Return to study Primary Teaching - Mature Student

Pubcloser

I have after 2 years of soul searching decided that I am going to have a complete change in career and study Primary Teaching.

I have done my research and I firstly have to repeat Irish in Summer 2011 to get C3 or higher, I failed it in my leaving. I will then have to apply to Hibernia - fingers crossed I get it first time and hopefully be qualified in 2013
The thing is I am 37 yrs old with a wife and child and another on the way. I am in full time employment and earning approximately what a primary teacher earns so it is not a money thing.

Am I completely mad???

I desperately want to do this but feel I may be putting my family at financial risk and that it is just maybe a silly dream that I should have done 10 years ago but it is too late to do it now.

Have anyone else done anything like this previously. What would you advise me and in particular was it worth it for you, did it all work out etc.

Secondly any teachers that see this, would you say I am too old to start in this profession, Am I mad as work is so scarce???

TheColl

Work is scarce, and it's hard to say what the situation will be like in 2013 when you could be qualifying, but you're not mad! It's a great job, and you could be very happy in it.

You're not too old. Your situation is very similar to a colleague of mine who started in my school at the same time I did. He had been working in finance for a number of years before deciding on a change of careers. He was in his 30's with two children and another on the way when he started teaching! This was 3 years ago, and there were more jobs around, so it's understandable that many would see it as a risk at the moment. But if you don't do it now then you probably never will, as the older you get the more you'll feel you've left it too late.

Best of luck whatever your decision.

byhookorbycrook

work is realy really scarce,maybe things will be better, who knows. You don't get paid for teaching practice and you will also have to spend a time unpaid in the gaeltacht, just two other things to consider. That said, if it's what you really want, go for it!

Noreen1

You might wnt to check out the changes to the pension, also.
Best of luck, whatever you decide - just do your research first.

Noreen