Maybe I can give a glimmer of hope. I was in the teaching force for more than 10 years. The day I left service (I resign on my terms because I was pushed against the wall and not much room to breathe by the SLs and SMC), I did ask a question. Tuition or something. I decide the play my cards and took up some IT course. Yes, several job rejections. But now, I am glad to say I secure a job in a IT firm.