I am considering taking six months off after 11 years in teaching. I am a head of year. My concern is that I will struggle to find another job as I am expensive and that such time out will be viewed as suspicious.
An alternative would be to look for a secondment or exchange while your present school keeps your post open. This will overcome the problem of having a post to return to, in theory. However, in a time of falling rolls, no post is entirely secure. Finding a new post may depend on the added value you have generated during the time away. Basically, taking a break may prove difficult, whereas having a definite plan of what you want to do can be positive. You could learn new skills or teach in a different location.
