Becoming a Primary School Teacher

[Octavius]

Yes Ok, I know it's the old clich� (I've seen Armstong & Miller!), but this is something I have considered doing for a long time but I have always been put off because of wages and the forever larger carrot being dangled in front of my nose. But my current situation dictates that the carrot is about to be removed and I may need to re-channel my efforts and career, at 37 yo.

The question I ask is what do people think? Do you think this is just a typical ex-professional person's last bastion of an attempt at a credible career? Or do you think if people are passionate enough about wanting to teach (as I have been for about 10-15 years) then they should just go for it? Long hours and lots of hard dedicated work do not phase me.

My main issue is that I would be starting from the bottom and taking a huge drop in pay, I mean huge. And this scares me to the rafters. I know it shouldn't be about the money, but I have a mortgage and a family to maintain and I would be working at a loss and living off savings for at least 3-4 years. I would love to teach primary school children and am able to offer extra curricular stuff as well (such as music and dance, don't laugh).

So there you have it, what do you reckon? Is it worth it?

[chrisrob]

I taught juniors for 30 years and for most of the time throughly enjoyed it.
I could have earned far more money doing something else.
For some years i went to bed at 2:00am and rose at 6:00am. I did more than most but wanted to give my children the best.

Rewards come from seeing them develop. Sadness when they leave you but joy again when they recontact you years later through Friends reunited.

If you're prepared for the hard work, long hours amd low pay but are passionate, go for it.

[Lil O'lady]

The thing about teaching is that it is always there. I can't comment on how you'll cope living on much less money, but if you are hard working, determined and even halfway talented you will be able to plough a furrow. If you are talented and ambitious plus all the other qualities you could find yourself promoted so you start maing up your financial losses.

[Octavius]

Many thanks for the responses.

I remain reluctant because of the financial commitment. My research tells me that it would take quite a few years to earn even what I did 10 years ago, so my savings and current commitments (mortgage etc) really prevent me from going for this as I couldn't sustain it for that long. It�s a shame really, but thanks anyway for your decent and honest answers.