Wednesday, 15 February 2023

Decision made - eeeeek!

 


After the 2 staff development days and listening to our management team tell us what HMIE thought about us, I decided I've had enough.  When teaching and learning is being judged on data and not by what they saw (albeit very briefly) in our classrooms then it's time to go.

You know I've been crunching the numbers forever but I finally actually registered with the government gateway thingy and discovered that my state pension (that I get when I'm 67) will only be £6 a week less than if I continue to work 2 more years.  It's not worth it!!  I'm not ruling out working at something else in the next 10 years so I could top that up between now and then.  Together with my teeny tiny teacher pension I will have enough to live on when I'm 67.

For the next 10 years I could draw down equity from my house or I could sell my house, move into a smaller place and live on the equity.  Or I could win the lottery.  Or write a best seller.  Or marry a millionaire!!! 😂😂  Who knows!

But the decision has finally been made.  I will not be returning to teaching in August.  I'm done and I couldn't be happier 😊

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59 comments:

  1. Sue in Suffolk15 February 2023 at 12:21

    Hooray for decision made! Hope your plans all go well

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 12:31

      Thanks! Exciting and scary in equal measure :-)

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    2. Anonymous16 February 2023 at 18:03

      Hello. I read along but have never commented. I retired from secondary teaching in Scotland after 40 years. I was exhausted, loved the kids but HATED all the increased admin,useless in-services, inspections, tick-box exercises, poor work-life balance, etc etc. Two years later every day still feels as though I am on a permanent holiday. It is wonderful. The stresses and strains of being a teacher are enormous nowadays. I am sure you will love your early retirement. Wishing you much health and happiness for the years to come.

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    3. Ali16 February 2023 at 18:33

      Aww thanks!! It was the HMIE feedback and pointless staff development activities on Monday and Tuesday that finished me. I just sat there thinking 'What does the colour co ordinated order of my planning folder have to do with teaching and learning??' It doesn't make me a better teacher. And I realised I just don't care about that stuff any more :-)

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  2. Carole R15 February 2023 at 12:26

    Well done on making a difficult decision. I am sure you will find a different path to follow and I wish you well. Ill health forced me to retire from FE teaching, I miss the student interaction and their achievements but not much else. As for Ofsted, well I think my best memory is of a very snooty, pale, male and stale male inspector saying to me accusingly "you don't have any high fliers". I tried to explain our catchment area, poor and generally not having many well paid jobs but he had made his mind up, it was all my fault.

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 12:36

      Thanks! One of the things we got picked up on was that we weren't comparing attainment by our children on the lowest quintile (Q1) to our highest quintile (Q5). We don't have ANY children on Q5!!! Our school is one of the poorest catchment areas in our wee city and we simply don't have that breadth. But as you say, their minds were made up and apparently data is king.

      I will really miss the kids but not much else!! :-)

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  3. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 12:40

    You will never regret it, Ali. It’s 16 years since I made my decision and my life has been the richer for it. I worked in a coffee shop very happily on a part time basis to take me to pension age (6o then) and really enjoyed the lack of responsibility but allowed me to get out and meet people. I truly wish you all the best-you’ve chosen a momentous day to make your announcement as The First Minister has also had enough today too. ❤️ Catriona

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 14:24

      Thanks! I saw the FM has resigned today! I'm surprised she lasted this long with all the abuse she personally took. I'll be happy to work at 'something' at some point but I'm just burnt out from teaching. Really looking forward to whatever comes :-)

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  4. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 12:45

    Good for you. I'm 58 in May and wondering how much longer I can go on for. I'm not in teaching but work anti-social hours that prevent me from having much of a life in terms of hobbies and doing things in the evening/weekend - partly as I'm too tired. Retirement is something I think of more and more, and recently (past few days in fact) I've come to the conclusion it is stopping me doing other things - I feel if I stopped this one job I have that the door might open to other opportunities such as starting a small business or meeting a millionaire :). You will survive as will I. I enjoy your blog and wish you all the best. Have some time off after August when you would be back at work and I think bit by bit something will come to you. You could try various part-time jobs for example - perhaps even, as I have thought, in a supermarket or somewhere where you get a useful staff discount card. I feel after talking to my friends at the same age after mid-55s you get fed up with the BS that comes with your job and can't wait to get away from it. Ruth

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 14:26

      Thanks! Yep totally fed up with the BS and totally fed up being permanently tired every evening and weekend. All I do is recover from work when I'm at home so I can go back to work!!! I'll take some time for myself then make decisions after that :-)

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  5. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 13:09

    Excellent news! I'm also stopping work (sorry I don't use that 'R' word!) in August. I will be delighted to leave the secondary school where I work. One of the main reasons staff are leaving is teenagers' appalling, rude and challenging behaviour. Social media has dug a big pit and caused so so many problems that schools are left to sort out. 'Phones of course not meant to be used in schools but they are hidden in blazers, up sleeves, on laps - try taking one away - usually you get a tirade of abuse and threats. I'm fed up with anxious pupils with equally worrying parents, neither of whom have resilience or 'just get on with it' attitude. Roll on August!

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 14:31

      Thanks! And well done on 'stopping work' too!! I despair of our education system and totally agree social media has had a detrimental effect. Just last week our local high school had an issue with a fight being filmed and put on social media. It's one almighty mess with lots of police involvement. It's all on video so lots of our former pupils are being charged with assault (on each other and the poor teachers who tried to intervene!) so they will now have criminal records. I'm so pleased to be leaving all that behind me :-)

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  6. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 13:12

    Well done and congratulations - you won't regret it x
    Alison in Wales x

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  7. Sooze15 February 2023 at 13:38

    The fact that you're so happy about it confirms that you've made the right decision for you. Life is too short to slog on doing something that irks you and you don't feel appreciated for. Just think of all the exciting plans you can make!

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 14:33

      Thanks! Definitely feeling that life is too short to keep working for that extra £6 a week when I'm 67!! I am rather excited to think that I can do anything I want when I want :-)

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  8. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 15:53

    I retired last year after 40 years in nursing. I worried I would miss it but actually, apart from my lovely colleagues I don't miss it at all! I would advise anyone able to afford to retire to just go for it.

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 15:57

      Thanks! I will miss the kids and some of my colleagues. I will keep seeing my genuine work friends though, just as I still see my SLA who retired 2 years ago :-)

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  9. alana15 February 2023 at 15:59

    Congratulations, exciting times ahead now for you, I bet you can't wait for the end of the academic year !

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 16:49

      Thanks! I have a feeling the summer term will drag by :-)

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  10. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 16:02

    Congratulations! Fabulous choice. Teaching is a very draining career. I’m sure a different part time job, (should you decide to work at something else) will more than compensate for the loss of your £6 / week. You’ll probably even manage to save. Relief/casual/ substitute teaching give rewards with less responsibilities. Then there’s always tutoring. Teaching English to adults, so many options. Enjoy your freedom. I retired 8 years ago. Love it!

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    1. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 16:13

      I am 64 and retired from a stressful Palliative care nursing job for a day and then returned to do a job share on 2 days a week . Best thing I ever did ! More time to live a healthier life and enjoy family and friends again . Like you I spent my weekends recovering from the exhaustion of the previous week to prepare to face the next . Good Luck .

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    2. Ali15 February 2023 at 16:52

      Thanks! Teaching is very draining plus it cannot be done in the paid hours, so loads of us take work home. I have considered part time but I think I just need to walk away after 35 years and do something completely different. It's all about the work/life balance :-)

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  11. Unknown15 February 2023 at 16:21

    I am so happy for you! My daughter teaches in Florida and absolutely hates it, these days. (Does nazi Germany ring a bell?) I’ve just retired in Oct. and love it, as will you!
    Debbie

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 16:53

      Thanks! Yes I'm getting to the stage where I hate many bits of it. Looking forward to retiring already :-)

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  12. Marksgran15 February 2023 at 16:30

    Hi, I've been lurking in the background not really commenting on any blogs these days but I felt I had to come on to congratulate you on a good decision made. I think you won't regret it and your allotment will keep you busy and in food! I wish you good health to enjoy a long and fulfilling retirement. x

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 16:54

      Aww thanks, that's really appreciated. Hope you're keeping well xxx

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  13. Tracy15 February 2023 at 16:39

    Congratulations Ali. That will be a huge weight off your shoulders!

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 16:55

      Thanks! It really does feel like a huge relief now the actual decision has been made :-)

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  14. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 17:39

    I wish you well, from someone retired for twenty years and loving it, I have works at M &S since retirement and loved it no responsibility set hours and money at the end. You will probably do some sort of work of your choice and the feeling of freedom thinking I do not have to do this if I don’t want to, and you will pick up a full pension, all the best for the future.

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 19:46

      Thanks! I'm pretty sure I'll work at something. M&S seem good to work for or maybe a garden centre. I'm open to whatever comes :-)

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  15. Jane15 February 2023 at 17:50

    Fantastic news. Life is far too short to be stuck doing something that you don't want to do. As for the 'shortfall' on your state pension you can always make voluntary contributions to make that up, or if you work part-time somewhere you might find that you qualify for NI credits without actually having to pay NI.
    Very excited for you and can't wait to hear what you do next.

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 19:48

      Thanks! I'll look into paying the shortfall at some point if I need to. I have so many plans and am getting excited that my time will be my own :-)

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  16. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 18:47

    I’m so happy for you - really - you will not regret it one bit! I did the same a few years ago, also from teaching and have never looked back. I have a part time job that fell in my lap which I love and involves arts activities for older folk. You will also find you save so much money NOT teaching as you won’t need so many smart clothes and you won’t be funding the education system! So looking forward to your future posts!

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 19:50

      Thanks! I'll probably end up 'teaching' something even if it's knitting or something creative. I'm looking forward to not needing to buy 'stuff' so I can go to work :-)

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  17. julie king15 February 2023 at 19:01

    good for you, life is too short to continue in a job that causes you to be stressed if you don't have to, i'm so pleased for you and wish you well x

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 19:51

      Thanks! Yep life's just too short to work at something that is making me ill :-)

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  18. Anonymous15 February 2023 at 19:11

    Good for you! I also rather hope you’ve made it very clear to the powers that be exactly WHY they’re losing you… Onwards and upwards, as they say. Karen S

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    1. Ali15 February 2023 at 19:52

      Thanks! I will definitely be commenting on why I 'need' to retire for my health and well being! :-)

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  19. Mavis15 February 2023 at 19:17

    Good for you Ali!!!

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  20. Marjorie15 February 2023 at 23:27

    You can do this. Well done.

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  21. Nelliegrace15 February 2023 at 23:39

    I got within weeks of my pension, assured that I had enough, 41 years of contributions when only 35 are required, only to be told that the NHS had contracted us out of part of our state pension. I have had to buy 5 extra years, making 46. It might be worth buying extra years, Sue. The Department of Custom and Excise gave me the details, rather than the D.W.P. who offered no advice.

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    1. Ali16 February 2023 at 09:10

      This is something I will definitely be looking into. I've got 10 years until I get it so will thoroughly research the best way to do it. Thanks for the advice :-)

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  22. GwynsK16 February 2023 at 07:45

    Good luck

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  23. Sue 16 February 2023 at 12:34

    Absolutely brilliant news. You know from how you are already feeling that you have made the right decision. Maybe sometime to relax and think things through and then get yourself a nice little part-time job somewhere. But who knows ... the world is your oyster.

    Congratulations on a decision well made. xx

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    1. Ali16 February 2023 at 12:57

      Aww thanks Sue! I'm not ruling anything out and will probably take on a part time job at some point. But feeling relieved already knowing that I only need to hang on for a few more months and then I'm done :-)

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  24. Aril16 February 2023 at 22:20

    I saw your news on the frugal group on fb. Congratulations! Arilx

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    1. Ali16 February 2023 at 22:36

      Thanks! Really happy now I've made the decision, just need to get on with it now :-)

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  25. Joy17 February 2023 at 06:52

    Good for you! It was OFSTED/observations/constant data crunching/etc that decided me too . It's not why I went into teaching.
    I did some years of private tuition which worked really well. I've stopped now but it tided me over and I was able to get my full state pension at 62y 4 m anyway - I was lucky there.
    Definitely worth exploring buying extra pension credit or whatever they call it.
    Good for you!!
    xx

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    1. Ali17 February 2023 at 10:57

      Thanks! I know 'old' teachers say teaching has changed so much since they first qualified. But it's true! I don't remember having to work at home every night and at weekends like I do now. I had 3 kids to deal with (mostly on my own!) and never needed to sit and look at volumes of data just to plan my next set of lessons instead of taking them to swimming lessons/judo/golf etc. or visiting grandparents. The job can't done in the paid hours any more.
      I will definitely look into topping up the pension credit if I can :-) xxx

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  26. pj19 February 2023 at 10:45

    I had been saving to retire from teaching at 55 but had a massive stroke at 52 so then had to retire for medical reasons. I am on a teachers pension but can manage on what I have. I wish you really good luck

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    1. Ali19 February 2023 at 14:57

      Thanks! I'm confident I can manage on my pensions when the time comes plus savings. Hope you are well and can enjoy life to the full :-)

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  27. pj19 February 2023 at 10:47

    I bought extra pension credits too!

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  28. Anonymous22 February 2023 at 06:28

    If you register as unemployed you will be credited with your national insurance. I do not know what the rules are about finding work, but every credit helps.

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    1. Ali22 February 2023 at 18:27

      I'll definitely be looking into getting the credits for my full state pension :-)

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