The Pit Pony Video How to leave teaching when you're dependant upon your teacher's salary

Sharon Cawley, Sarah Dunwood and Su Bowie discuss strategies for exiting the classroom. Recorded in April 2021 for context, so some of the financial figures may not reflect current trends, however the principles discussed remain the same.
All of the contact details for Sharon and the relevant touch points can be found on the link below:
linktr.ee/SharonCawleyConexus...
Please note - the reference to Wednesday zoom calls is not current and these do not run currently.

[@jacquelinebeach7384]

OH. MY. GOSH! I had the ‘tree’ thought towards the end of my career, although it was more a thought of ‘if I had an accident I wouldn’t have to go into work’ I thought it was just me!

[@KerryTucker-xk9uj]

Just watched this after joining the group this morning! You guys are amazing & have reaffirmed that I HAVE made the right decision! I left teaching this summer after 17 years as a PE Teacher!! 🤣 Form Tutor, 2nd in PE, Head of Dance, DofE Manager & Sports Champion! All for £48,000! I loved my job for about 14-15 years but the last 2 I made a plan & saved to get out! Realised my bottom line was £1500, so now I have time to breathe & see what’s next! You have given me a spring in my step whilst I have a day in London to do what the hell I want as not at school! Life is for living!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!

[@emiliemoroni2156]

Thank you so much ladies. I cried the whole video because it was a solid reality check. Your words of advice are precious and so valuable!

[@thereadersclubtutor]

I just watched your video and it brought me to tears. My soul needed to hear this. Today is my birthday and my birthday wish is to resign from the classroom. I've been a pit pony for 20 years and I don't want to walk around the feild anymore. Thank you so much for sharing this message.

[@jacquelinemaria2902]

I didn’t leave teaching but I did leave the public school system. It made me realize the level of stress, anxiety, comparison, etc. I needed to make a healthy balance choice and I’m forever thankful that I left.

[@lauralawrie9425]

The only problem for me is I’m so low I don’t think I can teach anymore. So tutoring, virtual school, online learning are all just teaching but in a different capacity. I wish I had the confidence to just do some tutoring but the thought of it makes me panic. Im primary too. I don’t want to be leading a group or presenting to anyone. That’s what I’m struggling with. Im done with that responsibility now. ❤️

[@benrichardson9115]

This had me in tears. So much of this resonates with me. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@teresamcgowan159]

On half term. Aged 57 and not enjoying teaching for so many reasons. As a consequence of watching this video, I'm going to take early retirement after August and utilise the earning ideas I've been thinking about for ages. Thank you.

[@anglosferaunlocked7772]

This video is truly inspirational - I don’t think you guys realise just how helpful this will be to so many. Thank you 😊

[@cassielee1114]

I must add, after working on my bottom line as you said, Tax and National Insurance weren’t mentioned! So a bottom line that works out to £85 needs to be bumped up to £101, for example. I also realised the math is slightly off. Take your yearly amount, put it in a tax and NI calculator to see how much you actually need to earn to keep that amount. (To take home 28K you need to earn 37K 😮) Then you need to divide that amount by 52 weeks (37K / 52 = £711.54). Then divide that by 5 or 7 depending on if you want a weekend. (£101 a day over 7 days, or £142.30 ish a day over 5 days.) Hope that’s helpful for somebody 😅

[@tompopham5676]

As said multiple times in the comments already, this is such an eye opening, enlightening and inspirational video. I know leaving teaching is going to be tough but this has provided me with such clear avenues and strategies that I can use, thank you so much

[@claireedmunds7891]

Wished I'd been able to listen to this 10 years ago

[@timwannell6477]

My life in teaching was hell. Had it all, lies, backstabbing, constructive dismissal, allegations, burn out, a break down, violence. To hell with this job. Not a career, it’s a regime

[@johnadams1976]

Sounds like you were being managed by social workers!!

[@GApeech08]

I was let go. Totally unfair how it happened. The experience was awful and scary. I was single and raising my neice alone. I made it through with another profession outside of Education. In hindsight, they did me a favor!!!!!

[@charlottecotter683]

Thank you ladies for the empathetic video, it's good to know there are lots of exit strategies and that others have felt the same way and made the change successfully xx

[@Jamesandguitar]

I have never felt so seen and so understood that I have watching this. Thank you, so much

[@rebeccaanderson1397]

Excellent video. I stayed in teaching but reduced my hours to work part time so I wasn’t stressed and I was able to claim Family Tax Credit. I have been part time for 23 years and have a fulfilling life. Time is so much more important than money. Time with family. Time to relax. Time to be in nature walking, cycling, staying fit and healthy. Like you say - look after your mental health, do yoga, meditate, be creative, and look at the law of attraction.

[@ShaylaWynn]

But what does part time teaching look like? Do you only teach half the day? Or do you teach less days per week? Was this position created for you?

[@cerysrennocks8332]

I've only watched the first 15 mins so far and I can't believe how much this resonates. I think the biggest thing that keeps me in the classroom, is the school holidays. I have two young children and need to be able to look after them during the holidays. I'm terrified of not being able to find something that could accommodate this xx

[@pugwall316]

Thanks all - this was really helpful, took the leap this week after 15 years. I find it hard to watch ‘how to’ videos but this made good practical sense and I actually made notes! - Matt

[@jam8831]

I have finally watched it .Thank you for this video - I feel like you already know me and it brought me to tears as you talked about MY barrier. I have been 'stuck' for 2 years since walking away from the classroom. Its taking me a long time to repair. Yes I would say I have PTSD. Probably because each time I was spat out, I picked myself up and walked back into the war zone that is teaching. I just couldn't throw the towel in or give up because my family had supported me throughout uni at 40 do be able to make a difference and for me, after two spinal injuries at 26 and 30 and each time having to learn to walk again both times, to finally be able to be proud of myself with a 'real' job and have to ability to financially contribute to our lives. I have worked in enough schools to realise that the majority of schools are the same - full of adult BULLIES. If you do have any more groups organised in the future, please could I be included. I need to start moving forwards. Thank you all again xxx

[@beverleycaddington7339]

I’m finally beginning to heal and can see aspects of how I can be entrepreneurial. The sentence looking on Indeed for another job really hit home!

[@lucybaker9200]

This was just what I needed to see right now! Thank you so much. This makes the way ahead so much less scary!

[@101325]

I have been teaching for 30 years, I have worked with these ladies. this is all real life and I have been part of it.

[@jonathanbald1705]

Great video! I have been a teacher for 21 years and have been "stuck" for well over 10 years. This video has provided me with hope!

[@spaceranger40]

You have no idea how much I needed to hear this today. Thank you.

[@Marcel_Robledo]

Ladies, thanks for doing this, it was truly eye-opening!

[@CateField]

You are all so inspirational. I’m deciding whether to hand in my notice in September… I’m becoming very unwell, and the work is relentless. I’m in a lovely school, with a very supportive SLT… I’m assistant vice principal and SENDCO…. But it’s too much….

[@laurenbythesea]

Thanks ladies. Very empowering! Xx

[@TheVeronett]

Heartwarming, hopeful, solid advice. Thank You.

[@donleo745]

That was so interesting & inspiring. Thanks to you all for sharing ❤️

[@sarahnewton7980]

I was interested to see this advice. Well done ladies. What a fab bunch you are!

[@cassielee1114]

I’ve been looking into teaching as a career but it seems like walking into the lion’s mouth from all my research! It’s reminded me how I feel at every service job I’ve been in too. I have always had a dream of working from home (not tutoring) and it’s clearly the way to go. The mathematics side has been eye-opening for me! Thanks very much 👍

[@jeanius81]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Feeling so inspired 💪🙌🙏

[@unabellingham5550]

Just watched this amazing video. Planning on taking the leap asap after a hideous 12 months being pushed over the edge. Already getting together ideas of incomes. The group is amazing for support even if people never meet in reality. X

[@alisonball4109]

Thank you all so much for this!

[@g.yazelmarzon5402]

Amazing conversation. I wish I saw this last summer. I’ve had such a difficult year. I’ve been wanting to quit for years. I’m quitting at the end of this year.

[@davidmyers4797]

I can't believe how much I needed to see this video! If anyone needs a (hopefully ex) maths teacher/ psychologist, I'd love to find a new venture!

[@tiffanybaskerville3846]

Wow and wow, this was an incredible video. Thank you sooooooooo much.

[@melissaklaassen9200]

I left teaching 3 years ago because they added so many new totally new classes to my prep load with lack of curriculum, resources and time to prepare totally new courses. I also had 3x the courses of the other teacher in my dept. -total inequity. I was already working 50-60 hours a week + summers before the 4 added courses. My health, family, friends, faith and my sanity all led me to leave without a job to go to. I'm still patching back together my health 3 years later. The classrooms I taught in were always crowded, dirty, and had poor air filtration or even windows in some of the rooms. They are not safe places to be during covid on top of everything else.

[@clairescannell1203]

Definitely food for thought. Thank you x

[@24aquababe1]

Thank you so much for this video. It has given me the push I need xx

[@RollingwithTheRobsons]

Thank you so much for this. I am considering the idea of this as much as I love teaching students for Comptuer Science at GCSE and A level. I might start to look at the idea of teaching some KS2 Maths to do some tutoring online of what you have talked about and how and what they need to know. It really really hit me when you said about helping children but not my own. I have a daughter who I think over the next couple of years will need big support and I need to be there more.

[@georgiastewart1177]

This has been inspiring thank you so much

[@jifnara]

Thank you Super 3Ss! Sharon, Sarah & Su 🥰 I'm off to remove the Pit Pony blinkers.

[@debbiemcbride4925]

I needed to hear this - I didn't go back in September and I'm struggling but doing ok cos I am supported by family - You have given me some ideas that I will pursue - I will look for your Wednesday night group

[@nowtsofunny3035]

I noticed on airbnb people sell online experiences. People are making scones online and showing people how, telling ghost stories, doing virtual tours of the area where they live etc. The experiences last approx 1-2 hours and they are charging anywhere from £7 upwards per person and it’s open to quite high numbers of people because it’s online.

[@kelizabethjackson1299]

Great advice. Thanks for sharing.

[@craggerdon]

A truly outstanding video!

[@deborahbooth2613]

This was fantastic. Thank you. X

[@graceomalley4]

Great stuff. Much appreciated !

[@lazitazen6882]

Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@christinetanner4441]

Being from the North originally, I totally got the Pit Pony reference. Thank you for pointing out the obvious...although fear prevented me from seeing it, and my job is not a lifestyle. I'm a widow, and Ive just been signed off with stress, so I have GOT to get off the hamster wheel ASAP!

[@johawker2708]

Lots of food for thought thank you xx

[@teresajones4860]

Thank you ever so much. So helpful...

[@andreaadamson840]

Thank you. Inspirational! X

[@tobiasreeks5613]

Thank you for making this video, girls.

[@moneysavvyteacher308]

A great video with a powerful message... So true what was discussed about buying wine/takeaways being a "symptomatic spend of a stressed environment".

[@physicstutoronline5603]

Thanks for the helpful video.

[@rb19760]

Really helpful. Thank you x

[@Findaryion]

Such a great video. Thank you.

[@rachaelosullivan3477]

Thank you so much....amazing women

[@margaretwhite7831]

Only just watched definitely need some inspiration!

[@ronellselzer5339]

Left Deputy headship in July and started my own business. I realise now that we undervalue the skills we have and the value of what we do as teachers. Don't undersell yourself.

[@christinakendall848]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@Erstwhilebilge]

This is very helpful.

[@mrscleland1740]

Thank you ….. thought I was on my own. Only just stumbled on this when it popped up on my face book stream. Would like to join a Wednesday chat as I’ve handed in my notice and am scared because I’ve not left for another job :)

[@creativewondersuk]

Thank you, made me realise what is possible love to join a zoom call in the near future

[@sophiehampson4858]

The tree comment really hit a nerve with me. I remember feeling exactly the same. If I crashed the car and end up in hospital then I wouldn’t have to go to work. Awful

[@sebrinariley5499]

Fantastic wish I'd seen this earlier however better late than never

[@timwannell6477]

In addition to my last comment, I feel compelled to make another. I was part of the group and sought ways to try and make some form of tangible change to the system/peoples lives through this. One such thing I had in mind was to collate teachers experience within the profession as compile an ‘evidence’ folder to present to the powers that be in order to truly bring to light the issues within teaching. I was engaged in a conversation, which was instigated by the other person, and shared my idea about this. This person was a member of the group as well however I shall not name them. After this time I came to my attention I have been removed from the group, for what reason I did not know. I then approached admin and asked why, they said that I had apparently repeatedly asked to share research within the group - which was not the case as I had only attempted to make one post which was denied and I left it at that. The person who I was having a conversation with who had approached me initially had actually gone behind my back and reported me to the admin making out that I was attempting to engage in inappropriate contact or discussion with them. So here’s the lesson- just because the title of this group is leave teaching and thrive and it’s presented under the guise of support group does not mean that all its constituent members, even its constituent admin staff are benevolent and have your best intentions. My story demonstrates this clearly as the person I was in contact with maliciously attempted to Cause me detriment.This is prevailing throughout teaching, and I would strongly advise everyone to get out of the profession by whatever means they can and for anyone considering entering it- for Gods sake please don’t. You have no idea the toxic dip you’re dropping into

[@rachelkeal2346]

Fantastic!!!!

[@comeflywithme8234]

I taught for 7 years. I really didn't want to be added to the statistic of being a teacher to quit within 5 years. After 3 years I realised that the harder I worked the more was thrown at me. I was told I was in the noble profession and it wasn't about money. At first I bought into the whole rubbish. Eventually I was working 15-18 hours a day. Thinking about work even when I wasn't working. Going out with friends talking about work. The moment we paid our mortgage off I quit. I've told my kids to stay the HELL away from this profession.

[@dic941]

This has been so helpful. Thank you. How can I get a link to your Wednesday meetings? Are they still on?

[@chaardy88]

"You are worth more than that..." - penetrating home truth there.

[@aprilfool686]

Just watched - amazing. That's it, I'm done!

[@YorkshireTeaNBiccies]

Superb x exactly what I needed when I needed it 😊

[@johawker2708]

Also where do I see the link for the zoom calls? Thank you

[@lillianjulius3734]

Do you have a recent video. And perhaps feature those in Further Education who are the cinderellas of the Education system.

[@hayleymoutrey8501]

Can you tell me what the books were you referenced in the video please?

[@surfyak68]

Hi, where do I find the link to the zoom meetings

[@claireali83]

What do you do in the summer holidays?

[@Logangoddard10]

Amazing ..just what I needed ... how can I contact you?

[@k7738]

I cried at 24 minutes in. So very poignant when you have children 😞

[@kcc879]

What took me so long to find this?! You women are going to save me! I'm working in remote QLD as a teacher and desperately trying to get out. I'm on the phone to the budget now. I've already registered online tutoring. Doctor told me tutoring face to face is desperately needed in the community. How do I work out what to charge per student? Per hour?

[@sharoncawley6317]

Do your research on how much others are charging - you will figure it x

[@kerrydickinson4446]

Ive had the "tree" thing!

[@beyondblocksuk]

I remember having the tree thing. I just wanted to have a "small" accident with a bus. Anything to get me some breathing space. And at the time it seemed a reasonable thought

[@mrswatsonsyearone8638]

Very inspiring and thought provoking. However, the mindset and doubts already creeping into my head are: I’m in the North East. Not sure if anyone up here would be paying £7.50 for an hour’s class - more like £3-4 I would expect. Also, the tutoring for £30/hour is probably too much here. Think £20 would be more than most would pay. If it didn’t work out, we’d find it hard to go back to teaching as there’s no shortage of young cheaper teachers to get those. You’re totally right about the fear but when your self confidence is already in tatters how do you get the confidence to keep going? Do you have the link for the groups you mention on Wednesdays?

[@lifeafterteaching1569]

Hi there Thanks so much for your feedback. The Wednesday sessions were offered for 3 months following the video. There aren’t any sessions planned currently. Xx

[@teresajones4860]

Do you need insurance for private tutoring? Which sites are good in Scotland?

[@c.leotaylor7350]

Not going to lie this video may have been the kick up the backside that was needed!

[@danadbrown91]

And reading your comment has been the actual kick in my backside to do the same.

[@michelleprince4679]

Mine is the teachers pension, looking for a role where I can pay into teachers pension as I only have 6 years left before I retire and need the pension when I retire as I'm a single parent. Any ideas please

[@hanmixsenrt]

Thank you for the video . I don’t understand how you can live on ?1,700 a month paying rent/mortgage and bills . I don’t drink , I don’t go out drinking coffee, I very rarely have a takeaway ( I’m rural so they are too far away) I have one son and I’m a single parent. I have freesat , I cook from scratch for us. Petrol costs but if I go to work, petrol will cost anyway . I take home 2300 now after 15 years of teaching and I am overdrawn every month. I haven’t bought any new clothes this year . I live really frugally.. where am I going wrong ? And yes, I AM scared of leaving , despite taking a leap of faith so many times in life. I am 60 next year, no pension to soeak of having brought up all my children as a single parent and taking any and every job I could. I am drained, hate going to work, have often thought about that tree, but I don’t see a way out at all . :/(

[@johnadams1976]

Generally the biggest cost is housing... Is your mortgage/rent high? Can you down size?

[@kcc879]

My teacher salary was $85k AUD, take home money was $50k I pay so much in tax it's disgusting.

[@nadinefry3612]

Are you still doing the Zoom chats?

[@helenbaker790]

Are you still doing the Wednesday chats?

[@sarahriggs8227]

Hi. This is amazing. Made me cry a lot when realising you were describing me but so useful. Are the Wednesday sessions still happening? Can I please have the link? Thanks

[@lifeafterteaching1569]

Thanks so much for your comment. The Wednesday sessions were running for three months following the initial video recording. There are no further sessions planned currently.

[@clairemorley3053]

Amazing video, still very important a year later. My main concern is how to do stay in line with tax rules?

[@LynseyBrennan]

I’ve just been thinking the same thing. The maths explained in this video doesn’t include tax

[@johnadams1976]

Give figures to an accountant to do your self assessment

[@cherithompson8137]

Are these meetings still happening?

[@carolineconroy7591]

where is the link for the Wednesday Group please?

[@lifeafterteaching1569]

The Wednesday sessions were run for twelve weeks following the recording of the video. There are no sessions currently planned. xx

[@sineadclancy6684]

What’s the name of this group? I’d like to talk to these ladies please

[@sharoncawley6317]

Life After Teaching - Exit the Classroom and Thrive

[@stacieboca6716]

I’m so fearful. What about insurance? My insurance is so much better than my husbands. His nit as good. If I quit we use his insurance and his medical bills are high.

[@fionamarkham804]

85 pound a day! That’s terrible! I make double that in Australia- per day.l make $340 Australian a day supply teaching.

[@johnadams1976]

They didn't say you make that teaching ... That's the bottom line figure that lady in her circumstances needed to get out.

[@lillianjulius1371]

Further Education is no different. Probably a bit worse. Fractional work, constant redundancies, no student no work.