Life as a Primary School Teacher

[Indecisivexoxo]

Hello,
I am looking for some advice and primary school teacher’s experiences/thoughts of their job (especially regarding work life balance and working hours)...
I graduated with a First in Applied Psychology in September 2019. I have thought about pursuing a career as a primary teacher for many years. I got a job as a TA this year to get some experience (although am obviously not in school atm due to Covid 19). What draws me to this career and what I have enjoyed being in school is making relationships with the children, feeling valued, how every day is different etc.
However, I can’t ignore all of the negative press surrounding work life balance. It makes me feel very nervous of going down this route - I am the type of person who doesn’t cope well with stress, I need time for myself. Is it unrealistic to think I could work 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (I would also do some work in the holidays)? I am quite a perfectionist and don’t feel comfortable doing a bad job. I also tend to take a long time doing things because of this.
I am 22 and live at home with my parents so feel this year (as of September) would be the best time to do the PGCE before I move out, have more commitments, bills etc.
I have considered other options - a careers advisor suggested I might get the same satisfaction from a public/charity sector job (because of my skills/values), I think this could be true. But, teaching always pops back up in my mind.
Apologies for the lengthy post and thank you in advance!!

I'd have thought if you've been working as a TA for two terms, you'd have had lots of chance to see what it is really like. A great way of getting a clear picture.

It does depend on the school, a lot.

I think the fact you say you don't cope well with stress is a bit concerning, as is the fact you say you are a perfectionist.

There is stress (as there is in many jobs of course).
There isn't usually time to be a perfectionist.

I do remember working with somebody once who stayed in school until 6 and then said that was it - she was one on her own though.

I've also worked in a school where you aren't allowed to stay after 5.30.