The signs that it’s time to consider a change of job

The signs that it’s time to consider a change of job

“Teachers have three loves: love of learning, love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together.” – Scott Hayden.

As an educator, you often dedicate yourself to your work, so it's important to feel happy and fulfilled in your role. If you are experiencing anxieties and are unsure whether to stay or leave, it may be time to consider a career change. We have listed a few common signs that may help you recognise the need for a change of your work environment.

If you start to feel less purpose in your role:

After years of work and progress, any job can start to feel less purposeful. It’s not that the role is making any less impact, but a desire to affect students in new ways. If you find yourself staring into space or questioning the value of your work, this lack of a rewarding experience is detrimental to your work ethic and your mental health. Sometimes a new course full of new faces gives you the opportunity to feel that renewed purpose in the education you provide. All humans desire purpose and a sense of accomplishment; work that begins to feel monotonous can slowly drain your motivation. It may be time to consider a placement where you will experience a more rewarding impact.

You feel you need a new challenge:

As opposed to feeling a lack of purpose, some teaching roles can be incredibly impactful but lack the challenge and progression that motivates you. It can be easy to convince yourself that easy work = good work, but what you’ll inevitably face is that challenges and more involved days from time to time are what make you feel accomplished and pride in your work. A nice warm tea in a comfy chair will always feel more satisfying after a day of work you can be proud of. By taking on a larger class, a new subject or a different facility that has new requirements from you, you’ll have the chance to refresh yourself while trying new and exciting challenges.

Your friends seem to be disappearing:

Often, an early warning sign is that the people you enjoyed being around have been exiting the company or moving to other departments. We all rely on the inside jokes and staff room chats that help break up the day. But if the people who brightened your day are leaving, it’s possible you need to see the signs they did. One of the perks to teaching is every year you get a new wave of fresh-faces to teach and learn about, however if your close coworkers are leaving, you may feel isolated without a constant in your work life.

Your course is no longer for you:

Finally, you may one day get the sense that your course is no longer for you. Even life-long tradesman who enter teaching, sometimes need a change of subject. By looking for a new placement, you can change it up by considering your own skills & knowledge. Take the time to research what courses you would feel comfortable teaching and enquire to one of our consultants for advice. a teacher, you can impart important skills and knowledge that can change a student's life and help them succeed.

These are just small signs that could begin your new journey; the next steps are yours to take. Changing jobs can be intimidating and overwhelming if you do it alone. However, if you're feeling unfulfilled and that it's time for a change, the reward in your new role can change your entire perspective on your work life. So, if you’re feeling that anxiety holding you back, you may benefit from discussing your issues with a quality consultant who can understand what you’re missing and how to meet your needs in a new role. A career in teaching can provide you with a sense of purpose, new challenges, and the opportunity to help others. By taking the plunge and pursuing a career in further education, you could open a world of exciting and fulfilling opportunities.