In 2012, I completed a PGCE to train as a teacher. After some time on the supply circuit and being unable to obtain a full-time teaching post, I worked from 2014 to this last academic term as a higher-level teaching assistant at a local primary school, just to get some stability and guaranteed pay.
Although I have always wanted to work in education, I aimed for roles outside schools, especially within libraries or the heritage/arts sector, running education and projects for museums, theatre companies, etc. My degree was English and history – these are my two passions.
I spent a year volunteering for the National Trust. Over the past two years I have had at least 10-15 interviews for education officer/librarian roles (out of the at least 50-plus, cross-country jobs I have applied for), and each time I was told I was a good candidate but the job had been given to someone with more experience. As my contract has ended at my last post, I will be returning to a supply agency next week.
At nearly 30, what do I do? Do I seek further unpaid work experience and continue to apply for education roles in the heritage sector, or is it time to accept that this may be a castle in the air?
Should I focus on schools-based roles, even though this isn’t what I want to do? Or do I retrain and take on a different role elsewhere?
I desperately want a secure role somewhere. This has been a constant battle for four years and it’s taking a toll.
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
