I'm a teacher who has been teaching for 15 years - the first 12 or so at the same school which went from a lovely supportive place to work to an Ofsted-failing hellhole (that old story!). When I left, I was burnt out and not keen to teach at all but I was also a newly-single parent and I needed money so I went on supply for a while. I got a half-term's worth of work at a college which I really loved - it totally turned me back onto teaching and I felt valued and highly-regarded again. The department were amazing to work with and I went from dreading work to enjoying it again. At the end of my stint they were sorry to see me go but there was no guarantee for a job for the next year, so I took a year's contract at a school. This was against my better judgement and turned out to be a mistake - I was quickly burnt out again and realised if I was to continue teaching it couldn't be at a school.
By May of that year I was seriously worrying about the future and whether I had to change career, but by an amazing stroke of luck I went for another sixth-form college job and got it (interviewing against 4 others!). This was a great move for me - I really love this job, the teaching, the feel of the workplace and the work-life balance I have. I'm a different person to when I was working in school and I haven't been job searching at all. The only trouble is this is such a nice place to work nobody leaves, the department is small and there is basically zero chance of career progression. If I stay here I'll be a classroom teacher for the forseeable future and as I'm at the top of the pay scale it means my salary is also going to stay the same. As a single parent that's a bit concerning as although I'm happy with my salary, it limits me if I want to buy a house for myself etc, providing for DC in the future.
Anyway all was well until I got an email from the college I worked at on supply saying there's a vacancy and they think I should apply as I'd be perfect for the job - it isn't a job I'd apply for ordinarily but they explained more about it and it became clear they could/would tailor it to suit me if I got it. It has some management responsibility and is also in a more dynamic subject area - the subject I teach at this college is very BTEC heavy which I like but I worry will get edged out in future, whereas the other job is a solid A-level subject that will always be in demand. If I stay here I might become deskilled in my other subject which is a bit of a worry.
So, go for the other job or stay? I don't want to leave this job because it's well within my capabilities, I hardly take work home, I enjoy the environment, I have my commute/childcare/work-life thing sorted, the students are great, I have a lot of autonomy and I enjoy the teaching. But the other job offers development potential, more money, a working environment I know I like (though not as much as here), a really great team to work with, nice students and better facilities. it would however be harder work and not in the area I enjoy so much. Plus a slightly longer commute (but not loads) and less flexibility (my current hoD has two small DC and is so great about family problems etc, which is worth its weight in gold!).
My current colleagues have begged me not to go! It's so hard to decide.