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At a crossroads - career advice appreciated

1 reply

OutandAboutMum1821 · 07/05/2025 07:15

Hi everyone,

I’ve reached a crossroads with my youngest about to start school in Sept. I’m very aware I will suddenly have much more time available again, and am keen to re-integrate work into my life again.

My main options are:

  • Return to teaching Nursery/Reception.
  • Nursery/Reception TA.
  • Brand new career as a counsellor (something I’ve always had an interest in, have just started a course (fantastic to be studying again!), highly interesting!)

The easiest option would be to join my children’s school (where I’ve established a quasi-professional relationship over several years as a governor, already had 2 serious invitations from Head to apply for roles).

Feels like a ‘now or never’ though to properly pursue the counselling!

So my main questions are:

  • How have you found returning to teaching after a longer gap?
  • Does working as a teacher/TA help resolve the ongoing issues around lack of flexibility to attend your own child’s events?
  • I don’t know any counsellors in real life- anyone who does it, would you recommend it? I don’t care if it pays less than teaching- I’m after a new passion project! I want to do something where I feel I am making a difference.

Any advice on these thoughts (or general hand-holding and encouragement 😂) would be greatly appreciated 😊

OP posts:
Rocknrollstar · 07/05/2025 12:04

As a secondary school teacher I missed all day time concerts/ shows at my children’s primary school but my mother went instead. The main advantage of teaching is that you get more or less the same holidays. Of course you don’t finish at the same time as the children though because of planning meeting etc. Persoanlly I would go for the counselling and see where it takes you. Could you do teaching p/t while you train?

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