Big House, bigger mistake

barnaby-bear

struggling-breadwinner wrote: »

Thanks Tpyeractive :-) Absolutely no offence taken on the graduate comment ! I have often said that I seem to be very good at the "bubble" of academia as long as it never grounds in reality.

it may not come as any surprise then to hear that I am thinking of becoming a lecturer instead of a lawyer!

I know that every job has stress and that the grass isn't alwys greener but I have a very young family and I no longer feel the "thrill of the kill" that I used to. I'm just tired of commuting and working extra long hours and missing my kids grow up. In no way am I wearing rose tinted specs (I hope) I have no doubt that lecturing if tough but the meer lack of a 3 hour round trip for work will make a difference in terms of fuel costs and sanity!!!!

8 weeks of holiday Generally academia isn't over-bloated like a lot of the public sector and pays less than the private sector for most people and is still expanding. Work/home balance can be hard - you can take long holidays/flexi-time/work at home but because you can it means work can invade home. It can also be a little bit mundane - pointless committees, pointless hoops to jump through, students who take the p*ss, awful lot of affairs/pettiness/in-fighting/power play. It can be frustrating dealing with those who've never left school essentially. It's a huge drop in income and a huge decision to make - I've recently had to consider jumping the other way but have the luxury of Mrs B-B's career as a fall back - the breadwinner title sounds onerous.

typeractive

struggling-breadwinner wrote: »

Thanks Tpyeractive :-) Absolutely no offence taken on the graduate comment ! I have often said that I seem to be very good at the "bubble" of academia as long as it never grounds in reality.

Cool - I'm pleased it was taken as meant :j

it may not come as any surprise then to hear that I am thinking of becoming a lecturer instead of a lawyer!

I thought it might have been the education sector - hence why I asked really. I work in the same sector - albeit a different subject specialism. The funny thing is - I often think for the work I am doing and the 'stress' I could be earning a LOT more money if I was working elsewhere with the same amount of energy. Unlike yourself though I don't have a young family so I have the time to dedicate etc.

I know that every job has stress and that the grass isn't alwys greener but I have a very young family and I no longer feel the "thrill of the kill" that I used to. I'm just tired of commuting and working extra long hours and missing my kids grow up. In no way am I wearing rose tinted specs (I hope) I have no doubt that lecturing if tough but the meer lack of a 3 hour round trip for work will make a difference in terms of fuel costs and sanity!!!!

I'm with you on the 3 hour commute - I love driving, but that would annoy me too much. That time saved would help with the admin time. It's funny because I know people in the same establishment as me that don't work anywhere near as hard. To be honest I think it's our department and a lot of scare mongering - everything is needed and it's needed now. I'm positive this is not the case everywhere.

I'd suggest contacting your local colleges (assuming that's teh age group you're thinking of going in for) and see if you can get to know the team. You will need to work towards a PGCE - easy to complete, though it does not prepare you for real teaching - nothing can but experience. This may be done part time and usually takes up 1 evening a week kind of scenario - for 2 years. You will also need teaching hours to accumulate towards the PGCE. The quickest way to find out is getting round the colleges / universities. Uni's may be different in demands of experience and qualifications.

Best of luck - if you want any advice etc, give me a shout.