In need of a hug...

[jen_uk]

I could really do with a hug at the moment I'm really stressed out at work at the moment, I teach in a college and the pressure of targets and behavioural problems is really getting to me. I wanted to become a teacher in a college because I thought the students would be there because they wanted to study but the sad truth is that most of them are there for an easy life, they get EMA now and most will admit they come just for the social life. This means the behaviour and attendance is terrible, the college offers us no support and just piles on the pressure with targets etc. I've been teaching for 4 years and I really feel like I have had enough now. In the last 4 years I have seen 3 teachers in my dept have nervous breakdowns and I'm thinking thats going to be me in a few years I have friends in other colleges in the area and they have the same problems so I'm not sure if I want to even move college. If I leave though I don't know what I could do.

Anyway, I'm just feeling very down at the moment

 

[florida sun]

Aww Jen, hugs for you honey My daughter is in college now, but is putting everything she can into it before going on to Uni and gets on really really well with all her tutors, however she did say to me a few weeks ago that she doesnt understand why some of her fellow students are there as they have no interest whatsoever, so I guess there are students like that all over the place.

I do hope things improve for you

 

[natalielongstaff]

oh Jen, im so sorry you are feeling down

 

[CustardTart]

I could really do with a hug at the moment I'm really stressed out at work at the moment, I teach in a college and the pressure of targets and behavioural problems is really getting to me. I wanted to become a teacher in a college because I thought the students would be there because they wanted to study but the sad truth is that most of them are there for an easy life, they get EMA now and most will admit they come just for the social life. This means the behaviour and attendance is terrible, the college offers us no support and just piles on the pressure with targets etc. I've been teaching for 4 years and I really feel like I have had enough now. In the last 4 years I have seen 3 teachers in my dept have nervous breakdowns and I'm thinking thats going to be me in a few years I have friends in other colleges in the area and they have the same problems so I'm not sure if I want to even move college. If I leave though I don't know what I could do.

Anyway, I'm just feeling very down at the moment

Jen, I am so very sorry to read this. I have nothing but respect for all teachers/tutors - I think you guys do an amazing (and often thankless) job in a difficult environment... I've just gone back to Uni and am regularly irritated/embarrassed by my fellow-students who are obviously there just for the socialising. Goodness knows how the tutors cope with the level of rudeness and apathy...

I wished I had some brilliant piece of advice that would help but all I can do is keep my fingers crossed that the situation gets better for you as the term goes on...

 

[wilma-bride]

Oh Jen, sorry you're feeling so fed up at the moment. I totally understand how you feel and I think it's terrible that your (supposedly) more mature students are not taking it seriously.

Can't offer any advice, I'm afraid, but here's a hug anyway

 

[mandymouse]

Sorry I got no advice for you Jen, I just wanted to send you some hugs

 

[hildasmuriel]

I am so sorry that you have to put up with this behaviour and with such little support.

I hope it doesn't continue but if you are still unhappy in a while, please put your health and wellbeing above all else - you can always retrain for another job, as hard as it may seem. You cannot get your peace of mind back if you let stress get too much - although - like I said, I hope it doesn't get that bad.

 

[emily1982]

Sending you some

The pressure is terrible in education places at the moment, i wonder sometimes if ive made the right decision to go into it.

Just remember although it may not seem like it, you will influence some of those students to made decisions which will effect the rest of their lives...and they will remember you for it.

 

[tennisfan]

I know what you are going through. My sister & several of my friends are teachers. One of friends was just saying yesterday to me she is having to look for a new school to work in as she has had enough of the students, she has been called all names under the sun & is fed up with the verbal abuse. She gets no support from the higher ups either.

Its a sad at what it has become, I think the government made the mistake of giving people money to stay in education because it was always likely to attract people who are their just for the money.

 

[carolfoy]

just logged on for the first time in days, I'm sorry to hear that Jen, I know you've had a lot on your plate recently and I hope you can see some way to turn the situation round. I can't imagine what its like to do such a stressful job.
I tried to call you, have you changed your home number? I'm sorry I haven't been around much, life has got in the way a bit (also I can't gossip about a certain someone while he's here, and he's here a lot now )
anyway, call me if you need a virtual hug hunny

 

[jjpenguin]

for you. Teaching is something I can't imagine doing, knowing how I behaved as a scholar.

I really respect you for doing it and try and keep things in perspective. Don't make things your problem that aren't.

 

[jen_uk]

Thanks for all the lovely messages everyone

 

[Minniespal]

Jen, really sorry to hear this. Sending you a

 

[wicket2005]

Things will seem brighter soon.

 

[Snowy-girls]

Sorry to hear your upset/down Jen-also sending a you're way.x.

 

[saratogagirl]

oh Jen, I am sorry to hear you are so unhappy, I have no advice, I too loathe nine hours of each day apart from the weekends, keep your chin up honey, we are all here for you x

 

[Nubbedy]

Sorry to hear this Jen . I know that about 50% of the college students we have in school on placement are there only for the social life, and another couple of years 'easy ride'. Hope things improve for you.

Sara.

 

[Ware Bears]

for you Jen.

 

[Graeme]

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[mark&sue]

strangely enough I was watching the beginning of Skins with my DD the day and couldn't believe how awful it was. I said to her when we were young every one at college was well behaved because if they did not want to be there they could get a job. Nowadays there is so much pressure from parents to go to college, whether they are accademic or not.

I do feel for you. Our offices are on a college campus and I just hate having to go outside at lunch times as the students are very intimidating and constantly spitting! Luckily I get to work before they start and finish after they have gone home.

Only four days til the weekend!


Susan