Considering a Career Switch from IT to Teaching

I have 6 years of experience in the IT industry. Recently, I completed my master’s in an IT-related course and started looking for a job. I did find a position but had to quit after two months due to stress and the overwhelming pressure. Along with my career, I also manage a 2-year-old child. Now, I am thinking of making a career switch to a non-tech role like teaching.

I understand that the salary might be lower than in IT, but I am more concerned about reducing stress and improving work-life balance. Can anyone with experience in this transition or with insights into the teaching profession guide me? Is this a good option for someone in my situation?

Reply 1

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by mith21

I have 6 years of experience in the IT industry. Recently, I completed my master’s in an IT-related course and started looking for a job. I did find a position but had to quit after two months due to stress and the overwhelming pressure. Along with my career, I also manage a 2-year-old child. Now, I am thinking of making a career switch to a non-tech role like teaching.
I understand that the salary might be lower than in IT, but I am more concerned about reducing stress and improving work-life balance. Can anyone with experience in this transition or with insights into the teaching profession guide me? Is this a good option for someone in my situation?

Good evening @mith21,

It's a very challenging decision when changing careers. I am a student at the University of Reading who plans to become a primary school teacher once I leave university; I wanted to share with you a few of the career routes I have found to become a qualified teacher.I hope this helps!

The University of Reading has a post-graduate teacher training program that leads to qualified teacher status (QTS). This is a great way to get into the profession. You can find out more information here. However, this does require a student fee. But this is a quick way to become qualified and ready to be an independent teacher. They have both primary and secondary courses to choose from.

Also, it's good to note that there are some bursaries for certain secondary subjects. These can be a good way to fund your studies whilst having a little extra on the side. More information on the bursary and eligibility can be found via this link.

Another alternative option is the `Teach First` program, which is a program where you get a full-time salary whilst working towards your QTS. This is a good option for hands-on learning, where you will be learning in the classroom instead of at a university. You can find more information about the `Teach First` program here.

I hope this information helps with the practical side of your query.

All the best
Ella
BSc Ecology

Reply 2

mith21

Original post by UniofReading

Good evening @mith21,
It's a very challenging decision when changing careers. I am a student at the University of Reading who plans to become a primary school teacher once I leave university; I wanted to share with you a few of the career routes I have found to become a qualified teacher.I hope this helps!
The University of Reading has a post-graduate teacher training program that leads to qualified teacher status (QTS). This is a great way to get into the profession. You can find out more information here. However, this does require a student fee. But this is a quick way to become qualified and ready to be an independent teacher. They have both primary and secondary courses to choose from.
Also, it's good to note that there are some bursaries for certain secondary subjects. These can be a good way to fund your studies whilst having a little extra on the side. More information on the bursary and eligibility can be found via this link.
Another alternative option is the `Teach First` program, which is a program where you get a full-time salary whilst working towards your QTS. This is a good option for hands-on learning, where you will be learning in the classroom instead of at a university. You can find more information about the `Teach First` program here.
I hope this information helps with the practical side of your query.
All the best
Ella
BSc Ecology

Thank you so much for the detailed information, Ella. However I would like to ask, is it a good career option here in the UK without much stress unlike tech jobs to the best of your knowledge.

Reply 3

hotpud

Original post by mith21

I have 6 years of experience in the IT industry. Recently, I completed my master’s in an IT-related course and started looking for a job. I did find a position but had to quit after two months due to stress and the overwhelming pressure. Along with my career, I also manage a 2-year-old child. Now, I am thinking of making a career switch to a non-tech role like teaching.
I understand that the salary might be lower than in IT, but I am more concerned about reducing stress and improving work-life balance. Can anyone with experience in this transition or with insights into the teaching profession guide me? Is this a good option for someone in my situation?

Gosh - maybe teaching might be less stressful. Teaching is stressful I am afraid and the main difference is that when you go home, you take your work with you both in reality and in your mind.

Teaching is a superb profession and after several years it is possible to keep your work at work most of the time. But during your training year and first few years in school things are very tough. The plus side is you get school holidays off which with a child is very valuable. But the downside is that you will miss precious moments like school assemblies, first days in school and other key moments.

Go in eyes wide open. Do your research!

Good luck!