Subbing as a Career

Hi All,

I'm writing this post out of curiousity more than anything and am wondering if any teachers have been casually subbing throughout their careers by choice as they didn't want to teach full time. I know most teachers sub at the beginning of their teaching life unless they are fortunate enough to get a post shortly after being qualified. I qualified over ten years ago and had a few teaching posts but quickly realised that I would't be able to sustain a career in teaching as it was greatly affecting my mental health due the stress and rigor of the job. Now being honest the longest I have held any full time job is about two years and honestly I am coming to the realisation that I won't be able to sustain full time employment. I have just left a job in the transport Industry as it wasn't financially viable but also my stress level was gone through the roof. I am in my early forties and subbing has also been a fall back option as the money is good and its very flexible but am coming to the stage where its actually embarrassing going into schools and seeing teachers nearly half my age in full time posts. Just wondering if there are others who choose to sub as it suits their personal circumstances or maybe they don't want to teach full time. Sorry if this post makes no sense any feedback would be helpful. Cheers.