Four years in and I'm fed up with teaching- am I alone?

dukedalton

It's been four years since I graduated from the PGDE and I've been lucky in that each year I've managed to secure a year-long teaching contract. My first year out was rough enough but I put that down to my lack of experience. The other two years were great; I enjoyed the job, got on with the students and reveled in the fact I had a regular income (this was especially welcome following on from my student years when I didn't have a bean). I made a big contribution to the extra-curricular life of the school, and really enjoyed making a difference. The parts of the job I didn't like I was able to suppress as I felt that in time I'd be able to cope with them. In the meantime, I was happy to drink from the fountain of prosperity.

This year, however, has been a different kettle of fish. I moved to a new school, which in itself presented its own challenges, but this in itself is not the reason I'm unhappy. I find myself being worn down by the day-to-day, seemingly routine, discipline infractions I have to deal with. I'm sick of giving out, sick of dealing with trivial issues (kids not having copies, pens, late to class, no homework...). For example, I was talking to a year head recently who was reciting to me the long list of (trivial) offences against a particular pupil. I agreed with him that this was disrupting teachers teaching and students learning. He told me that he was going to get the parents in. When I asked him if that would solve the problem, he told me it would- for a couple of weeks. Then, he said, the process would inevitably continue afresh. I found this prospect unbelievably depressing.

Whereas before I was able to take this rough with the smooth, now I'm just focused on this rough! I'll see this year out, but after that I really don't know. Is there anyone else who feels like this, or is it just me?

sitstill

I'm feeling fed up and disillusioned with teaching also. Have been teaching 6 years and while these issues are annoying, I can deal with them; it's the employment prospects that sicken me. Every summer not knowing whether I will have a job, applying and not hearing back etc - I'm sick of it and strongly considering my options when my contract finishes in May.

dukedalton

sitstill wrote: »

I'm feeling fed up and disillusioned with teaching also. Have been teaching 6 years and while these issues are annoying, I can deal with them; it's the employment prospects that sicken me. Every summer not knowing whether I will have a job, applying and not hearing back etc - I'm sick of it and strongly considering my options when my contract finishes in May.

Believe me, I'm sick of that too. Feel like I can't even go on holiday in case I miss something. Then 1st September rolls around, have nothing, panic stations :mad:

doc_17

All jobs have good and bad. Don't let the little things get you down. As for the employment prospects, well that is extremely unfortunate. Keep plugging away and doing your job in a professional manner. Involve yourself in alll aeas and you will hopefully land on your feet