Anyone else not teaching after PGCE?

6

Hey everyone.

So I completed my primary PGCE last year, just wondering how many other grads are now not teaching. I had a terrible PGCE year, my teacher was a bully and the university were really not concerned about me.

I'm now pursuing another career with a better salary, less stress and not having to bring any work home. Anyone else in a similar position?

Reply 1

1secondsofvamps

22

Original post by James673

Hey everyone.

So I completed my primary PGCE last year, just wondering how many other grads are now not teaching. I had a terrible PGCE year, my teacher was a bully and the university were really not concerned about me.

I'm now pursuing another career with a better salary, less stress and not having to bring any work home. Anyone else in a similar position?

Did you persue a different career as soon as you completed your pgce or did you teach then quit? I keep hearing all these horror pgce stories and its making me rethink my plans :redface:

Reply 2

James673

OP

6

[QUOTE="1secondsofvamps;69840662"]Did you persue a different career as soon as you completed your pgce or did you teach then quit? I keep hearing all these horror pgce stories and its making me rethink my plans :redface:

[/QUOTE

Didn't even bother going into teaching. Finished my PGCE, went travelling, and then applied and got a job offer outside of teaching. Are you currently doing a PGCE?

Reply 3

1secondsofvamps

22

[QUOTE="James673;69841556"]

Original post by 1secondsofvamps

Did you persue a different career as soon as you completed your pgce or did you teach then quit? I keep hearing all these horror pgce stories and its making me rethink my plans :redface:

[/QUOTE

Didn't even bother going into teaching. Finished my PGCE, went travelling, and then applied and got a job offer outside of teaching. Are you currently doing a PGCE?

No, im in year 13. Im actually thinking of doing a degree then a pgce

Reply 4

Asolare

20

[QUOTE="1secondsofvamps;69841630"]

Original post by James673

No, im in year 13. Im actually thinking of doing a degree then a pgce

Just remember that you're never really gonna know how it is until you try it; I understand and sympathise greatly with the number of people who have felt screwed over during their PGCE but it's your life and if you wanna obtain one then go for it :-)

I mean that's what I have to repeat to myself, as I too want to do a PGCE and sometimes have doubts.

Reply 5

James673

OP

6

[QUOTE="Inexorably;69841708"]

Original post by 1secondsofvamps

Just remember that you're never really gonna know how it is until you try it; I understand and sympathise greatly with the number of people who have felt screwed over during their PGCE but it's your life and if you wanna obtain one then go for it :-)

I mean that's what I have to repeat to myself, as I too want to do a PGCE and sometimes have doubts.

That's a fair point. You may enjoy doing a PGCE. Personally, I found it to be the most depressing and soul destroying year of my life. Not surprised that around 40% of people on the course dropped out.

Reply 6

1secondsofvamps

22

[QUOTE="Inexorably;69841708"]

Original post by 1secondsofvamps

Just remember that you're never really gonna know how it is until you try it; I understand and sympathise greatly with the number of people who have felt screwed over during their PGCE but it's your life and if you wanna obtain one then go for it :-)

I mean that's what I have to repeat to myself, as I too want to do a PGCE and sometimes have doubts.

sometimes i think im better of doing BA primary education with QTS but me being an awkward person decides to do a degree then a PGCE

Reply 7

beckaa95

2

Currently doing my PGCE and considering whether to apply for teaching jobs or not - this year's been horrible! Out of interest, what type of job do you do?

Reply 8

super_kawaii

20

I'm just about to finish my PGCE and I honestly couldn't care less if I pass it or not. I'm never going to touch the education sector with a barge pole after this year. I've absolutely hated it and really wanted to drop out but I'm so close to the end and everyone says I'm stupid for wanting to drop out. Can't wait to leave the world of education. Applying for a job in the civil service which I really hope I get

Reply 9

uberteknik

21

Original post by super_kawaii

I'm just about to finish my PGCE and I honestly couldn't care less if I pass it or not. I'm never going to touch the education sector with a barge pole after this year. I've absolutely hated it and really wanted to drop out but I'm so close to the end and everyone says I'm stupid for wanting to drop out. Can't wait to leave the world of education. Applying for a job in the civil service which I really hope I get

What was your experience that turned you away from education? It would be useful for others to understand the nature of the beast.

Reply 10

super_kawaii

20

Original post by uberteknik

What was your experience that turned you away from education? It would be useful for others to understand the nature of the beast.

Standards are constantly impossible to meet. You're never going well enough. Kids have absolutely no respect for education so don't even try, and sometimes even swear at you and physically attack other people. It destroys any confidence you have.

I'd recommend everyone to avoid teaching in the UK

Reply 11

Weba

2

I am currently coming towards the end of my PGCE (~8 weeks after Easter). I will be spending the entire 2 weeks off doing my assignment because I have only had 6 frees a week due to tutoring a failing A-level student... As much as I love to help him I am struggling with planning 12 lessons a week + meetings + extra curricular +tutoring. Im burning out and it is effecting my relationship, and all my friends work in jobs with brilliant work-life balance. By the sounds of teachers, it doesnt get easier, even with getting better, because more responsibilities come. The pressure each night is killing me, planning 3 lessons a night on average taking about 45-60 mins + reprographics, lesson plans/reflections and PDP tasks. My evidence is next to none so I think I may fail. All of this and I have one of the best mentors in terms of support. I do love the lessons I teach (some of them at least)

Reply 12

Bunny-hop123

13

I am very concerned to read about these negative experiences on the PGCE. What jobs were open to those who left education?

Reply 13

James673

OP

6

Original post by Bunny-hop123

I am very concerned to read about these negative experiences on the PGCE. What jobs were open to those who left education?

I got a job in the civil service. It’s much easier to get promoted than in schools and the stress is non-existent. I’m pleased I put myself through the PGCE to get the qualification (and bursary), but so pleased I didn’t pursue teaching.

Reply 14

Bunny-hop123

13

Original post by James673

I got a job in the civil service. It’s much easier to get promoted than in schools and the stress is non-existent. I’m pleased I put myself through the PGCE to get the qualification (and bursary), but so pleased I didn’t pursue teaching.

Thank you for letting me know James. I'd like to do a PGCE, but am horrified by the sheer amount of people who really hate it, and despise education. My plan would be to teach overseas, however, in an English speaking IB school. Glad that you have found the right career path. Best of luck.

Reply 15

Bunny-hop123

13

Original post by 1secondsofvamps

Original post by Inexorably

sometimes i think im better of doing BA primary education with QTS but me being an awkward person decides to do a degree then a PGCE

I don't think that is you being an awkward person. I think that there are jobs out there which may be related to teaching, that you could discover and explore, during your undergraduate degree. Online learning, for example. So I think you are wise to keep your options open

Reply 16

Ktee84

1

Likewise, first placement tore me a new one, she was an absolute *****. By second placement I was so stressed I was diagnosed with arthritis. My body had enough now I’m rethinking my life….. AGAIN

Reply 17

Lilo2002

4

Can I ask did any of you get signed off work?
During your PGCE?

Reply 18

James673

OP

6

Original post by Lilo2002

Can I ask did any of you get signed off work?
During your PGCE?

Gosh, this brings back memories. I didn’t get signed off but I did have to take a few days off - the school sent me home because I was so ill due to the stress. I still had to make the days up as part of my PGCE but by that point I had decided I wasn’t going into teaching anyway. I think I even managed to do some days as a TA rather than a student teacher.

Keep going with your PGCE. You will get through it and better times will be ahead.

Anyone else not teaching after PGCE?

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