Career as Teacher

Originally Posted by Unregistered

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

Thank you for sharing. Any idea what certs/courses to go for that are recognised by private sectors?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

For FAJT path - would be advisable to try to get to GEO5 before resigning, if possible. An SH appointment would help with that (though she'll need to be prepared to work hard in the meantime).

Already seo5 she just wondering if it worth it to be seo1 or hot/sot… she will hit ceiling in few years … she realise diff 500 between geo5 n seo1 only

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Already seo5 she just wondering if it worth it to be seo1 or hot/sot… she will hit ceiling in few years … she realise diff 500 between geo5 n seo1 only

Hmm if not really interesting in progressing up the EO track, then I feel GEO5 suffices. The current HQ stint is probably more valuable than a SH stint for moving to another ministry. For FAJT role, having SEO1 is likely to be meaningless.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hmm if not really interesting in progressing up the EO track, then I feel GEO5 suffices. The current HQ stint is probably more valuable than a SH stint for moving to another ministry. For FAJT role, having SEO1 is likely to be meaningless.

She thought of govtech or mindef if sh doesn’t work out … but if it works out she may choose sh… if u guys what will u choose… the trade off is if out of teaching… want to fajt next time maybe more difficult … cause teaching no matter what is like a skill… but gg other agency may become project manager or coordinator

Originally Posted by Unregistered

She thought of govtech or mindef if sh doesn’t work out … but if it works out she may choose sh… if u guys what will u choose… the trade off is if out of teaching… want to fajt next time maybe more difficult … cause teaching no matter what is like a skill… but gg other agency may become project manager or coordinator

Hmm I think as a HQ officer and former teacher, she should be able to weigh the two types of roles and evaluate which she prefers? My sense is that life as a KP gets even more hectic (and yes, with little additional remuneration at SEO1).

Personally I would explore opportunities in other agencies if it's possible - don't feel returning as FAJT is that difficult, if the officer has a proven track record (though other factors, like age and teaching subject(s), would affect this).

Originally Posted by Unregistered

She thought of govtech or mindef if sh doesn’t work out … but if it works out she may choose sh… if u guys what will u choose… the trade off is if out of teaching… want to fajt next time maybe more difficult … cause teaching no matter what is like a skill… but gg other agency may become project manager or coordinator

Would recommend to hop over to GovTech or MINDEF asap. Going for FAJT is a waste. GovTech has been growing so much and the skill sets and salaries there are highly attractive. MINDEF has much better WLB and benefits, not forgetting the greater stability as well.

On my way to HQ next year on FHQ posting, but already thinking of throwing letter. Have been internally appointed as SH for one year then HOD this year, with full teaching load. Not yet a confirmed KP because only promoted to geo4 this year. The work life balance is nonexistent. My normal teacher job eats up 60-80 hours a week, then I have to pull multiple allnighters a week to complete HOD work. I estimate I work about 100-110 hours per week in total.

School says I have high CEP and a good future but my promotion rate doesn't really match up to expectations.

I suppose HQ protects our worklife "harmony" a bit better? Help me understand if I should just give up now and seek greener pastures elsewhere..

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I suppose HQ protects our worklife "harmony" a bit better? Help me understand if I should just give up now and seek greener pastures elsewhere..

Depends on which division you head to - as a rule of thumb, the closer you are to the top, the more you'll have to jump… It's possible to seek a lower-octane posting; try to understand the culture of the options you are presented.

If you can tahan, will advise you try to do so… there's a good chance life will be better next year, and that posting will probably help with transitioning out, if you choose to do so later?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I think "HOT" is already outdated. The H should be removed, looking at our current situation. Or replace it with the opposite of that H, which is an S.

"SOT" sounds more appropriate.

Hahaha ... the S stands for "Simple" or "Sad"?

From the posts so far it sounds is it really so bad to go back to school?