Looking at some of the previous posts, I would like to share some advice and experiences from ex-teaching colleagues.
1. If we were to look further into the future, WLB is not going to improve anytime soon. Just look at the recent list of mergers. Maintaining large classroom sizes while further reducing teacher manpower. Look at all the initiatives thrown down from the top (to serve their own KPIs). We are all the ones executing the battles instead.
2. For those who are still in your 30s, you still have a chance in the outside world. Best to step out before it's too late (when you're too old). There are some alternatives suggested by my ex-colleagues:
a. Tuition (private or tuition centre)
b. Resign and apply, or transfer to another Ministry/stat board
c. Take certifications or courses at the side and build your own portfolio so that you have a chance to get into private sector.
3. Even during the process of changing jobs, do not always expect your salary to stay the same for lesser work or work-hours. You need to be realistic.
a. For tuition, a lot (salary/hours) is up to you. I have an ex teacher friend who can still maintain about $5k salary a month for private assignments. You gotta be proactive, but it can also be very flexible.
b. Most teachers try to do a transfer to a different Ministry or stat board. However, the process can be quite slow and difficult. Many I know of transferred to polytechnics (years of experience taken into account, with almost similar pay). Some just resigned and applied for new jobs within the civil service (but risk a larger payout since prior experience may not be recognised, though WLB is also significantly better).
For those who are resigning and applying again, be smart. If we look at the big picture of how resources are being allocated these days, so much manpower and funds are pumped into tech and finance. A fresh grad in these civil service sectors get offered close to $5k starting salaries. Go for such sectors within the civil service.
c. Although private sector is a lot more unpredictable, there may be larger rewards. Whenever you are free, go for certain courses (can even be online) to earn certifications in tech and finance. I know of ex-teachers getting certified in certain IT or finance skills, and then hop over to the private sector without much difficulty. Many get to wfh now. This advice also applies to those transferring/resigning and applying for non-education sectors within the public service.
4. While we always chase for higher salaries, remember that your physical and mental health is still the most important. Not just for yourself, but for your loved ones too. If you feel that such work is taking a toll on you, it is really time to look elsewhere (before it's too late).
5. Remain updated and realistic about the big picture. Teaching is a dying sector now. If you really want a change, go for the growing sectors
