Get advice before you switch

Feeling discontented? Need a change? Want to get out? Get advice, writes CAROL HOWARD.

Regretfully many teachers are reaching a stage in their lives when for unknown reasons they feel they are not enjoying the job they once faced with a passion and enthusiasm. Small tasks seem insurmountable and their relationships with colleagues are best left unsaid.

Sometimes those teachers make decisions regarding their careers that can impact adversely on their financial future. Here are two examples:

q A teacher took a year's leave without pay and relinquished his position thinking he would have no difficulty gaining another position in a year's time. Five years later his debt to the old State Super Scheme (SSS) was gigantic. He was facing dismissal for abandoning his employment and he was still in no fit condition to return to duty. Federation was able to assist in that he was medically retired on psychological grounds and accessed his super benefit. However, if he had seen a doctor or sought Federation advice prior to taking the initial leave he would have been aware of the implications of his actions and may not have had to endure five years struggling to gain an income outside teaching.

q A female teacher in a promotions position felt that she was not fulfilling the requirements of her position. No one had queried her efficiency -- she just felt she couldn't do it to the standard she required and carry on the role of parent. She requested demotion. On accepting a classroom position she still felt "wrong" and finally saw her doctor. She was suffering from a major illness, which necessitated her medical retirement. Because she was a classroom teacher at the time of her medical retirement, her superannuation pension (SSS) was based on her salary as a classroom teacher and not as an executive.

The above examples both relate to the old super scheme.

For those people who joined the teaching service or a super scheme after July 1985 a pension is not available, only a lump sum. If these teachers or those who have no superannuation become unwell it may not be in their best interest to medically retire. In some cases resignation may be a better alternative as they can usually get a casual approval and, if their health improves, may be able to access casual work. Obviously individuals need to get specific information so that they can obtain advice appropriate to their individual circumstances.

So if things aren't going right for you, seek advice before changing the status of your employment. It may be that you have an undiagnosed physical or psychological medical condition whose symptoms are impacting on your wellbeing and/or teaching ability. Advice may be sought from Federation regarding the impact of various types of leave on future employment or financial obligations. You may still decide on the original course of action but at least you will have had the opportunity to make a fully informed decision.

Carol Howard is a Welfare Officer.

For further information

November 2003 contents