Am I Mad...?

chocaholic · #1 (**permalink**) 22-04-2010, 07:10 AM

Hi,

I've not been on here for a long time, but I find myself in a bit of a predicament, so as
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advice...

I have a permanent contract at a school that I have worked at, wearing different hats, since I qualified in 2005. I have been full-time since January 2008. However, I have been on sick leave for just over 2 months due to stress related illness, and have at least another month to go. I love teaching, but the pressure of targets, massively inflated optional SATs results (by the previous class teacher) for the class last year, and an imminent OFSTED (causing the HT to go crazy with observations, etc) have
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e me ill. Having to drive 60 miles a day to work there doesn't help, either!

I am considering giving my notice in and leaving at summer, even though I do not have a job to go to, and going back on supply (did supply for 2.5 years before getting my full time contract). I feel that this would help to build my confidence again, as I cannot face applying for jobs at the moment due to the HT's constant nit-pic
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(the HT seems to have the philosophy of putting everyone down to keep them on their toes). I also think that I could do supply for the long term...Most of my teaching friends say that would be a good
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, but a friend at work says that I'm
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if I do, as permanent contracts are few and far between. I just feel that if I stay there, I will end up just wal
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out one day, and never returning to teaching...and I know that, once I get going with the supply, I'll have a bank of schools that I'm a regular with.

Am I insane for considering leaving a permanent contract for supply?

Help!

janeb · #2 (**permalink**) 22-04-2010, 06:21 PM

First things first - here's some chocolate
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I tend to agree with the majority of your friends and think you need a break from this job - you have such a trek to get to work, have a HT who pushes rather than supports and unrealistic goals.

However, as someone who would love to get a permanent part-time contract (so I can give up my pre-school businesses and do supply for 3 days, permanent 1-2 days), I worry that you'll regret it in the future.

Is going part-time in this job an option? A different part-time role within the same school?

Ultimately, your health and well-being are the most important things.

ruby_tuesday · #3 (**permalink**) 23-04-2010, 04:56 PM

That doesn't sound like a great situation and you do have to think very carefully about your health and well being - remember you work to live. However, the security of a permanent contract and regular pay is difficult to leave.

I wondered about part time - though I'm not very knowledgeable about the process, I don't think employees have a right to change from full time to part time - others may know more. So your HT and governors may not agree to that option.

I think you just have to weigh up whether you can manage againg on supply and whether you think it is worth persevering at the school.

Remember - if you choose to stay and then feel like you made the wrong decision, you can always leave later. Hope you work it out.

clarabelle · #4 (**permalink**) 25-04-2010, 04:52 PM

I would definitely discuss this with your HT. The possibility of part time that is. You have the right to request this and then the decision will go to the governors. I haven't had a full time permanent job since 2003 although I have been wor
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full time since them, either in temporary jobs, jobshares, part time or supply. I am not the type of person that
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es well with stress and so this has been good for me. Could this be an option for you too?

NuttySupplier · #5 (**permalink**) 26-04-2010, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chocaholic
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but a friend at work says that I'm
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if I do, as permanent contracts are few and far between

It's that bit, a friend at work, presumably they've not done supply? I've twice given up a perm. contract to do supply, and neither time regretted it. What I have regretted is going back into contracted work!! But that's me, and you really have to think about what's best for you (and how much your income affects your well-being too.) If you've a bank of schools you can work for regularly, and you enjoy supply work...

List! Positive and negatives of a decision either way...

Massive
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chocaholic · #6 (**permalink**) 29-04-2010, 08:27 PM

Thanks for all your advice and chocolate
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. Having thought about it some more, and discussing it with the OH and close teaching friends, I have come to the decision that I will hand my notice in by the end of May. I don't think I could work there part time, as the distance I would travel would be costly, and staffroom politics would seriously bug me. I'm going to look for a part time or temporary post closer to home, and/or go on supply.

I have never had a job (and I've had lots of different types of jobs prior to teaching) where I have needed anti-depressants and beta blockers just to get by...No job is worth that, and my health has to come first. Several people have said it's because I care about the kids...I thought that's what teaching was all about - not how much you can suck up to the boss and play games! The money will be tight, but I'd rather be happy and poor than unhappy, ill and OK moneywise
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I'll let you know how it goes...
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janeb · #7 (**permalink**) 30-04-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chocaholic
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The money will be tight, but I'd rather be happy and poor than unhappy, ill and OK moneywise
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So true! Good luck
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NuttySupplier · #8 (**permalink**) 01-05-2010, 08:35 PM

Congrats on ma
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the decision Choccy! I'm sure you won't regret it... look forward positively to your release date, and don't fret too much over handing in your notice... that's the next hurdle... just dump it on the desk of the head and run.. post the Governors' one to the Chair! Good luck and stay well honey!

ruby_tuesday · #9 (**permalink**) 05-05-2010, 08:02 PM

Good luck from me too, hope it all works out for you.

chocaholic · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2010, 03:50 PM

Well, I've done it! I handed my notice in this morning...and I feel good about it!

A friend has passed on my details to their school - they probably have a part time job going for September, doing 1-2-1 Maths tuition (dependent on funding), and another friend has given my email address to a
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of schools that need part-time teachers for 1-2-1 tuition, so they are possibilities. I've also been in touch with the main supply agency that I used to work with, and they have said that there is usually plenty work, and I'd be paid a decent rate...
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My HT has left a message on my phone, as
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for a meeting with me, and is leaving it up to me to arrange, as they don't want to be seen to be pressurising me...hmmm...Don't know why they want to meet with me...
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We'll see how things go...
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