Hi all,
I could really do with some perspective and practical advice.
Point 1 — New job start date / pay confusion
I’ve accepted a new teaching job starting after Easter. The offer letter and contract have slightly different wording around start date and salary date, and HR emails seem contradictory. I’ve already handed in my resignation at my current school, giving my last working day as 31st March. I cannot afford to have a two-week gap unpaid. Has anyone dealt with confusing contract / pay start dates? Will my current school’s HR kick up a fuss now that my notice is in if I need to adjust dates?
Point 2 — Current workplace dynamics
My current school has a difficult management culture. A colleague recently escalated a minor classroom tech issue via email to senior leadership rather than resolving it in the moment. I responded professionally and put training/contingencies in place, but the email was forwarded upwards and has since turned into meetings and questioning of my leadership decisions. On top of this, my line manager has told my team they can go directly to her with issues, which undermines my role. It’s all very political and exhausting.
Point 3 — My mental health
I’ve only been in this school a year. In my previous workplace I went off sick after an accident, and that exit wasn’t great, so I’m very wary of repeating that pattern. But I’m really not coping now. I’m shaking on the way in, crying at lunch, constantly on edge and feel like I’m at breaking point. I don’t know whether to push through until I leave, or whether I should consider speaking to my GP / taking stress leave.
If anyone could advise I’d appreciate it
Thank you.