Big career change, how do I decide?

Hi, I have been unhappy at my job for a while but we are currently going through a big restructure and job security is non-existent so I have been considering other options. I have been wanting to teach for a while, friends and family say I'd be a great teacher but I'm not so sure (I tend to see the negatives in things rather than the positives), but to be a teacher I would have to go back to study full time for one year. I have two young boys at home (4 and almost 2) so study would take me away from them and means we would have less money, a huge commitment so I need to be sure teaching is what I want to do! I would apply for scholarships to hopefully get the course fees covered. It would be a better salary and having holidays off would be a big bonus too especially when my oldest starts school next year. I guess my question is how do I decide if teaching is right for me without wasting a lot of time and money?

People do change careers for different reasons but they always choose their next career because they instinctively know what they want and need to do for the next chapter in their working life. In your case, regardless if your friends and family state that you would make an excellent teacher, you need to know deep down if teaching is what you really need to do. It's not so much about the 'hoops you have to jump through' to be become a qualified teacher, or your personal circumstances, it's about you being completely comfortable with the whole concept. If you are, then you will breeze through the training and then become not only a qualified teacher but a happy and successful one as well.

A few thoughts, based on what others I've known have (successfully) done... 1. Have you considered an online or part time course vs. taking a year off? That can be financially easier, even if it's exhausting + stressful. 2. Have you done any teaching? Tutoring? Something close to it? I feel like spending some time actually teaching would give you a better (not perfect, but better) sense as to whether it's right for you. Best of luck either way!

Sort out your priorities. Maybe talk to a close friend or family member. Is is just that you are unhappy with your job and think you would be better doing something else? If so, stick with your job but you can keep looking for others that you want. You can't always get the dream job that you can just have this perfect life with kids, good/fun job, and just all is well. Sometimes you have to live in reality than in a dream. Don't drop everything and move on... it might not turn out as you plan and not for the best if you now what I mean. Have hope and perseverance. Stay strong and keep moving. This may be an easier said than done deal, but it is my advise for you. :) Good luck on whatever you do!

I can understand you frustration if you feel you do not have security in your present job. Do you currently have the option of spending time with your young children? If so, that is such a blessing both for you and for them. However, it sounds like you want to be fulfilled both as a mother and someone who has a job. I commend you for thinking ahead and thinking about your role as wife/mother as well as a career person. Teaching carries with it a huge time commitment, not only in preparing to become one but also in carrying out the duties of being a teacher. It seems like you are asking the right questions, however the answers are not “easy to come by.” Have you done any teaching? Possibly substituting in a classroom at school, at church, or in the neighborhood? Doing some volunteer work first might help you come to a better idea on your thoughts about looking at teaching as a full time career choice. I wish you the best in sorting through options that you might have considering family, social environment, and long term commitments.