If you were me, what would you do?

[TheHouse]

I’m in need of a massive life change. If you were me, right now, what would you do?

I am 37.

Children are now aged 16, 14 and 11. I’ve worked as a teaching assistant for years. Hate it, hate, hate, hate. Can’t wait to leave this ghastly, god awful profession.

Now is the time. I am never going back into education once I’ve left. I have a degree in psychology (a 2:1). I don’t want a “people profession” or anything front line, so degree was no doubt a waste of time. Oh well, it may prove I am not a complete dunce as I know TAs are sometimes judged. It’s a lowly job, perhaps not in reality, but most certainly on paper.

I have great soft skills, really good with people. Thinking about recruitment as I really want to earn some proper money now.

So, if you were me, what would you do?

I know you said you don’t want a people profession but have you considered HR?

I was thinking HR or even Payroll management - you’d have to start at the bottom but you are clearly bright enough.

Recruitment wouldn’t appeal to me… what about it appeals to you?

You are really good with people but you don't want a people profession? What would you class recruitment as, if not a people profession?

What other skills do you have?

Apologies, I worded that badly. I mean front line roles like TA, caring, nursing, social work, nursery nurse. All the roles women in my family seem to do. I just haven’t got that sort of emotional labour left in me. I started off all that business as a child (long story).

HR is definitely on the list. Recruitment appeals because of the money and competitive side. I stayed far too long in education, mainly because of my children but I really am ready to move on and I’ve got lots of energy for a big change. Hopefully I’m not past it at 37 🤦‍♀️.

@ObladiObladah

Thank you. I know I’ll need to start at the bottom. It will still be a salary increase though from a TA, so that’s not going to be a problem.

Look for something ai proof!

What about the civil service? Good progression opportunities, and mostly flexible so good for working parents.

You’re not past it! I’m 38, just returned to a ‘proper’ job after 10 years wfh part time as main child carer. I have been FT again for less than 6 months and I’m already in line for a promotion. DSis did HR, she started off as a beautician then switched careers, got a job at a recruitment company that was cut throat, but having it on her CV has opened so many doors, she now works at a council organising training for people (she doesn’t do the training, she makes it all happen). Decent salary, flexible hybrid job… if recruitment is calling you then go for it.

I think teaching assistants are hugely underpaid, the staff I’ve met at my kids schools are excellent and very conscientious and really want to do a good job. But it is very hard work. I hear you!
My friend did it and the hours suited her while her kids were little and but then she went to work at the local council as general admin but has done lots more training and is now a HR advisor for them. She works with schools recruiting staff and doing all the HR admin behind that and she loves it. Gets to work from home a lot and it’s well paid too.

Good on you - it’s really brave to step away from a career you’ve done a long time and try something new, wishing you all the best.

Why don’t you train as an Ed psych? The training is funded and it’s good money. Your psychology degree and your teaching will make you invaluable.

www.aep.org.uk/EPFT