Advice please

kedi7uk

Hi, I'm a teacher in an FE college. I am dyslexic and need additional processing time for planning lessons etc so I can't teach a full timetable. I have a part-time contract and do the additional work in my own time (unpaid).

As a result I not only don't earn a full salary but as my pension is based on part-time contract I won't be able to retire.

I have a shared ownership house and because the rent and the mortgage are assessed separately I don't qualify for any tax-credits.

Each month is a struggle and with the changes to the teachers' pension and rising bills, it's getting worse.

I love teaching (at least the bit in the classroom) but feel that I've been priced out of the job. I'm considering giving in my notice to find a less stressful job where I can work full-time.

Does anyone know of anything I can do to increase my income - or have any other advice??

Thank you

macalacka

I can only suggest working full time, is this your choice to be full time due to the additional time needed?

Uncertain

Even without your dyslexic problem many people in in more academic or demanding positions find that cutting down to part time is of little benefit. Generally speaking the hassles do not reduce in proportion to the hours whereas the salary does!

However, unless you opt for a much more mundane job (and would you be happy) surely you will be working more hours for the same or less pay?

Are you current employers doing all that is reasonably required of them by way of adjustments for your disability?

Would it be possible to find a limited amount of exam marking or private tutoring for a few hours per week to top up your current earings.

Also, assuming you are working 16 hours plus, are you claiming all the working tax credits and any other benefit you may be entitled to? Often people just assume (wrongly) that help is not available.

kedi7uk

Hi macalacka,
yes it was my choice not to work full time- to give myself the extra processing time I need to plan and carry out the admin for the lessons I teach.

Uncertain - you make some very good points
You're right - the hassles are less than working full-time as I have fewer lessons to plan/students to get through exams but you are right they don't cut down in proportion. I know there are at least 4 other teachers with dyslexia and none work full time, for the same reasons as me.

I take your point about a more mundane job - it's just that sometimes I'd really love some head-space to enjoy life -

I have contacted the benefits office and been through their assessment for WTC - because they only take mortgage into account and not the additional rent I pay for the shared ownership property - I wasn't assessed as eligible for any benefits.

I like your suggestion of some private tutoring to supplement current earnings and will be looking into this. Thank you