Story 70

Age: 27

Teaching Experience: 2-4 years

Contract Type: Unemployed due to no jobs

I started off in Dundee doing my probationary year in 2022/23. I was unsuccessful at interview for 23/24 year ahead and was placed on the supply list with the head of recruitment claiming they were ” desperate for supply” and we “wouldn’t have a day without work”. Cut to October 2023 where I had only managed to get 1 days work in a high school covering English (as a primary teacher).

I was rejected from UC because I had too many savings (most of which were in a Help to Buy ISA).

This left me no choice but to move back home with my parents and go back to my old retail job. I then decided to apply for more remote jobs and was lucky to be accepted by a school in Dumfries and Galloway.

This was great in terms of school experience but the realty of moving to a remote part of Scotland as a single person in their mid 20s was soon very apparent. I was very lonely and finding accommodation was incredibly tough. I now find myself in the 24/25 year back with my parents, back at my old retail job and trying to get on supply lists nearby.

This is as well as applying for every and any job that comes up on myjobscotland. I am seriously considering changing career because this is no way to live. I cannot continue living in limbo year after year.