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Stuck in my job

9 replies

StupidMe1400 · 12/09/2023 00:49

Background:
Can’t afford not to work - general bills, mortgage, cost of living.

Work in a school office - have a young child so work term time only, so have the holidays off to be with DC. DH works full time and has 20 day’s holiday plus bank hols - earns more than me. No family close enough or willing to help out.

Started new role 2 months ago in a school. Was told I’d have training on the systems I wasn’t familiar with and could call other schools within the Trust, 6 in total, for any questions or support I needed. I was told there wouldn’t be a physical handover so wasn’t expecting one. However I was expecting some sort of handover document eg: logins/passwords, when certain tasks needed to be completed by.

No document had been left for me, so I couldn’t even login. Called one of the other schools to be told that each school uses a different MIS to my school so no one could help me. There’s an IT person who comes to school 1 day a week EVERY FORTNIGHT and doesn’t take calls when they’re not in my school as they’re working at another school. Every day since I’ve been there has been awful, I’m being expected to run the office single handedly without any support. I feel like I was mis-sold the job and I hate every minute that I’m there. I really want to hand my notice in - there aren’t enough hours in the day to get my work done. I’ve been bringing work home and working til midnight to try and catch up.

other member of staff works 2 days a week and the other one works 3 days but left unexpectedly - no replacement yet.

I can’t continue like this - WWYD in my situation? Do I hand my notice in and look for alternative work? In schools references are taken up before you get selected for interview so the HT would know I was looking which could make it awkward.

I regret accepting the role and now feel stuck. Any advice would be appreciated.

OP posts:
Summer2424 · 12/09/2023 01:20

Hi @StupidMe1400
I would apply for another job straight away, they will know you're looking which will also tell them you've had enough. While you're looking for another job can you address the issues with a manager? Hope you find your new better job soon Xx

notjamesbond · 12/09/2023 04:10

Don’t work till midnight. You aren’t being supported in your role. If you put in extra hours from your own time it will make it look like you are coping and have been given enough support and you can’t continue working those sorts of hours. Life is too short. What did you do before you took on this role? Is there an old job you can go back to? I would make it clear to the head teacher exactly why you are looking for another job and ask them how they can expect you to do the job without any proper access or training on the system. I’m in a similar position myself and feel trapped and it’s really draining but I’m paid a good salary which I will find hard to match anywhere else. If it weren’t for the pay I would be actively looking everyday for something else.

Oblomov23 · 12/09/2023 04:16

Don't work late. Report all this to your boss. Or the head, in an email so there's traceability.

StupidMe1400 · 12/09/2023 06:00

Unfortunately my previous role has been filled. I worked in another school before.

OP posts:
Glorifried · 12/09/2023 14:37

Make an appointment to see your headteacher. Go and explain everything to them.

I can't believe things won't get sorted very quickly after that.

SecretShambles · 12/09/2023 18:12

I'd be looking for another job and if you can't afford to just quit, work the hours you are paid for at a reasonable pace and if shit doesn't get done, not your fault.
You can take it off your CV if you've only been there a short time so I wouldn't worry too much about the reference.

It sounds like hell on earth.

StupidMe1400 · 12/09/2023 20:07

@SecretShambles
thanks for the advice, I am actively looking, it’s really put me off working in a school but I don’t know of any other term time roles. From the minute I walk in - not even put my bag down/coat off and there are people giving me jobs…they start by saying sorry I know you haven’t taken your coat off but…feel like telling them to off but obviously I can’t. These are jobs on top of the jobs I couldn’t or didn’t finish the day before - it is hell on earth. All I want is a role where I feel supported, I do a good job and have job satisfaction. I stay up late because I don’t want to go to sleep because it’ll be morning before I know it and I have to go back there again. I don’t want to go off with stress as I worry how that will affect me getting a new job

OP posts:
SecretShambles · 13/09/2023 07:18

StupidMe1400 · 12/09/2023 20:07

@SecretShambles
thanks for the advice, I am actively looking, it’s really put me off working in a school but I don’t know of any other term time roles. From the minute I walk in - not even put my bag down/coat off and there are people giving me jobs…they start by saying sorry I know you haven’t taken your coat off but…feel like telling them to off but obviously I can’t. These are jobs on top of the jobs I couldn’t or didn’t finish the day before - it is hell on earth. All I want is a role where I feel supported, I do a good job and have job satisfaction. I stay up late because I don’t want to go to sleep because it’ll be morning before I know it and I have to go back there again. I don’t want to go off with stress as I worry how that will affect me getting a new job

On the stress thing, employers are not allowed to ask about your health before they have made an offer.
It sounds like you could stay up till 3 am and not finish everything. So why work past 5 would be my attitude.

If its that bad. Can you leave and do something like agency work in schools whilst you look.My partner does TA / support and doesn't have a qualification or much experience..he didn't have any experience when they took him on

I get agency work is not guaranteed but if a stop gap whilst you look it may be the better option?

Tomking · 13/09/2023 07:28

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