Change of direction - any pit falls?

Littlemissbossy_2 · 10 January 2019 at 9:03PM

Hi, I’m a teacher - been at the top of scale for a number of years but not in a management role. I’m in a very fortunate position financially as my only commitments are my car payment (I bought a new one last year on HP) plus some charitable contributions, gym etc. I’ve absolutely had enough of the paperwork, low morale, endless bureaucracy which has become inherent and have made the (scary) decision to jack it in. I love the interaction with the students but that has become irrelevant and who cares about them so long as all the paperwork is in place!

I think I’d like to step away for a year or so, travel and de-stress but are there any considerations I might have over-looked, such as pension problems or tax? Anything I might kick myself for afterwards?

I’m hoping to possibly do a bit of supply just to cover my bills, or perhaps a p/t clerical job. I’m thinking about doing some further study and have had ideas for starting a business but not sure about which direction to go in.

Anyone been there and done it who could share their wisdom?
TIA

TELLIT01 · 10 January 2019 at 9:07PM

I haven't done anything like that, but if you are planning/considering returning to teaching you might want to investigate the effect on any benefits you currently receive due to length of service. For example, any additional holidays, and pension rights.

Littlemissbossy_2 · 10 January 2019 at 9:29PM

I did wonder about death in service benefits. Maybe this would need to be covered by some sort of life insurance instead? Holidays are normally a touchy subject - I certainly wouldn’t get any additional days accruing.