Leaving a job I have just started
Discussion
I work as a Primary School Teacher. Last term, I was on supply for a few weeks at a school, made a good impression and was put forward by the head teacher for a position in another school in the local area. It is a fixed term contract to Christmas but may be extended (it is covering a sickness but no one expects the teacher to return). I popped in to speak to the head teacher and 'got' the job. No interview, no observed lesson; they needed a teacher, I was available and came recommended, so hey presto, everyone is happy.
Having completed 2 inset days before the start of school proper, I can see, for reasons that I will brielfy go into, that the school and job is definitely not right for me. I think if there had been a proper interview process then I may have seen this but it was all so quick and I was rather swept along with it. They have an inspection coming up and the school needs to improve. In a couple of weeks I will be being observed by someone from the local authority in preparation for this. Planning for the next 7 week half term needs to be completed in a fortnight.
I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job. I am, to say the least, in over my head to an alarming degree. I have not been able to plan over the summer as the job was only arranged just before, so everything I needed to know I have only been able to learn about in the last two days. Without sounding like I am trying to make excuses, no one is going to come out of this well!
I have suffered from stress related illness before and know the warning signs. I have a 6 week old son now and I'm not prepared to have a meltdown and end up on anti depressants in a few weeks for the sake of a job that could be over at Christmas anyway.
As an aside, I can get straight back on supply and continue doing guitar lessons (which I would not have time for in this job) so financially I would actually be better off.
Does anyone have any experience of quitting a job so soon after beginning? I am leaving them in the lurch but surely the sooner I do quit the better.....? What are the potential repercussions? Any advice much appreciated! This was a poorly thought out process, both by myself and to a certain extent the school, but I'm not sure they will see it that way! I know that head teachers talk (hence me getting this job) and don't want my reputation ruined, especially as my name is becoming known in the area.
Having completed 2 inset days before the start of school proper, I can see, for reasons that I will brielfy go into, that the school and job is definitely not right for me. I think if there had been a proper interview process then I may have seen this but it was all so quick and I was rather swept along with it. They have an inspection coming up and the school needs to improve. In a couple of weeks I will be being observed by someone from the local authority in preparation for this. Planning for the next 7 week half term needs to be completed in a fortnight.
I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job. I am, to say the least, in over my head to an alarming degree. I have not been able to plan over the summer as the job was only arranged just before, so everything I needed to know I have only been able to learn about in the last two days. Without sounding like I am trying to make excuses, no one is going to come out of this well!
I have suffered from stress related illness before and know the warning signs. I have a 6 week old son now and I'm not prepared to have a meltdown and end up on anti depressants in a few weeks for the sake of a job that could be over at Christmas anyway.
As an aside, I can get straight back on supply and continue doing guitar lessons (which I would not have time for in this job) so financially I would actually be better off.
Does anyone have any experience of quitting a job so soon after beginning? I am leaving them in the lurch but surely the sooner I do quit the better.....? What are the potential repercussions? Any advice much appreciated! This was a poorly thought out process, both by myself and to a certain extent the school, but I'm not sure they will see it that way! I know that head teachers talk (hence me getting this job) and don't want my reputation ruined, especially as my name is becoming known in the area.
Edited by scrubchub on Sunday 4th September 04:14
If you REALLY feel you cannot do the urgent job required and that you will suffer mentally if you accept the job then there is no decision to make - you explain to the school exactly what you have said here and you leave.
One awkward meeting or hell on earth for weeks - no brainer.
However some may look at it as a great challenge to get stuck into teaching and strive to make it work, ask yourself is this really such a stretch. From an outsider I guess a supply teacher has minimal responsibility where as a teacher has full responsibility - is that the issue, one of actual responsibility?
One awkward meeting or hell on earth for weeks - no brainer.
However some may look at it as a great challenge to get stuck into teaching and strive to make it work, ask yourself is this really such a stretch. From an outsider I guess a supply teacher has minimal responsibility where as a teacher has full responsibility - is that the issue, one of actual responsibility?
Have you spoken with anybody at the school regarding your concerns?
A first course of action would be to talk & request some help/assistance/guidance. You may well be surprised. If you leave them in the lurch, without giving them the opportunity to assist you then your reputation in the area may be sullied. Asking for help is not an admission of failure.
However with a 6 week old child, your personal wellbeing & welfare should take priority.
A first course of action would be to talk & request some help/assistance/guidance. You may well be surprised. If you leave them in the lurch, without giving them the opportunity to assist you then your reputation in the area may be sullied. Asking for help is not an admission of failure.
However with a 6 week old child, your personal wellbeing & welfare should take priority.
If it's any consolation I'm about to start new job in a different school (head of music). I had the same role In my last for 6 years.
I feel like an NQT, I also have the most amount of work to do which doesn't even include lesson plannning.
Teaching is a stressful and time consuming job.
How did you get supply work last term if you are going into your NQT year now?
Are the music specialist in your school?
How do you know they have an inspection coming up? Do you mean they are due? My last head kept on banging on about that, it's been 3 years since the last etc; 18 months on from that, Ofsted never came.
What state is the school now?
It is the norm to give 3 months notice in teaching.
As an NQT you are entitled to a lot of support, at Secondary your timetable should be no more than 90%, I imagine the same at primary.
The job does get easier.
I feel like an NQT, I also have the most amount of work to do which doesn't even include lesson plannning.
Teaching is a stressful and time consuming job.
How did you get supply work last term if you are going into your NQT year now?
Are the music specialist in your school?
How do you know they have an inspection coming up? Do you mean they are due? My last head kept on banging on about that, it's been 3 years since the last etc; 18 months on from that, Ofsted never came.
What state is the school now?
It is the norm to give 3 months notice in teaching.
As an NQT you are entitled to a lot of support, at Secondary your timetable should be no more than 90%, I imagine the same at primary.
The job does get easier.
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 4th September 06:41
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 4th September 08:04
Get a formal meeting with the HT and explain as per your original post. They can always get supply in to start the term, it's really not the end of the world for the school.
You might not think it will do you much good in terms of reputation but being decisive and taking action that is in the schools (and your) best interest is not a bad thing. Being appointed without interview or assessment shows a degree of desperation on the schools part.
I'm not a "teacher" but I do work in a school and I see the stresses and strains from early years right through to FE. As an NQT you need support and someone to guide you through the job. Not be thrown in at the deep end when the water is choppy!
I'd take your time until the right job comes along. Teaching is a long career path and getting the right start is important.
You might not think it will do you much good in terms of reputation but being decisive and taking action that is in the schools (and your) best interest is not a bad thing. Being appointed without interview or assessment shows a degree of desperation on the schools part.
I'm not a "teacher" but I do work in a school and I see the stresses and strains from early years right through to FE. As an NQT you need support and someone to guide you through the job. Not be thrown in at the deep end when the water is choppy!
I'd take your time until the right job comes along. Teaching is a long career path and getting the right start is important.
Butter Face said:
PurpleMoonlight said:
Seems to me you have chosen the wrong career.
Sounds pretty close.
I got as far as 'I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job.' and thought well, grasp the challenge and use it as an opportunity to really show what you're made of.
Then I read what the OP is made of.
Without some form of corrective action in their life, I think they'll struggle in any job.
V8mate said:
Butter Face said:
PurpleMoonlight said:
Seems to me you have chosen the wrong career.
Sounds pretty close.
I got as far as 'I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job.' and thought well, grasp the challenge and use it as an opportunity to really show what you're made of.
Then I read what the OP is made of.
Without some form of corrective action in their life, I think they'll struggle in any job.
Sorry but you sound like you want to be dropped into some ofsted top ranking school where teaching will be a breeze and a joy, unfortunately those positions are few and far between and the teachers that get them have earned their place.
The job you've got sounds like the 1st rung on the ladder, you can either seize the challenge and show your metal, or quite and hold out for the perfect position to turn up (which I doubt it will). Either way you need to choose now and sort it quick. There are no half measures in teaching young minds.
Um, just out of interest. If you have a six week old child [assuming you aren't the one who physically had the child] won't the mother be going onto Statutory Maternity Pay now? Or is it a decent Occupational scheme that keeps the maternity pay nearly as high as the actual salary?
Otherwise quitting a job could result in being just a tad skint.
Otherwise quitting a job could result in being just a tad skint.
V8mate said:
Definitely.
I got as far as 'I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job.' and thought well, grasp the challenge and use it as an opportunity to really show what you're made of.
Then I read what the OP is made of.
Without some form of corrective action in their life, I think they'll struggle in any job.
Not really. I'm senior faculty at a top university. I teach almost exclusively at masters level and above, and because of the nature of the courses that I teach my students are all highly intelligent, often quite abrasive senior level individuals, often with around 20 years experience in the fields of defence and security. I am expected to continually publish world class research, design and run courses, and of course lecture in front of audiences of hundreds on a regular basis.I got as far as 'I am a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) and this is my first proper teaching job.' and thought well, grasp the challenge and use it as an opportunity to really show what you're made of.
Then I read what the OP is made of.
Without some form of corrective action in their life, I think they'll struggle in any job.
I also suffer from depression and anxiety, and underwent a very painful breakdown a couple of years ago when I was on furlough, some of the symptoms of which are still with me.
I manage fine. I just make sure I don't put myself in a position where those symptoms will be exacerbated, that's all.
OP - you sound exactly like the worst kind of teacher that this country already has far too many of.
Self absorbed much.......?
No wonder a large number of kids leave primary school barely literate/numerate.
Do EVERYONE a favour and wrap it now and return to your poncy middle-class life giving guitar lessons. God forbid that you'd ever have to do a hard days graft.
Self absorbed much.......?
No wonder a large number of kids leave primary school barely literate/numerate.
Do EVERYONE a favour and wrap it now and return to your poncy middle-class life giving guitar lessons. God forbid that you'd ever have to do a hard days graft.
Flooble said:
Um, just out of interest. If you have a six week old child [assuming you aren't the one who physically had the child] won't the mother be going onto Statutory Maternity Pay now? Or is it a decent Occupational scheme that keeps the maternity pay nearly as high as the actual salary?
Otherwise quitting a job could result in being just a tad skint.
Thanks for all the comments, I'll try to address some. Otherwise quitting a job could result in being just a tad skint.
In regards to money, you are right my partner is going into statutory maternity pay. As mentioned in my post, the alternative to this is back on supply which I can combine with guitar lessons I am already doing. Stay in full time teaching and the £30 an hour guitar lessons go! So I'm taking a financial hit by actually being in the full time position!
castroses said:
OP - you sound exactly like the worst kind of teacher that this country already has far too many of.
Self absorbed much.......?
No wonder a large number of kids leave primary school barely literate/numerate.
Do EVERYONE a favour and wrap it now and return to your poncy middle-class life giving guitar lessons. God forbid that you'd ever have to do a hard days graft.
No need for that, the message is said above succinctly to grasp a challenge no need to be nasty where possible mental health is a factor. Self absorbed much.......?
No wonder a large number of kids leave primary school barely literate/numerate.
Do EVERYONE a favour and wrap it now and return to your poncy middle-class life giving guitar lessons. God forbid that you'd ever have to do a hard days graft.
Simes205 said:
If it's any consolation I'm about to start new job in a different school (head of music). I had the same role In my last for 6 years.
I feel like an NQT, I also have the most amount of work to do which doesn't even include lesson plannning.
Teaching is a stressful and time consuming job.
How did you get supply work last term if you are going into your NQT year now?
Are the music specialist in your school?
How do you know they have an inspection coming up? Do you mean they are due? My last head kept on banging on about that, it's been 3 years since the last etc; 18 months on from that, Ofsted never came.
What state is the school now?
It is the norm to give 3 months notice in teaching.
As an NQT you are entitled to a lot of support, at Secondary your timetable should be no more than 90%, I imagine the same at primary.
The job does get easier.
Thanks for the reply. In regards to the timing of my NQT year - I qualified last year, did a year of supply and now I'm here. This is the first time I have been in a job that will last an entire term so it is the first time I can tick off time going towards my NQT year (you have to complete 3 full terms to complete NQT year). Would have looked at jobs last year but we were moving house just after I qualified. The flexibility of supply was perfect at the time.I feel like an NQT, I also have the most amount of work to do which doesn't even include lesson plannning.
Teaching is a stressful and time consuming job.
How did you get supply work last term if you are going into your NQT year now?
Are the music specialist in your school?
How do you know they have an inspection coming up? Do you mean they are due? My last head kept on banging on about that, it's been 3 years since the last etc; 18 months on from that, Ofsted never came.
What state is the school now?
It is the norm to give 3 months notice in teaching.
As an NQT you are entitled to a lot of support, at Secondary your timetable should be no more than 90%, I imagine the same at primary.
The job does get easier.
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 4th September 06:41
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 4th September 08:04
I'm not the music specialist in my school, no. Role already taken!
The school "needs improvement" and OFSTED will definitely be back either just before or just after Christmas, or so I have been told.
Butter Face said:
PurpleMoonlight said:
Seems to me you have chosen the wrong career.
Sounds pretty close.
TBH you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. It does look really bad on you taking a job then walking (I've done it) but you're just as well walking now.
I did plenty of work experience before applying to train (working in the evenings as a guitar teacher allowed me to give my time for quite easily for this purpose). It wasn't an easy decision as I basically closed down what was a fairly thriving music teaching business to pursue it. As such, it isn't easy to admit that I perhaps made a bad decision!
In fairness, I really enjoy the supply teaching. And not just because I'm lazy and don't have to deal with the paperwork haha! A new school everyday, a range of ages, different subjects, keeping your subject knowledge in tip top shape as you never know what you'll have to teach - it is, in my opinion, a great way to earn a living. And of course, it leaves me with time to do guitar lessons, which are great and really bump up the income!
Anyway, yes, you are both possibly right.
castroses said:
OP - you sound exactly like the worst kind of teacher that this country already has far too many of.
Self absorbed much.......?
No wonder a large number of kids leave primary school barely literate/numerate.
Do EVERYONE a favour and wrap it now and return to your poncy middle-class life giving guitar lessons. God forbid that you'd ever have to do a hard days graft.
Fair enough, I can take it! Self absorbed much.......?
No wonder a large number of kids leave primary school barely literate/numerate.
Do EVERYONE a favour and wrap it now and return to your poncy middle-class life giving guitar lessons. God forbid that you'd ever have to do a hard days graft.
Plenty of experience doing hard days graft - I've not just taught guitar my whole life. Spent a long time doing solo 24 hour care shifts for the severely disabled, and worked in numerous other sectors. Fell into guitar teaching as the numbers were building up and all of a sudden it clicked that it could be a business. I ran my own business (albeit small business) for a long time as well, it never felt particularly 'poncy' to me!
In defense of my teaching, with respect, your comment is unfair. I have taught in dozens of schools over the past year and never had a bad 'review'. My agency receives a lot of requests for me in personally, so I am fairly comfortable that I am not "the worst kind of teacher"!
Edit to add - sorry, I don't know how to quote more than one person in each post. And also, I think that is the first time I have ever been referred to as middle class!
Edited by scrubchub on Sunday 4th September 10:14
Edited by scrubchub on Sunday 4th September 10:16
Stick with it - schools that 'require improvement' get good funding. This is a chance for you to shine and really develop and show what you can do.
The school overall can get no worse.
I've just left a 'Good - with outstanding' (such a load of nonsense ratings) school but my department was a shambles when I arrived. I worked very hard and have just left them with a huge extra curricular timetable and their best ever Music results on record.
Left to do the same again at another school.
Earlier on in the thread someone mentioned top ranking Ofsted schools being a breeze. Well those schools come with different pressures such as why are they not all getting A*s or as we now have to say all 9's.
The school overall can get no worse.
I've just left a 'Good - with outstanding' (such a load of nonsense ratings) school but my department was a shambles when I arrived. I worked very hard and have just left them with a huge extra curricular timetable and their best ever Music results on record.
Left to do the same again at another school.
Earlier on in the thread someone mentioned top ranking Ofsted schools being a breeze. Well those schools come with different pressures such as why are they not all getting A*s or as we now have to say all 9's.
My partners sister just completed her NQT teaching a pretty rough year 6 class, and it was tough, but she is now looking forward to the challenge again this year and recognises that the tough experiences put her in a better position to overcome challenges in the future.
So whilst it's not the ideal situation for you, with a lot of work needed over the next few days to plan everything, there are so many resources online and help you can ask for for it to not be as bad as you're expecting.
Sorry if I've missed where you said it, but what year will you be teaching?
So whilst it's not the ideal situation for you, with a lot of work needed over the next few days to plan everything, there are so many resources online and help you can ask for for it to not be as bad as you're expecting.
Sorry if I've missed where you said it, but what year will you be teaching?
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