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Lost confidence in new job

2 replies

Beansprout30 · 23/10/2022 18:29

I started a new job in April as a school business manager and I’m really struggling to get into it. The job just feels so chaotic, Im picking up things which have not been done properly due to the previous SBM leaving and there was temporary cover in.

The job is all totally new to me so it takes me time to read up on things and learn new processes. I get anxious at presenting the budget to governors, I’m just not confident at talking about something I’m not completely understanding!

my headteacher is lovely but I’ve been left to just get on with the job, it’s a very lonely role and I just feel like I’m doing a rubbish job. My dh is getting fed up of me moaning and stressing all the time, I’m fed up of putting in extra hours to try and catch up with work, I’ve just had enough.

A job has been advertised at our Local authority on the finance team which id love to apply for but as they have links with our school I’m worried it might get back to my headteacher if I apply.

i just don’t know whether I’ve given the job enough time but it doesn’t seem to get any better. My predecessor was contracted for more hours a week plus all year round and she was experienced in the job, I’m term time only and less hours per week so I feel like I’m fire fighting and will never get on top.

not sure what I’m asking for here but I feel my confidence is dropping day by day and wonder if I should just apply for the LA job? It’s a step down and I feel like I’ve failed, especially if I don’t even get an interview! Any advice or words of wisdom would be appreciated

OP posts:
PickledLillee · 23/10/2022 22:04

I was a SBM for many years up until about 5 years ago- I ended up doing the job on the recommendation of a friend who was a Headteacher at a partner school. What I didn't know at the time was I would literally have to learn everything myself and that there was no-one to teach me.

It was brutal, a massive learning curve and I imagine it's how you're feeling now. What I can say is honestly, it gets better. Once you get the hang of it, you'll get into a routine and the days will fly by. Put an email out to other SBMs in your area, explaining that you're new and ask if anyone can spare time to give you some advice when you're stuck - I'm sure you'll find someone. What is it that you're particularly struggling with...can you get training if it's SIMS or Finance? Is there someone at your LA who can help you with the budget side of things, so that you understand it?

Don't be afraid to ask for help from people, it's the only way you'll learn. And my motto was always it's not life or death. All we're doing effectively is entering data.

Princessglittery · 24/10/2022 11:53

Apply for the job, your Headteacher should not be told unless you are offered the job and they take up references.

As @PickledLillee says, contact other SBMs in you area and ask for help.

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