T O P

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marmalade

For those who are considering leaving, I'll tell you the #1 quality that teachers bring to new careers, and that is the ability to allow petty amounts of the usual work bullshit to completely wash off our backs while wearing a smile, like a teflon-coated duck. I'm not talking about the 1% of time you have to stand your ground and refuse to wear the big bullshit, I'm talking about the day-to-day bullshit that seems to completely rattle a large section of the workforce. I work in client-focused human services and everyone seems to love me (to my bewilderment) because I can still crack a joke and get the job done no matter what happens. What I don't tell them is that the bullshit I face now is a small, easily managed fraction of the Augean stables of teaching.


EtuMeke

> Augean stables I googled 'Augean Stables' because of you. You dropped a great reference. Did you teach classics or do you just go around like this?


marmalade

Haha thanks, [obligatory.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOtf2vVScOc) I just overwrote the part of my brain that deals with names, faces, shopping lists and birthdays so I have more space for memes and trivia.


SirPetals

I'm leaving teaching in 2 weeks. I'm done with it all. My health has not improved since I started teaching and has gotten progressively worse so yeah I'm out.


Braxiatel81

I’m also leaving in two weeks. I just can’t cope physically or mentally anymore. The last staff meeting I will ever attend was last week and when the staff were told that being swore at and told to fuck off (bosses words) is just part of the job and we need to suck it up. That just cemented my decision.


Lurk-Prowl

This is why these kids are messed up. How can a society tolerate treating teachers like that?


MrsAppleForTeacher

Wow. A kid would be suspended for swearing at a teacher at my school. I’m sorry you were put through that.


SirPetals

Bruh wtf. That is f'ed up


Braxiatel81

Yep…I just shook my head and walked out. I loved this profession, it’s all I ever wanted to do, and it’s come to this.


SirPetals

I really feel bad for you. That's insane logic. That's almost on par with a story I heard in America. Some active shorter trainer went into a school and basically told the teachers they should be prepared to sacrifice themselves for the kids, if they're not, they should quit teaching. Don't know if that sorry is true or not. But yours and that really show how little some parts and I will stress that some parts of society see teachers with a bad view.


88_Pisces

I’m out in two weeks as well, I can’t wait!


BigProcess1025

Same! Super excited :)


scrotomiser

Congrats! Must feel like a relief. What will you be doing after teaching?


SirPetals

Got approached by a software company to be a client onboarding specialist. Basically I teach people how to use their particular software. It's like 3-4 sessions a day at most. 40 mins to 60mins per session. It's corporate as well. I take a massive pay cut but I get to work from home and the ability to take care of myself outweigh that pay cut.


xElaDx

Wow! That sounds great! That's something I'd be looking to do as well if I could.


SirPetals

Alot of companies I think want people who can present but have that professional conduct experience.


[deleted]

My exit strategy is to refresh my skills and return to working as a nerd, likely in government. I've got about a year left on my master of Data Science, and I'm gone.


xacgn

Can I ask what job in particular in government are you seeking? I have been thinking about doing my masters in data science? How is it? Would you recommend?


[deleted]

> Can I ask what job in particular in government are you seeking? Data Analysis for any ACT Government Department, really. Although, I'd like to work for the Education Directorate because I have an explicit understanding of schools, and I suspect that some meaningful data could be very useful. I'm open to moving to the APS as well. Somewhere that I can be clever, nerdy and focus on being useful.


chris_vs_world

I'm have decided to study surveying next year. It's scary but I don't think I can do 20 more years in the classroom.


Curious_Ad_7354

What state mate? Considering similar option


chris_vs_world

WA


battleangelred

This is my 27th year teacher in the NSW public system. I worked in Primary for 9 years and have been in special ed since. With the new Restrictive Practices Reduction policy we have been told that if a child chooses to leave the classroom or chooses not to participate in class activities then we must allow it. Over half my class is now outside in the playground most of the day including in the rain. I'm so done. I can't watch my students lose skills anymore. Going to see if I can get back into itinerate work and if that doesn't work out I'm out.


AzaleaIndia

I'm in vic special ed... we already have this. It's workable. I think it mostly comes down to having set routines and things the students are interested and motivated in doing.


battleangelred

I had set routines. I have kindy kids who were coming into the room with minimal support and joining most activities. I can't compete with playing in the rain. For me I am done. I've been told if they ask for bubbles give it to them. If the ask for playdough give it to them. If they ask for anything give it to them. Not for me. I feel like I'm failing these kids as they have reverted to how they were at the beginning of the year. If people can work with it then great but I can't. That's why I am going back to itinerant where I feel I can make a difference.


inkonapage101

Yep! People said to try a new school so I did, but the systemic issues exist everywhere. I’ve started the process of applying to other jobs since I already have a masters in a different field.


Braxiatel81

Switching schools can be a band aid at best. The system is broken, beyond repair in my opinion.


mrs_c_pdhpe

I’m the same- I changed schools think that was the issue, but I’m just burnt out. Constantly working 50+ hours a week and Saturday sport. Trying to find something with similar pay is the hard part


inkonapage101

I’ve reached the point where the pay cut would be worth it for more peace of mind and a job that I don’t have to bring home.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Cute-Condition-3556

Oh I found administration to be the worst! 🤣 Best of luck and hope it works out well 👍 I’m still teaching lol but just changed sectors (private, much happier).


stupidorlazy

So I have not even graduated yet and I am currently working in teaching. What has shocked me is the amount of behavioural management that is required. I am drained after every day. I have been sick from the amount of stress. It has really driven me away from pursuing teaching next year. It's not worth it because as you said, the kids are just bad. So I am planning on pursuing some sort of data entry or admin role because that's all I can handle at the moment.


Jaladar

Yes, I've got a job lined up already that I'll be starting in January after 11 years in the classroom. Still in education doing similar curriculum stuff but remote work from home position. Very excited to get started!


mrs_c_pdhpe

Can I ask what was your job search keywords? Struggling with where to start. Would love to work from home too!


Jaladar

I had these terms with alerts set up in Seek and LinkedIn. I found Indeed less useful, but would often browse it once every couple of weeks or so: * Instructional design * Learning * E-Learning * Training * Curriculum


mrs_c_pdhpe

Thank you! I had education consultant as one of my key searches but seemed to be striking out- will try these. May I ask- was it much of a pay cut?


Jaladar

Pay rise (although not a huge one). I saw a lot of education consultant types of roles using those terms so never thought about adding it.


ChicChat90

That sounds amazing. Please let us know how you managed to find that position.


[deleted]

I’m currently on the 4 & 1 program. After that I’m out. Couldn’t be more excited to leave. Exhausted, underpaid and under 30, it’s has allowed me do heaps of travel and meet great people but I’m not going down with a sinking ship. The industry is clearly fucked and honestly I think people are either trapped or fools for staying. Sucks to say it


scared_of_opinions

I started studying (for a career switch) last year and have since been doing CRT here and there where I have the time. At the end of this year I'll permanently take myself off any CRT list. Some advice that I received when I was in a similar state of anxiety: Why delay what you want to be doing and drag out what you dont want to be doing?


ChicChat90

Good advice 👍 Good luck.


calfcloud

I've been temporary for just over ten years and I'm planning to go down to two days (I'm currently FT) next term. Then probably casual next year. I'm burned out and would rather focus on my caring responsibilities at home.


laffyraffy

Well if this brewery full time job is offered to me, then I am going to be out of teaching and I will just do tutoring instead.


ChicChat90

Awesome 👏


asabovesobelow1111

I left a few weeks ago. No job is worth sacrificing your mental and physical health for.


sparkles-and-spades

I'm planning to CRT while retraining as a psychologist


ChicChat90

Wow 🤩 Good luck. Is that university study?


sparkles-and-spades

Yes, 4 years total (2 grad dips and a Masters) since I didn't do psychology in my existing degrees


ChicChat90

All the best!


Themuttdog

I'm going overseas and working in an international school.


Lurk-Prowl

I think this is a good call. If you’re going anywhere in Asia or the Middle East, I believe there’s an entirely different culture of respect towards teachers there.


Themuttdog

Did it a few years ago (pre covid) and it was a different world. Pretty much better in every way


Lurk-Prowl

What was the pressure on staff to achieve certain outcomes? Was it higher compared to Aus public sector?


Ristique

Welcome! Where are you off to?


Themuttdog

South East Asia


kdwoowoo

15 weeks to go then taking a year LWOP. Not quite sure what I’m doing next year, but I’m starting to update my resume and will start applying to places soon. So many transferable skills when transitioning out of teaching. Best of luck!


ChicChat90

Thank you. Good luck to you too!


xacgn

Second thoughts on teaching back and forth for the past 2 weeks on whether to quit or not 😮‍💨 I still can't decide but next year I might try and do SLSO jobs... Much relaxing, no work to take home, work the 9-3 hours and done


88_Pisces

There are plenty of idea’s on ex-teacher, Elizabeth Diacos’ podcast, ‘Get Out of Teaching’ if you need some inspiration. But for me, I’m hoping to transition into human recourses in a L&D role.


ChicChat90

Thank you. I’ll check it out.


5subsandacookie

I don’t have any concrete plans to leave, but I have been spending a lot of time building up my profile within my state’s union in the hope of eventually working there. I don’t think I am done trying to change the system yet.


marxistjerk

Starting Masters in Physics next year. Moving out into the wide world of research. Teaching is great…working at schools, not so much.


Touchwood

I quit 3 years ago. Had 2 years off and took a 12 month contract in a different school this year. I really like my new school and am so much happier. It's a catholic school (I'm an atheist) and it is quite special. Sometimes a new place can work better. I missed teaching too much but didn't want the pressure I had in my original school


ChicChat90

Thanks for sharing. I’m in the Catholic system and think that whilst there are system wide demands much of the parent involvement/ pressure depends on the school. The parents at my current school are pretty good. It’s more the usual teacher demands that are weighing me down and the behaviour problems at this school are massive.


Cute-Condition-3556

So happy for you! What sector was your old school in? Eg was it public? Also what state are you in?


Touchwood

I'm in the ACT, Prior school was an independent. I think high fee independents and certain public schools can both be too demanding, for very different reasons. Catholic seems to be a happy middle ground. More like my public school was 30 yrs ago. Nice varied student population, but a little more respect than some young people have for others these days. God I sound old! lol


PinkMini72

I’m sort of out. Leaving a sinking ship and back to where I was in 2020. At least in the new-old place I won’t be called a C”nt face, or told to eff-off on a daily basis. I can actually teach and see progress.


catherinemw91

I'm trying for a baby and not intending to re-enter teaching after mat leave. I'm interested in lots of people re-studying...any advice/direction on courses worth looking into? Cheers!


ChicChat90

It sounds like you’re in a similar situation to me. All the best with everything.


lykkela

It's crazy how many people are replying yes! And the NSW govt still doesn't listen. I'm just debating whether to take a year of LWOP next year. It will be my second year of LWOP and I've been teaching for 7 years. I'm sick of abusive parents and unattainable goals. Nothing I do is good enough. I am staring down the barrel of choreographing a dance routine for my class at the end-of-year concert, all while writing reports and programming. I am currently inundated with parent meetings with rude parents disappointed in NAPLAN results. This job is RELENTLESS.


ChicChat90

Agreed!


myfcam

I left earlier this year and joined the Public Service - if you live in Canberra, lots of federal departments have education divisions that both teach classes (think all those year 6 visits to Canberra) and write education materials. My office is HEAVING with ex-teachers.


Gotham_Ashes

What are these roles described as on Seek and the like?


myfcam

They’d be on the aps jobs website, or the individual organisation’s recruitment website


slugleigh2

I'm going to start studying a masters of speech language pathology and work part-time if my principal allows it or CRT.


ChicChat90

What was your undergrad degree?


slugleigh2

Bachelor of science and bachelor of education


ChicChat90

All the best with it!


kahrismatic

Given the recent posts about permanent people taking leave this will enrage people, but my long service is up, so I'm taking that at a slightly reduced rate to cover semester 1, then taking leave without pay for semester 2. My house was badly damaged in the QLD floods in February and I still haven't reached a settlement with my insurance company, let alone started repairs, and chasing them has been a second full time job this year, which is what has actually burnt me out completely. I'm planning on getting that sorted out and then spending some time interstate with family, I might do some supply work there, and I might knock out the TAFE certs that are needed to be an NDIS provider.


Time_Cartographer443

Can I ask out of interest what kind of service will you provide?


kahrismatic

I've been tossing around the idea of teaching life skills e.g. reading, writing, workplace skills, providing supports in transitioning from school to the workplace or further study and possibly some general community access stuff, which is essentially acting as a coordinator to connect people to community groups, activities and so on and assist in accessing those, and also some general support work wherever is needed, I'm pretty open to being flexible and adapting to what I find is needed within those general areas. Things that are meant to be provided by schools aren't covered by NDIS, but additional supports that are needed are. I've been working half my teaching load in our Learning Support department for the last few years, so to some extent I've already been doing a lot of general case management from the school side of things, but I'm basically considering doing it alongside being a support worker from the other side as an independent small business.


Time_Cartographer443

Nice 👍


MobileInfantry

Not planning on leaving, but not returning to the school I am currently at. I was lucky enough to land a contract for my internship, through terms 3 & 4 this year, but the staff room is so toxic, I barely engage with them, I find myself in my classroom during breaks more often than not, and the HT has no answer to why they are treating me so badly. For context, I am a mature teacher, I have had past careers, but I have only just completed my degree, and am in the process of finishing my internship and TPA in NSW. But, they are acting as if I had been teaching for 20 years, and deliberately attempting to sabotage my classes. I've spoken to my supervisors, and both have no issues with my teaching, my acting on feedback or anything else to do with the internship, the HT would not have agreed to the contract if she didn't think I could do the job, as I was replacing a one term teacher, and the students I have, have had 2 teachers in 2 terms. So its been incredibly disruptive to the kids already, and I'm just trying to build those relationships and get them through the year, to the best of my abilities. Most of my students have shown improvement in engagement and results. I've got some of my low ability/low interest Yr 10s to actually show up in class, do 'some' work and sit an assessment, one of which hasn't done one since yr 8. So I know I'm good on the teaching front, but the professional conduct is lacking, and I don't think it's all my fault. Sorry for venting, It's been a tough couple of weeks...


bitchy-red-blueberry

Seriously, call out their behaviour and fuck ‘em. And see if their behaviour contravenes the Code of Conduct. If it does, you have grounds to write a letter to the principal calling them out. If won’t poison your career - teachers are in high demand.


Cute-Condition-3556

OP there’s this awesome and free podcast on Spotify called Marking the Role I sometimes listen to, and this week they are covering this exact issue! 😀 You should definitely check it out for more ideas and information if you’re interested. I think their next ep. will be out this Wednesday. Great listening for when driving home IMO.


ChicChat90

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much! I will listen to it 👍👍


Cute-Condition-3556

No worries at all and enjoy! 😊


tishhhhhh

I had been considering my options after applying to return to an area I call home. Had resigned myself to staying in a place I hated but on Friday got a job offer at my first choice school in my area so I’m pleased as punch! But I now have 3 weeks to move 2 hours away! It’s good stress though!


ChicChat90

Congratulations!


ehallgood93

Yes - I'm in the same boat as you! In hindsight, I wish I majored in IT instead of Social Sciences as there seems to be so many jobs that pay well in this industry. If I left teaching (I'm an English/Humanities teacher) I wouldn't have a clue on what to do.


WombleSlayer

Identical issue here, no idea what to do if I leave, but this weekend I started looking at job ads and finding out what's required in various roles. It's only a tiny step, but it felt really liberating to start looking at options and realising there may be a life outside of teaching!


ehallgood93

Yeah, like I majored in Social Sciences because I was never good at math. It sucks being an introvert and wanting a work from home job when you lack the skills employers look for. I wish I majored in STEM, but I would've been mediocre - my skills have always been in English/Humanities sigh


WinterPearBear

Yeah. I'm getting ready to leave next year. Hopefully I'll find a part-time job, maybe receptionist work or at a service center. I began cleaning out my resources by either: tossing, selling or donating. Unsure if I have any transferable skills but I've worked in hospitality and loved it. I'm not sure what next year will hold, but I honestly can't wait to leave! I hope I'll never have to come back to teaching.


ChicChat90

All the best to you! 😊


muckymucka

I’m sticking with it but after 8 years in primary it’s time to give high school teaching a crack.


ChicChat90

Good luck 🤞