should I change my job?

Originally Posted by alphaboi123

Hi Lesmisrable,

Although I am not in the education industry or field. I would have to agree with the comments of some of the other individuals mentioned in this forums, regarding pay cut and starting everything from scratch.

Back then, didn't it ever cross your mind that something like this would have occurred - or you will be caught in this situation or scenario? Since that you have mentioned that you have been in the education industry for more than 10 years.

One of the comments that I can add is that - because of the pay structure that we pay to our graduates across the industry and board means that our opportunity cost is very high to begin with - be it in the private or public sector.

I can only add that you are not the only one who faced with this problem among those who worked in the public sector. And that the exit opportunities for those who are teaching in MOE can be quite limited - other than going into private and internationals schools or giving tuition.

The transition during the initial period can be very tough, especially when you have other commitment such as your children. Mind sharing how old are your kids?

Thanks

I have zero sympathy for all these civil servants facing their so called mid life crisis.

When they first left school, they got a relatively high basic salary, almost guaranteed bonuses (4-6 mths average performer), work life balance and job security compared to those in private sector that tend to start off with much worse condition.

Now after enjoying the good life and $$$ for decades then drama about supposed boring job and lack of career progression? What a joke.

You can just stay on and continue in teaching. I dont think you have much choices outside of the sector. I mean at list you can stay and retire. Dont make any rash decisions due to any reasons you have now.

I have been working in the private sector for close to 5 years and have a masters degree. I have never wanted to work in the public sector. To be very frank there is so much focus on academics and I cant thrive in a culture in public sector. After a while you mind will probably slow down and can't adapt to the face paced corporate world.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I have zero sympathy for all these civil servants facing their so called mid life crisis.

When they first left school, they got a relatively high basic salary, almost guaranteed bonuses (4-6 mths average performer), work life balance and job security compared to those in private sector that tend to start off with much worse condition.

Now after enjoying the good life and $$$ for decades then drama about supposed boring job and lack of career progression? What a joke.

Public sector farmers max out their career in late 30s, i.e. very little prospect of pay increase or promotion in the future, thats why many will think of going out. But most is just talk as companies not willing to hire them and some back off after going interview and realise stress & culture very different.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Public sector farmers max out their career in late 30s, i.e. very little prospect of pay increase or promotion in the future, thats why many will think of going out. But most is just talk as companies not willing to hire them and some back off after going interview and realise stress & culture very different.

But to be frank public farmers max out with a reasonable 5k pay while
Some pte farmers dont even have 5k pay.

So i would say public sector is still a good, risk free farm job from agriculture perspective. Stable, reasonable yield, good bonus, low risk of crop failure, drought (unemployment)

To optimise crop yield
If you are a scholar potential and very capable> pte sector
If you are a scholar and so so> public sector
If you are a farmer and very capable > pte sector
If you are a farmer and not v capable > public sector

The thing is some public farmers after years in public farming decide to switch over to pte farming which is a different field. They dumped their changkol, only to find out they do not know how to use tractor.

Originally Posted by lesmisrable

I am a teacher earning 4.8k per month , been working for more than 10 years.
Mid age with young kid at home. Sole bread winner.

Recently I am thinking of making career switch, as I am now looking for a more flexible timing job, so as to arrange more time for family.

But I am not sure if it is a good choice to leave my current job.

Having said that the current job pay doesn't really tally with my workload and working experience, but it is still a stable job, at least still can take back those money home.

But this job is taking up too much of my time..


Would like to hear from you all, especially teachers who left the service and join new career , is it worth it to make a career switch?

Thanks!

You are asking for more flexible hours but a pay comparable or with minor reduction when you have nothing relevant to offer to an employer. It is a tall order. Other than tuition, likely soft skill jobs like sales (or property) might fit the bill.

You might also want to try to look for a job where your education domain/background might matter. Think book publishers, IT system providers for education etc where your experience with pedagogy is viewed as an asset.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

But to be frank public farmers max out with a reasonable 5k pay while
Some pte farmers dont even have 5k pay.

So i would say public sector is still a good, risk free farm job from agriculture perspective. Stable, reasonable yield, good bonus, low risk of crop failure, drought (unemployment)

To optimise crop yield
If you are a scholar potential and very capable> pte sector
If you are a scholar and so so> public sector
If you are a farmer and very capable > pte sector
If you are a farmer and not v capable > public sector

The thing is some public farmers after years in public farming decide to switch over to pte farming which is a different field. They dumped their changkol, only to find out they do not know how to use tractor.

Agree with much you say in terms of public sector farmer still being better off then most private sector in terms of pay and workload. But sometimes human is like that, they will not admit they are just mediocre. They see a high flying friend reach director outside making 500k and start fantasizing they can do it too. All this just lead to constant complain grass is greener outside syndrome.

I left after the teaching service 6 years, took a hefty pay cut and went into education marketing, willing to learn the ropes from scratch (while building on whatever little experience - i.e. knowledge of education!). Took me many years to build experience, credibility.

You have to be willing to adapt, understand that the work/pressure may not be any less in order to succeed.

Otherwise, it might be better just to stay in service.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

But to be frank public farmers max out with a reasonable 5k pay while
Some pte farmers dont even have 5k pay.

So i would say public sector is still a good, risk free farm job from agriculture perspective. Stable, reasonable yield, good bonus, low risk of crop failure, drought (unemployment)

To optimise crop yield
If you are a scholar potential and very capable> pte sector
If you are a scholar and so so> public sector
If you are a farmer and very capable > pte sector
If you are a farmer and not v capable > public sector

The thing is some public farmers after years in public farming decide to switch over to pte farming which is a different field. They dumped their changkol, only to find out they do not know how to use tractor.

Credits to this writer for the very apt and funny description! Love it! It accurately describes the situation of the poster and other like minded individuals in the same soup.
Couldn't have said it better myself.

I assume poster is..
Mid to late 30s, male, breadwinner.
I strongly do not recommend you to switch field. But rather, change your mindset. Look at your current opportunity, can you switch schools? Are there younger, hotter teachers around you, which affects your promotion chances. Are you too old in your industry/dept to go for the next promotion.
Lastly, is the next jump (promo) going to give you more work or allow you to delegate?
If its yes to the above, then cut yourself some slack and cruise in your job. Meaning, eat snake while you can and give tuition outside of your work, sell yourself as am experienced teacher giving tuition at premium rates!
Trust me, parents will lap that up! I would.

Im late 30, pte farmer, with bad school scores history, but due to tenacity and drive, managed to thrive in pte mnc and at 10k monthly now. I am not breadwinner, and my partner earns the same/ similiar mthly rate.

Farmer or not, its about finding the best use of your current resource. Be it time/looks/brains/energy level

Dunno how to use tractor, then continue your changkol, but must be visible farmer and start sideline farming at other high yield crops farm. Always farm for kangkong will only yield you budget lifestyle.
Try farm for blueberries on the side.

[smiletutor.sg]

Originally Posted by lesmisrable

I am a teacher earning 4.8k per month , been working for more than 10 years.
Mid age with young kid at home. Sole bread winner.

Recently I am thinking of making career switch, as I am now looking for a more flexible timing job, so as to arrange more time for family.

But I am not sure if it is a good choice to leave my current job.

Having said that the current job pay doesn't really tally with my workload and working experience, but it is still a stable job, at least still can take back those money home.

But this job is taking up too much of my time..


Would like to hear from you all, especially teachers who left the service and join new career , is it worth it to make a career switch?

Thanks!

Hi there, not sure if this is still relevant but I just wanted to share about my experience in the tuition sector. We are a tuition agency and have a lot of tutors (many of which are ex MOE teachers) who have joined the years, they have hopped over to private tuition for the reasons specified by you.

Some of the teachers actually join us because:
- flexibility in schedule, and ability spend more time with their kids
- better pay
- ability to make greater impact and help students that are truly struggling

If you're considering how private tuition is like perhaps try you hand at taking up a few assignments (within moe guidelines) and see if it is something you'd like to pursue in the future.

Feel free to register s a tutor on our site: https://smiletutor.sg/register-as-tutor/

hi lesmisrable

I'm 46 and is contemplating similar thoughts as you, except i am in banking technology and is getting 3.x times more

My health is failing me so much that i predict i won't live to see 65 if i don't slow down

Anyway, i share what i know.
We should look at career or income as two types passive and active. What we need is just $$ to pay bills and tide for retirement.

Most people (myself included) derive main income from active earnings,like a salary and always looking for way to find less stressful active income. I have concluded high active income comes with high stress, so such thing as less stress for same pay .

What most miss out is plan for a passive income stream (again, myself included). For a teacher, you can actively teach or tutor, or do it passively like make a video...
In fact, consider creating a Udemy course and see if anyone will pay to learn from you.

Hope you the best in your efforts