Thinking of a career change

[Equus Leather]

I'm a secondary science teacher, now in my second year. Positives are good salary and holidays. Negatives bringing work home, stressing all the time that my lessons aren't good enough, feeling of fire-fighting all the time. For a long time I have wanted to work for myself, and have previously posted about the fact OH and I want to run our own yard.

Ideally I would like to be an instructor, combining my love and ability at teaching with my passion of horses. I've worked with horses before, so know all about the hard work and low salary, BUT I would ideally like to do my stages and at least gain my AI.

Is this feasible? I'm 28. Am I likely to get a job on a yard where they would train me up? I'm not a complete novice or numpty by any standard having been an event groom for a good portion of my life, but I never did my stages when younger as they were just so expensive.

So, is it possible? Or am I just dreaming again?

 

[Blizzard]

My friend did her BHSAI while working at a rescue centre (up our way), the pay was rubbish but it was the only way she could fit in the hours teaching.

 

[kanter]

Don't do it. You will earn a pittance and your 'passion for horses' will become a chore. It's very hard to earn a decent living at horses. I would look at making changes within your current career. In your current job DON'T BRING WORK HOME! Stay at work an extra hour if needed to catch up, and dont stress . Do your best within the time aallowed for your job. If you feel over loaded go and talk to your boss. Look at how you can move laterally using your current skills. Is there any further training you can do to increase your opportunities?

Don't start up the BHS ladder unless you are very skilled / talented, or can be partially supported by your OH.

Sorry to be blunt, but, yes, I think it's a pipe dream....

 

[tagalog]

I'd agree. If your in your first year of QTS after NQT year I think that this was the hardest to do. It gets better or you just adapt to the lifestyle? not sure which one. Running your own yard will physically be harder and yes more enjoyable but less money. What type of yard do you want? livery, riding school? If you want to run a livery yard I wouldn't bother with BHS exams. People will guage you but what they see you doing not what you've got on paper. Of course if you want to teach then you will. Have you looked at how the teaching quals are changing? THey are very much now 'swinging' towards the coaching quals that run throughout sport, maybe soon you won't need other stages to qualify

 

[Holly27]

Hi there

this is exactly what i am doing now ..... I'm 29 though
Ive opened my own livery yard, and now i start college to do my levels i go on Friday nite between 7pm and 9.30 pm every Friday it costs me £39 a week and i have to start at level 1 4 weeks then exam te he which is funny seeing as ive been around horses 20 odd years, but the college is great and they say il pass 1 and 2 no probs i know there is a long road ahead and il have to do my 500 hours of lessons etc when i get to the next stage
but this is my passion i am lucky as hubby is helping me get the business going as he has loads of wonga ( thank god)
i want to be a AI as well ,
good luck Hun if you want to do it enough you will find away but depends on your own circumstances you wont make it rich its more a lifestyle change
loads of luck

 

[quirky]

I live by the saying ... It is better to regret something you have done, rather than regret something you didn't do.

So, I would say do it. You are realistic enough to know it'll be hard work and you won't be a millionaire at the end of it.

Have you thought of maybe training in evening as Hipp does, then at least you still have a healthier income than being in a working pupil position.

 

[dozzie]

Having been in the job for over twenty years I have just walked away. I'm in KS2 and was in senior management. The stress does not go away however long you have been teaching and to say you can teach without taking it home with you is a fallacy. Yes you might leave the books behind but the emotional baggage stays with you. However hard you work in teaching and however many hours you put in you never ever get to the end of it!!! So I really understand!


I dont think the job ever gets much easier, it just changes and there are different pressures/demands put on you.

although the actual teaching gets easier after a couple of years.
I'm looking for part time at the moment and supply teachers are always in demand where I am. So could you look into supply or part time work? This would give you more control over your life and allow you to explore other avenues and train for BHS exams on a part time basis, whilst maintaining an income. The benefit you have is that you are a science teacher so will be in demand.

But I think you would be wise to get a couple more years full time experience under your belt. If you stick at full time for a couple more years you will also get a better supply rate!

(BTW the fallout rate for teachers is really high in the first three years so you are not alone in questioning whether or not you stay in the job)


Teaching is definitely a labour of love and if you are not enjoying the job then escape while you can.

PS I looked into an intensive course to get to BHSAI but it was going to cost about 8.5k! Just couldnt afford to do it!