The Pit Pony Video How to leave teaching when you're dependant upon your teacher's salary

Sharon Cawley, Sarah Dunwood and Su Bowie discuss strategies for exiting the classroom. Recorded in April 2021 for context, so some of the financial figures may not reflect current trends, however the principles discussed remain the same.

All of the contact details for Sharon and the relevant touch points can be found on the link below:

Please note - the reference to Wednesday zoom calls is not current and these do not run currently.

[jacquelinebeach]

OH. MY. GOSH! I had the ‘tree’ thought towards the end of my career, although it was more a thought of ‘if I had an accident I wouldn’t have to go into work’ I thought it was just me!

[lauralawrie]

The only problem for me is I’m so low I don’t think I can teach anymore. So tutoring, virtual school, online learning are all just teaching but in a different capacity. I wish I had the confidence to just do some tutoring but the thought of it makes me panic. Im primary too.
I don’t want to be leading a group or presenting to anyone. That’s what I’m struggling with. Im done with that responsibility now. ❤️

[KerryTucker-xkuj]

Just watched this after joining the group this morning!
You guys are amazing & have reaffirmed that I HAVE made the right decision!

I left teaching this summer after 17 years as a PE Teacher!! 🤣 Form Tutor, 2nd in PE, Head of Dance, DofE Manager & Sports Champion! All for £48, 000!
I loved my job for about 14-15 years but the last 2 I made a plan & saved to get out!
Realised my bottom line was £1500, so now I have time to breathe & see what’s next!
You have given me a spring in my step whilst I have a day in London to do what the hell I want as not at school! Life is for living!!
Thank

[cassielee]

I must add, after working on my bottom line as you said, Tax and National Insurance weren’t mentioned! So a bottom line that works out to £85 needs to be bumped up to £101, for example. I also realised the math is slightly off. Take your yearly amount, put it in a tax and NI calculator to see how much you actually need to earn to keep that amount. (To take home 28K you need to earn 37K 😮)

Then you need to divide that amount by 52 weeks (37K / 52 = £711.54). Then divide that by 5 or 7 depending on if you want a weekend. (£101 a day over 7 days, or £142.30 ish a day over 5 days.)

Hope that’s helpful for somebody 😅

[benrichardson]

This had me in tears. So much of this resonates with me. Thank you so much for sharing.

[rebeccaharper]

It took cancer, which was a catalyst to leaving. I realised I would rather have chemo than go back to the classroom. I've left now, and I'm seriously considering tutoring. Thanks for this ❤

[anglosferaunlocked]

This video is truly inspirational - I don’t think you guys realise just how helpful this will be to so many. Thank you 😊

[timwannell]

My life in teaching was hell. Had it all, lies, backstabbing, constructive dismissal, allegations, burn out, a break down, violence.
To hell with this job. Not a career, it’s a regime

[reading_teacher_kelly]

I just watched your video and it brought me to tears. My soul needed to hear this. Today is my birthday and my birthday wish is to resign from the classroom. I've been a pit pony for 20 years and I don't want to walk around the feild anymore. Thank you so much for sharing this message.

[teresamcgowan]

On half term. Aged 57 and not enjoying teaching for so many reasons. As a consequence of watching this video, I'm going to take early retirement after August and utilise the earning ideas I've been thinking about for ages. Thank you.

[jacquelinemaria]

I didn’t leave teaching but I did leave the public school system. It made me realize the level of stress, anxiety, comparison, etc. I needed to make a healthy balance choice and I’m forever thankful that I left.

[GApeech]

I was let go. Totally unfair how it happened. The experience was awful and scary. I was single and raising my neice alone. I made it through with another profession outside of Education.

In hindsight, they did me a

[claireedmunds]

Wished I'd been able to listen to this 10 years ago

[sophiehampson]

The tree comment really hit a nerve with me. I remember feeling exactly the same. If I crashed the car and end up in hospital then I wouldn’t have to go to work. Awful

[rebeccaanderson]

Excellent video. I stayed in teaching but reduced my hours to work part time so I wasn’t stressed and I was able to claim Family Tax Credit. I have been part time for 23 years and have a fulfilling life. Time is so much more important than money. Time with family. Time to relax. Time to be in nature walking, cycling, staying fit and healthy. Like you say - look after your mental health, do yoga, meditate, be creative, and look at the law of attraction.

[tompopham]

As said multiple times in the comments already, this is such an eye opening, enlightening and inspirational video. I know leaving teaching is going to be tough but this has provided me with such clear avenues and strategies that I can use, thank you so much

[charlottecotter]

Thank you ladies for the empathetic video, it's good to know there are lots of exit strategies and that others have felt the same way and made the change successfully xx

[Jamesandguitar]

I have never felt so seen and so understood that I have watching this. Thank you, so much

[jifnara]

Thank you Super 3Ss! Sharon, Sarah & Su 🥰 I'm off to remove the Pit Pony blinkers.

[jam]

I have finally watched it .Thank you for this video - I feel like you already know me and it brought me to tears as you talked about MY barrier. I have been 'stuck' for 2 years since walking away from the classroom. Its taking me a long time to repair. Yes I would say I have PTSD. Probably because each time I was spat out, I picked myself up and walked back into the war zone that is teaching. I just couldn't throw the towel in or give up because my family had supported me throughout uni at 40 do be able to make a difference and for me, after two spinal injuries at 26 and 30 and each time having to learn to walk again both times, to finally be able to be proud of myself with a 'real' job and have to ability to financially contribute to our lives. I have worked in enough schools to realise that the majority of schools are the same - full of adult BULLIES. If you do have any more groups organised in the future, please could I be included. I need to start moving forwards. Thank you all again xxx