I live in Australia and there is a teacher shortage where I live. They have reintroduced a one year grad diploma. I am a single mum to two boys working full time. I have had enough of work, work, work. I am feeling burnt out and need more time off. I know teaching is hard but the holidays are very attractive. Also I can specialise in the area of my arts degree and finally put it to use. My only issue would be that money would be very very tight for a year and I would probably have to get a personal loan for living expenses or ask for a mortgage pause. Is one year of pain worth potential long term gain? Or will teaching just be another dead end and I will have wasted more money and time? I can’t make up my mind. I have a few friends who are teachers. I am meeting up with one friend who became a specialist high school teacher mid career who is a similar age so hopefully I can get some advice from him.