Feeling low about future

[Jester]

I'm on a bit of a journey of discovery at the moment. I've had a 4 year career break and I want to get back in to it now my youngest is older.

I applied for a TA job at the children's school, I felt I ticked every box on the person specification and felt I would at least get an interview, the closing date was yesterday and interviews are tomorrow so I guess as it's 6pm now, I haven't been shortlisted as I haven't heard a thing.

I feel quite sad about it, but thinking about it maybe I was being too confident about it. The trouble is, it has completely knocked me for six, doing the application and researching has really ignited me and made me realise what I want to do and how I want to progress but this experience has made me think that maybe I'm just really not good enough.

As part of my own personal development I want to retake my GCSE maths but the only course I can do as its local, I can't do because it doesn't fit in with my husband and his work, however it's fine for him to be late home so I am late for my evening job in a supermarket. I'm so upset, I just want to further myself but I feel like I can't (as a bit of background I have done AE classes before so that's what I feel most confident about doing, having the regular classes and it's cheaper than the equivalency testing company)

I'm feeling rather undervalued at the moment, and like I cannot move forward or maybe today is just a rubbish day so I should just ho and eat cake.

[Panders]

There could be many reasons you have not been shortlisted, the least of which I suspect,is that they thought you were not good enough. It's easy enough to be down on ourselves and put the blame firmly on our own shoulders when things don't go our way. The school may have had many applications from current parents (not sure if our local school would employ current parents, maybe they do now), but they may have had applications from TA's already in this post, with bang up to date knowledge, dare I say it, they may know the candidate already that they want (tut tut, surely that doesn't still go on). Don't beat yourself up about this set back. Continue with your plans for personal development, look for some voluntary work in the meantime, test out how well you cope with your little ones at school, your husband in full time work and fitting in all the other stuff you need to do, then you will know how reliable you can be to a new employer and how much responsibility you can take on.

 

Term time only jobs are well sought after you can imagine how many people must have applied.

 

Have a glass or two, or a bar of choc, indulge yourself this evening if you can and put it behind you. Onwards and Upwards I say.

[Jester]

Thanks Panders, that's really helpful. The school has a number of current parents already in post as TAs and since the appointment of a new head, there have been many new appointments of teaching staff. I know round here that if they had already had someone in mind they wouldn't have to advertise like the old days. (I've been to a couple of those "interviewing as a formality but we already know who we want" interview!)

I have already offered myself for voluntary experience at the school which they are keen on as I have experience in Forest Schools which they are looking to develop, I am hoping that I may be able to support this in the future as this is an area i love working in.

Thanks for your reply, I bought a cheesecake and I'm going to inhale done later on when the children are in bed.

[Fredbear]

Good for you cheesecake sounds a great idea. As Panders has so eloquently put it don't be too downhearted, I'm sure the right position will appear when you least expect it to.

Lots of schools often support mathematics for parents so this might be another area you might want to explore.

Keep your spirits up and sending a hug from me. Fx

[Guest]

Last time we advertised for a TA post we had over 100 responses, short-listing was really tough as we knew we were disappointing so many good people, so please don't be down-heartened.

 

It sounds to me as though you have a desirable set of experiences, especially the Forest School, and you are doing positive things to get back up-to-date, so enjoy your volunteering and use it to support future applications.

 

Hope you enjoyed the cheesecake

[Jester]

Good for you cheesecake sounds a great idea. As Panders has so eloquently put it don't be too downhearted, I'm sure the right position will appear when you least expect it to.

Lots of schools often support mathematics for parents so this might be another area you might want to explore.

Keep your spirits up and sending a hug from me. Fx

Thanks, that's what I keep telling myself. It's just been a whirlwind of emotions in the space of a day.

Cheers for the hug

 

Last time we advertised for a TA post we had over 100 responses, short-listing was really tough as we knew we were disappointing so many good people, so please don't be down-heartened.

 

It sounds to me as though you have a desirable set of experiences, especially the Forest School, and you are doing positive things to get back up-to-date, so enjoy your volunteering and use it to support future applications.

 

Hope you enjoyed the cheesecake

I know they had over 200 for 2 Teaching posts so can imagine there was a considerable number for the 3 TA posts advertised, I appreciate that term time work is very desirable but for me working in schools is all I know!

But yes Marywilliam, you're right I'm doing positive things do I will keep doing them! I'm currenting supporting a FS group and already it's inspired me to take this training further. Thank you for your support.

[Froglet]

I don't really have anything to add - just wanted to send you a hug.

[sunnyday]

Hope the cheesecake helped - a big hug from me too x

 

As far as I know all of the TAs at my local primary started off as volunteers.......

[lsp]

It's their loss Jester. Maybe they thought you were over qualified for that particular post.

 

But the really good news yesterday was chocolate officially good for us - again!!!!

[beth1]

I know the feeling. I already work as a TA in one school and volunteer in a different one.

 

I've been trying to get a new job for the past few years with no luck. Getting interviews however feedback is strange and vague or none at all. The common one is lack of experience and look at level 3 course for teaching assistant. Strange as I've an education degree.

 

Now due to low morale, teachers are applying for TA jobs too. So it's getting harder to secure a job.

[lashes2508]

Keep your spirits and determination up Jester , the right job will be their at the right time .

Cheesecake is great for refuelling your ambition , don't let it get you down , just brush yourself off and take another step forward , are there any courses in the day you could do ?

 

Put yourself out there for volunteering but don't let yourself be abused , just keep reminding them that you are looking continually to find a post for employment . If your worth your weight in gold they will hopefully consider you the next time a vacancy comes up and keep looking and applying . Ask for feedback too on all interviews .

 

Good luck x

[Panders]

I know the feeling. I already work as a TA in one school and volunteer in a different one.

 

I've been trying to get a new job for the past few years with no luck. Getting interviews however feedback is strange and vague or none at all. The common one is lack of experience and look at level 3 course for teaching assistant. Strange as I've an education degree.

 

Now due to low morale, teachers are applying for TA jobs too. So it's getting harder to secure a job.

Quite right Beth, my last deputy who had been a reception teacher in a previous life went back into schools as a High Level TA because she didn't want the full on stress of teaching again with a young family to look after.

[Jester]

It's their loss Jester. Maybe they thought you were over qualified for that particular post.

 

But the really good news yesterday was chocolate officially good for us - again!!!!

I think that maybe, I have a level 3 and a degree in fine art and worked as an instructor and a HLTA.

 

Whoop whoop! Chocolate cures many ills!

 

I know the feeling. I already work as a TA in one school and volunteer in a different one.

 

I've been trying to get a new job for the past few years with no luck. Getting interviews however feedback is strange and vague or none at all. The common one is lack of experience and look at level 3 course for teaching assistant. Strange as I've an education degree.

 

Now due to low morale, teachers are applying for TA jobs too. So it's getting harder to secure a job.

I do think that many schools are looking at just the L3, also a I think they are looking at the new guidelines and rejecting anyone who doesn't have the right GCSEs, I can imagine it is a fast way of short listing when they get a large volume of applicants.

 

Definitely agree with that, I also use the TES message boards and there are many, many teachers looking at TA roles.

 

Good luck with your future applications Beth, I hope you are able to secure a new position soon.

 

 

Keep your spirits and determination up Jester , the right job will be their at the right time .

Cheesecake is great for refuelling your ambition , don't let it get you down , just brush yourself off and take another step forward , are there any courses in the day you could do ?

 

Put yourself out there for volunteering but don't let yourself be abused , just keep reminding them that you are looking continually to find a post for employment . If your worth your weight in gold they will hopefully consider you the next time a vacancy comes up and keep looking and applying . Ask for feedback too on all interviews .

 

Good luck x

Thanks Lashes, my son will be in nursery in the afternoons and will be having wraparound care at the local pre school a few days a week so it's a possibility. I have since managed to agree an evening when I can do the GCSE course with my husband so I am feeling a lot more positive about that. I do realise whatever I want to do, With regard to the current guidelines for EY staff, I need that GCSE in order to move forward and I'm up for that challenge. (Back when I did my BTEC they weren't bothered about what the Cs were in as long as you had them!)

 

I did have a meeting with one of the reception teachers and the head a few months ago about volunteering and they were both very keen for me to help so I am on their radar.

 

 

Quite right Beth, my last deputy who had been a reception teacher in a previous life went back into schools as a High Level TA because she didn't want the full on stress of teaching again with a young family to look after.

This is how I feel, I was a teaching instructor before I had my children (I was doing maths too as part of a condition of employment that I would move on to doing QTS after) I had to stop working in that role after having my daughter because I just wasn't able to give the commitment needed (even in the capacity of an instructor where I did have a mentor) I'm glad in a way I didn't get my QTS as I have had an insight into it and I certainly don't want that commitment now!

 

Thanks again to all your support! I feel a lot better about it today and IM excited about the future now, I know it will be ok and everything happens for a reason after all...

Edited June 17, 2015 by Jester

[Jester]

Wow! What a difference a few days make! I'm currently assisting on a independent 6 week Forest School programme and I have been asked to stay on for September, I've also decided to do further FS training so that I can gain more knowledge and understanding.

 

I mentioned this to the head of my daughters school while I was attending a meeting for nursery and he is keen for me to assist the new FS leader when they get up and running. I was also asked my the EY coordinator if I was still happy to help out in reception so I feel like I'm in demand!

 

Funny how things pan out isn't it?

[beth1]

Thanks, had yet another failed interview. However it felt it was going through the motions for an internal applicant. Other applications have not got me an interview. Starting to feel trapped in a job I no longer enjoy, not sure if it's the setting or the job itself.

 

I am staying in Y1 for a 7th year, this time at the other site. Will see what it's like later this week for transition day. Before I make any decisions on my future.

 

I am also thinking of a career change, either a speech and language therapist or children's nurse. But this requires retraining of 4 years, 1 year access course and 3 year degree.

 

One option is to become an hospital play specialist, however there's no jobs going in the local hospital, only voluntary work for 6 months. This would only require a further qualification.

[Cait]

I suppose, ultimately, it's a decision that only you can make. I've been there myself and I know how trapped it can make you feel.

As you suggest, see how you get on on transition day, the other site may be just the change of scene you need

[beth1]

Thanks Cait, chatting at guides tonight who thought maybe I should take a risk and go back out on supply. If the translation day doesn't work out.

[beth1]

Well the transition morning went ok. New teacher, change of full time TA and children where nice. Not sure what my role will be until September so still some uncertancy is there. I've realised that I like to be busy so found it difficult to be stood around waiting was boring during assembly. Same topics as per usual. Not sure if I had a new year 1 class in a different school would be different.

 

I've a job interview on the last week of term. Plus an access course interview (on the same day). So will have to wait and see what happens. Fingers crossed I can get a new challenge and change I need.

[beth1]

Update on interviews. It was a no to the job interview. Lack of experience cited, said others had longer experience/see full school day. I'm starting to think it's an excuse.

 

Access interview was more a presentation of the course, waiting to see if I've a place on the evening session. Would end up staying put, but look for a job that's part time to fit in with the course. Off to be a speech and language therapist hopefully.

[Jester]

Hi Beth, sorry I missed your post about transition morning and have just seen your updated post.

Sorry to hear your job interview wasn't successful, that's always so disappointing but it's good experience did you ask for any other feedback that you could apply next time?

I do think many schools know who they want and interview as a formality (which I didn't think still happened but it does sadly!) still at least you have your current TA role and you are embarking on this access course so maybe once you've found out whether you have got a place you can think about what to do job wise. (Sometimes schools advertise for 1-1s that they may not have had funding for until the autumn so worth keeping your ear to the floor.)

[beth1]

Jester, I've asked for feedback and I'm waiting for it via email. I have a sneaking suspicion they didn't want to give me any. I've a place on the access course in September. And yes there's always 1:1 jobs to look out for but will be specifically looking for speech, language and communication needs support posts.

[Jester]

Beth, I'm so sorry I haven't been on for ages so I missed your post. How are you getting on?

 

I went an did a prelim maths course and it was awful, the tutor was one I encountered about 8 years ago and I left because I found him difficult to work with. It made me feel like rubbish and I have decided that I can't face doing it just now, I have been informed that I will be re statemented and will have LSA support as and when I choose to do it again (I have dyscalculia) Also due to rather chaotic goings on I was quite unwell in late August and early September so it was probably a good job I didn't start a new job or a course!

 

I have just done my second voluntary session at the school in one of the reception classes and I loved it, They seem to be happy I was there and I was complimented on my get on and do attitude (well of course, you can't really sit back in reception can you?)

 

I was hoping to get involved in the Forest School groups due to start in school but the newly appointed leader has left suddenly so that's not happening now sadly, on suggestion of one of the teachers I did email the head about running outdoor learning sessions myself while training to level 3 but I have not heard back yet so I guess they want someone with level 3 straight off (I am currently working with a FS group with a friend on a voluntary basis so I know what I am doing but I know I need to do further training to become a leader but like anything it comes down to cost!)

 

So I'm feeling a little flat now, I'm not sure what to do, I want to work more and I want to train further. I have been offered further training in retail but IM not sure because it's not ultimately what I want to do but I feel I need to make a decision soon.

Edited October 6, 2015 by Jester

[beth1]

Beth, I'm so sorry I haven't been on for ages so I missed your post. How are you getting on?

 

I went an did a prelim maths course and it was awful, the tutor was one I encountered about 8 years ago and I left because I found him difficult to work with. It made me feel like rubbish and I have decided that I can't face doing it just now, I have been informed that I will be re statemented and will have LSA support as and when I choose to do it again (I have dyscalculia) Also due to rather chaotic goings on I was quite unwell in late August and early September so it was probably a good job I didn't start a new job or a course!

 

I have just done my second voluntary session at the school in one of the reception classes and I loved it, They seem to be happy I was there and I was complimented on my get on and do attitude (well of course, you can't really sit back in reception can you?)

 

I was hoping to get involved in the Forest School groups due to start in school but the newly appointed leader has left suddenly so that's not happening now sadly, on suggestion of one of the teachers I did email the head about running outdoor learning sessions myself while training to level 3 but I have not heard back yet so I guess they want someone with level 3 straight off (I am currently working with a FS group with a friend on a voluntary basis so I know what I am doing but I know I need to do further training to become a leader but like anything it comes down to cost!)

 

So I'm feeling a little flat now, I'm not sure what to do, I want to work more and I want to train further. I have been offered further training in retail but IM not sure because it's not ultimately what I want to do but I feel I need to make a decision soon.

I'm still in the same job that which my health is suffering badly. I'm trying to find any job that will fit around the access course, study and ballet.

 

I'm loving the access course, however I've found out I can't do speech and language due to my type of hearing impairment. So I'm off to investigate nursing but with adults because I can't understand pre school children for children's nursing.

 

Hope you find your pathway soon.

[Jester]

I'm still in the same job that which my health is suffering badly. I'm trying to find any job that will fit around the access course, study and ballet.

I'm loving the access course, however I've found out I can't do speech and language due to my type of hearing impairment. So I'm off to investigate nursing but with adults because I can't understand pre school children for children's nursing.

Hope you find your pathway soon.

Sorry to hear this Beth, I do hope you are successful with a new appointment soon.

Glad to hear you are enjoying the access course it will give you the boost of confidence you need to move forward with your career aspirations.

[Jester]

I think I have pretty much decided that retail isn't for me. This was really reflected the other day when my husband who works in retail management had to work pretty late one night then go in the next day. I was meant to be going somewhere for work but had to cancel due to this, made me realise that actually this house isn't big enough for two retail managers and actually although I'm told I have potential, my heart isn't ultimately in it.

 

So I will be waiting to book onto that forest school leader course next year, I will have to save up hard for it as will be self funding it, that means I can continue working with my friend and see how that pans out.

 

I will continue working at the school on a voluntary basis and see where that leads me.

[sunnyday]

Great plans there Jester - hope they work out for you :1b

[beth1]

Fab plans jester hope it works out for you.

 

For the umpteenth time this term I've come home with yet another headache which is a migraine. Just what I need when I've got college work to do. Time to stick a grievance in. Looking for any part time job in a bid to have a job away from my current job.

[HoneyPancakes]

Sorry you're not having a great time. Good move staying where you are for a bit. Just want to ask if you've considered childminding? My children were just a bit younger than yours when I started and it's been really good being able to stay at home and be able to be available for my own children.

 

Best of luck in your search for the perfect place,

 

Honey