Thinking of leaving teaching? Explore your options first
When you’re feeling unhappy in a job, it’s understandable to be looking for an exit strategy as soon as possible. But before you start drafting your letter of resignation, make sure that you’ve considered all of the options; there may be ways to stay in teaching in a way that feels right for you.
Talk to your colleagues
Talk to your line manager or school leader before making any firm decisions. They may be able to offer additional support or work with you to address challenges that may be feeling insurmountable at the moment. And it can also be worth sharing your concerns with other colleagues, who may be experiencing similar issues, or may have overcome their own difficulties and be able to offer welcome wisdom. Plus, a problem shared is a problem halved.
Consider flexible working
It can also be worth exploring flexible working arrangements, such as part-time or job sharing, rather than opting for an entirely new career. These approaches could enable you to reduce your workload and associated stress, and give you more time for yourself. Many schools offer flexible working arrangements now, so your leadership should hopefully be amenable to the idea, particularly if it means holding on to a valuable member of staff.
Apply for a different role
If you're not happy with your current role, but you do like your school, perhaps it would be worth exploring what other opportunities are available there. You may be able to move into a different department or area, from an academic role to pastoral, or vice-versa. Try talking to leadership about opportunities that may be coming up across the school.
Try a different school
If it’s your school that you’re not happy with, don’t forget that there are countless others out there, all operating with different cultures and practices. The chances are that there will be one that could be a much better fit for you. Have a look at your local area - or farther afield if that’s something that appeals to you - and see if there are places that feel like they could be more of a match for your professional talents.
So what next?
Above all, if you're feeling unhappy in your job, make sure you’re looking after yourself and getting support wherever you can. When it comes to making big decisions about your future and possibly leaving teaching, it's important to weigh up all of your options and see what is available to you, whether that’s in your school, or elsewhere. Good luck!
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