TeacherTips - When youve had enough of teaching and want to quit

I've had enough! I want to get out — now!

Description
There will be times when the pressure, the people and the job get to you and you want to get out. This is all perfectly natural - but it doesn't mean that leaving the school or teaching is the best answer, either for you or the profession.

Cause
Despair over any part of the system can sometimes take the blame for problems in your own life. Consider whether the real problem lies with you, or your job. Don't blame the pupils or the secretary of state for your personal frustrations.

On the other hand if it really is the school or the job, you need to make a considered — not precipitate — decision over your next step. Talking this over with a partner or friend should help, but beware of teacher or non-teacher friends who have their own prejudices and opinions.

Action
Visit a careers counsellor. Undergo a psychometric test. Discuss the results, your preferences, strengths and weaknesses. Talk with the careers professional about what you might be good at and how to go about it.

For the time being continue teaching as best you can, while simultaneously researching alternative careers; pension, mortgage and other financial impli¬cations; potential for early retirement, redundancy benefits, etc.

Update your CV, top up your training, press your interview suit or invest in a new one, roam widely and make yourself ready for a new future.

Discuss your plan, when you have one, with a discreet senior colleague.

Priorities
Leave no stone unturned in your search for a suitable alternative.

Make your leaving a positive decision, not simply a reaction.

Don't jump until you have somewhere to jump to.

Keep your own counsel over your future until you are sure.

Alternatives
Remember that the skills of a teacher (communications, literacy, people skills, self-motivation, etc.) are greatly in demand in the workplace.

If the initial desire to leave has passed, consider whether it was temporary or whether it is likely to return.

Avoid
Rash decisions which leave you with no job at all. If you're going to jump, make sure you have somewhere to jump to.