Turned down a job, now regret it...

[AcornRoots]

I was recently offered an admin job in a school. Never worked in a school before and I was so excited, honestly had my heart set on working there. Head Teacher and staff seemed amazing. However, the salary was much lower than I'd expected: £23K. My last job was £40K but was a much higher mental load/high pressure role and I burned out. I'm a single parent with two kids under 3 and really need something simpler right now. I live with family. They felt taking the school job could be "career suicide" and encouraged me to find something better paid and more like what I was doing previously. So, I turned the school job down.

Now I'm feeling regretful, and wondering if all is lost or if I could call the Head Teacher back and ask if they would still consider me? What would I even say?

OR are my family right and I should keep looking? Perhaps I'm just panicking as I've had a couple of interviews for other (higher paid!) roles but no offers.

Thanks for reading and in advance for any replies, would love as many opinions as possible 🙏 If you've worked in a school, did you love it?

(Note: I've also been offered a zero hours contract for an events venue and if I took a role at the school, I would pick up some weekend shifts whenever my family could help with childcare, to supplement my income.)

You should have taken it and then looked for a better paid job.

How long ago did you turn it down?

Haha thanks for the advice. I did consider that, but they really wanted a commitment for minimum of an entire school year, and I'm a person who likes to honour commitments. Also I have quite a few job applications out there at different stages and I know I'll get something eventually, probably similar to my previous role. I just wonder if a completely new experience might be worth taking a salary cut for, and perhaps open new doors 🤷‍♀️

Last Tuesday, so one week ago.

Absolutely, I would have taken it IMO (not wanting to make you feel bad though). I'm coming from a place who recently listened to family about a job move and 2 years on I'm still trying to get myself out of the muddle! Obviously different circumstances for me but your own gut reaction is usually the best. Appreciate when you have DC to consider as did I, bills to pay etc. its not always that straightforward.

I would give the head a call, no harm done and what's the worst that can happen?

Listening to family is a tough one. Especially if they are helping with childcare. I fairly much make my decision, tell them, then get their advice. They are not the deciding factor. I’ve recently given up a freelance gig, to take up another opportunity. My mother pointed at a sign in the local McDonalds & suggested I ask them for a job. Not the first time she’s done this… She’d love if I had a “good” job!

I would have done as you have: not taken the job. I think that you may underestimate how full on a school finance role would be. That is lot less pay. I wouldn't go back to the Head teacher.

I would hold out for a better paying familiar role. Better in the long term

You're able to get a job offer. So your CV/application and interview ability is spot on. You will get another job offer, a better one.

Please come and tell us when the good news arrives! It won't be long now. Patience.🤞🏾

You can always ask them OP, but they've likely offered it to another applicant now.

Call them!! Explain why you turned it down and why you want the job. Worst they can do is say no

I suppose no loss in asking is there. I think they would have offered to someone else now as school is about to start

i know what you mean about the salary difference though, I swapped from nearly £40 to £20,000 for about 18 months. It was lovely and quiet and I actually had a life from work. No cash though which is difficult with bills and DC so now back working all hours with zero leisure time

God knows what the answer is OP. Good luck though in whatever you choose

I really appreciate everybody taking the time to reply - thank you all!

I decided to call the HT. She called me back this evening and said they have not yet appointed anybody and they would love to have me at the school. I'm in, can't believe it!! I am so excited to try something completely different to anything I have ever done before and at a school with a seemingly fantastic leadership team with a variety of different skill sets. Absolute worst case, I try it for a year and it doesn't work out/suit me, and I move on.

Phew! 😅 Thank you all🙏

Thank you for your comment... I am sorry that you're working long hours and don't have time for yourself. That is so hard and not sustainable in the long run. I know it has serious effects on physical and emotional health. Nobody should have to be in this position and I do worry about our values as a society. In my last role at a charity, one thing that really concerned me was the number of young people starting out their careers with our organisation who were already diagnosed with anxiety disorders, and often taking medication for it.

But yes, for a short time at least, I am hoping this role will give me a better working schedule, lower stress, and I might actually see my kids during the week!!

Great news! I Hope it goes well, it’ll be flexible for your DC which is the upside of the lower salary

I am sure that your job is actually great!! I hope you enjoy the new opportunity and it makes you happy. Yes, the childcare thing is tricky but luckily I do have a really supportive family and I know that they will respect my decision, even if I didn't follow their advice ;)

Great news!

Yes! Thank you very much. The HT said she's been in my shoes re. two kids under three herself and she seems very understanding. I am happy that I'll be able to see my DC for a good chunk of time most evenings, and have my weekends mostly free - that will be AMAZING! :)

Oh amazing. Congratulations

Is the £23k the pro rats salary?

Rata!

Congratulations op! 🎉
Its obviously meant to be.

I did this before. Turned down a job just before Christmas, had a massive change of heart over the Christmas holidays, got back in touch in January and luckily they hadn't appointed anyone else.

Accepting a new job is a big decision, it's completely understandable to have hesitations. Glad it all worked out!

So, yes 23k salary is after being pro rata'd to term time only, so it's 23K gross actual salary (before tax and NI etc).

That's brilliant! I hope you are happy in the new role! We spend so much of our time at work and I just want it to be a place I'll feel happy.

Went back into the school today for a meeting and it felt right :) I'm so excited to (hopefully) contribute positively to young people's educational journeys!

Thank you so much!
:)