Thinking of switching to P/T - what do you all think of it?

davilown

As per the title, I'm thinking of switching to PT teaching in the next few years.  Probably go to 0.8 WTE, with a paydrop of £260pm.  Ideally looking at having an extra day not teaching during the week (not bothered which tbh).  Financially it's not an issue as the OH earns a good wage (easily covers the bills and some savings), and I have a pension that's already paying which covers the mortgage.
OH has recently reduced her hours so she is only working 3 nights or long days a week (she's 42, I'm 43) and it would be nice to spend a bit more time together as the kids have now left home (there had to be one advantage of being teenage parents!).
We can earn extra money if we needed to (bank work or tutoring).
As teaching is my second career, I've managed to organise my time so that I rarely do any school work outside of school (I mark after the kids go home and prep for the next days lessons as well).  I do spend 3-4 hours on a Sunday afternoon/early evening (depends how nice the day is!) on planning and other departmental work.

TELLIT01

I went part time for the last couple of years at work and had absolutely no regrets.  My wife has been part time for a couple of years and also has no regrets.  I'd rather have time to do what I want to do than spend all week doing a job I didn't particularly enjoy.  If you can afford to do it, for me it would be a no-brainer.

davilown

TELLIT01 said:

I went part time for the last couple of years at work and had absolutely no regrets.  My wife has been part time for a couple of years and also has no regrets.  I'd rather have time to do what I want to do than spend all week doing a job I didn't particularly enjoy.  If you can afford to do it, for me it would be a no-brainer.

Thanks @TELLIT01 I think I'm just looking for a bit of reassurance!  Would love to move house to somewhere cheaper but that'll be in the future

Savvy_Sue

The only thing I'd say is that some head teachers either just don't like part-timers, or don't reduce expectations in line with hours. If you can manage that side of things, go for it.

davilown

Savvy_Sue said:

The only thing I'd say is that some head teachers either just don't like part-timers, or don't reduce expectations in line with hours. If you can manage that side of things, go for it.

Thanks - that’s the next hurdle to discuss.

tealady

I went p.t (not in teaching though) did it for a couple of years.
I absolutely LOVED it, was so useful to be able to book things such as haircuts, workmen on a weekday. Also shops were quieter.
Give it a go, you may be surprised how you can fill those hours.

AskAsk

if you can afford it, it will help you tremendously.  i worked 4 days a week in one job for a couple of years and i found it very difficult to go back to full time again after that!

Marcon

If you can afford it, why on earth wouldn't you do it? If the last year has taught anyone anything, it's the unpredictably of life. Go for it!

Ozzuk

I work Mon-Thur 8-5, probably 4 years now (little older than you) and best thing I ever did.  I have a pretty senior role and it really helps stress levels.

davilown

Ozzuk said:

I work Mon-Thur 8-5, probably 4 years now (little older than you) and best thing I ever did.  I have a pretty senior role and it really helps stress levels.

Thanks for this - are you teaching or other type of job? Need to book in with the Head to discuss informally think

davilown

So spoke to my Head and they’ve agreed for the part time. Monday to Thursday with Friday being a day that’ll be devoted to a little lie in (maybe till 8!) followed by potentially learning a bit about homegrown food and gardening (and spending time with the OH of course 😂)
Thanks for all your advice