · 05/09/2017 06:44

'So I won't lie, my main reason for wanting to teach is the hours/holidays'

Out if interest, what do you think the hours are and why is this appealing?

friendlessme · 05/09/2017 06:46

Teaching does mean you don't have to worry about holiday care but term time you realistically have to be in before 8am and rarely finish before 5.30 (although you could leave around 4 ish and take all your marking and prep home to do in the evening after you have put kids to bed. It's not family friendly in term time unless you find a part time job share perhaps. Also my PGCE year was the hardest year of my life. And I didn't have any children then either.

friendlessme · 05/09/2017 06:48

But if you do supply you don't get paid in the holidays as teacher pay is for term time only but averaged out over the year if you have a contract.

YogiYoni · 05/09/2017 06:49

I love teaching and think it's a great career, but unless you are passionate about teaching and education, you're looking in the wrong direction. Teaching is not a particularly family friendly job.

You won't be able to drop off or pick up your children from school; won't be able to attend sports day / nativity / special assessments; you'll lose patience with your own children as you're so knacketed from looking after others.

It IS good for the summer holidays though Grin

ButtonLoon · 05/09/2017 06:54

Teaching assistants work school hours with way less stress - of you do that you get to observe teachers all the time and could find out if it's for you.

School health nurse? Or other health professional who works with children in school settings such as OT or SALT?

shadowfiesta · 05/09/2017 06:54

I'm married to a teacher and it's great for holiday cover.

However in term time I have to do all the wraparound care drop off/pick ups and do most of the home stuff as he's so busy at school. Teachers can't have any time off in the term obviously so he's never once seen a sports day / Xmas play / celebration event etc at school which is a shame for him. He's out 7.30-6 every day (45 min commute though) and also has twilight training and parents evening / open evenings on top.

Based on this and what you said - it doesn't really marry up to your expectations!

Original poster
JellyTheWellyphant · 05/09/2017 07:02

Thanks for the input all. I don't mean to come across as flippant about teaching btw. My main reasons for considering it may be practical but I do love kids, I enjoy imparting knowledge and I genuinely think I'd be good at it and have plenty to offer. I'm aware of the long hours/planning/admin etc - not living in a bubble, I worked in the NHS, I know what burdens public sector bureaucracy can add to what is basically a great job - but I reiterate it's still more family friendly than random shifts every week when I don't have family to help out in a pinch. However if the answer is to not even consider it unless it's my dream job, I'll certainly take that on board.

maisy no I haven't, I've applied for admin jobs in schools which I haven't got due to lack of experience in schools. So volunteering would be the next step should I feel I want to pursue it.

keepcalm I'm a midwife, direct entry so can't retrain as a nurse without starting at the beginning!

OP posts:
LEMtheoriginal · 05/09/2017 07:05

What about teaching people to do the job you're already doing? It seems you are a nurse. It would be a different training route and you could start part-time.

My DP is DESPERATE for me to go into teaching. Despite the fact that other people's children leave me cold. Teenagers? Come on now!! Oh and that I did teach at FE college and whilst I enjoyed the actual teaching the admin and bullshit of being thrown into the deep end nearly broke me -well no. It did break me. Yet he STILL thinks it's the perfect career because if the holidays - I love him but he is a twat sometimes.

I agree with the others -dont go into teaching unless you are passionate. I know a lot of teachers - it is NOT a family friendly job and the good ones struggle to prioritise their family life.

Pizzaexpressreview · 05/09/2017 07:10

At my children's school most teachers do not have children. They tend to leave.... It's not the job it was. It really isn't a job to go into for family friendly reasons. Most teachers I know with kids want to leave/have left.

There is no flexibility whatsoever so you'd never take a child to school or pick up or see sports day or a nativity etc. You will need to work weekends as well as during the week (at the v least on your pgce/may year. I continued to work at least one of those days) so during term time you will rarely see your children.

I really cannot return to teaching (and I loved the actual teaching!!!) And like many ex teachers contemplating next steps.

Pizzaexpressreview · 05/09/2017 07:11

Or they have a lot of support/partner is stay at home or a lot of time at grandparents or just do 2 says etc!!

DermotOLogical · 05/09/2017 07:13

Can you not go on the bank as a midwife?

Original poster
JellyTheWellyphant · 05/09/2017 07:21

Jam I fully expect an 8-10 hour working day, as I said I'd be expecting to use wraparound care. But in my previous job I would be out of the house for 15 hours+ per shift, inc weekends/night shifts and only getting my rota two or three weeks in advance. So whilst I'm not saying teaching is family friendly per se, it would be silly to pretend it wouldn't at least be more predictable than my previous job and easier to manage holidays!

OP posts:
Original poster
JellyTheWellyphant · 05/09/2017 07:24

Dermot I've lost my registration so would still need to do the return to practice. And most bank shift around here are already covered by hospital midwives doing overtime so there would be very little available!

OP posts:
marl · 05/09/2017 07:36

I would suggest asking a couple of very different schools if you can work shadow a teacher for two days in each place - preferably experienced teachers who are of a similar age to yourself. Then just notice the pace of their day, the demand of managing the students and the way colleagues and students conduct themselves. You can decide then whether the levels of stress are something you could cope with on a daily basis for the price of the holidays. You would need this kind of experience to apply for a of every anyway. The pace is very fast. Some people find this stimulating but it destroys others who 'have their breath held' until each term ends.

marl · 05/09/2017 07:37

Sorry 'for a pgce'

Original poster
JellyTheWellyphant · 05/09/2017 07:39

Thanks marl that's very helpful advice Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
JellyTheWellyphant · 05/09/2017 07:43

And thanks everyone. I thought I was being realistic about the demands of the job but perhaps I thought it would be easier to fit around a family than it is.

OP posts:
LML83 · 05/09/2017 07:47

job shares are common in my dd's school, this shows full time teaching is not as family friendly as it once was.

But the teachers I know who are part time seem to have a good balance. You may have to start full time then ask to reduce but it may be an option.

sashh · 05/09/2017 07:50

Are you a nurse?

If so what about nursing outside the NHS? Nursing homes employ nurses often in a more managerial role but to be there for any actual nursing rather than care needs.

Factories also employ nurses, I had an aunt work for Rolls Royce for 20+ years.

Addiction clinics/counselling lots and lots of options outside the NHS.

A PGCE is hard work and you do spend hours doing lesson plans, preparing resources all on top of a university course at master's level.

Staff briefings are often at 8.00am so you have to be in school for then.

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