Should I Stay or Should I Go? Making Contractual Decisions
It is that time of year again – people are starting to make decisions about whether they are staying or leaving their international school contracts. It can be really tough to make a decision, especially when you don’t have a job already lined up. So, if you are in the cycle this year, here are some things you may want to consider:
Your Current Job:
On a scale of 1 to 10 – how much do you enjoy work when you are there?
How well do you get along with your collegues and direct line management?
How much autonomy and control do you have?
Is your workload manageable?
Do you like your students overall?
Do you feel like you are being challenged enough?
Do you feel valued at work?
Do you like going into work most days?
Are the pay and conditions good?
Do you have enough resources to do your job effectively?
How is your working environment?
Your Career (If this is important to you)
Are there opportunities to progress in your current school?
Are there opportunities for you to have more control over your work in your current role?
Are there opportunities for a pay rise in your current position?
Would you like to work for a higher tier, or a better known school?
Your Family
If you are currently with a partner and/or children – are they happy where you are?
If applicable, is there better opportunities for work for your partner elsewhere?
If applicable, where are your children in their education? Will you get stuck if you stay?
If you don’t currently have a partner and/or children, do you see a future for this where you are?
Are there issues with family members back home that mean you would like to be closer?
Are there any physical or mental health needs that would be better treated elsewhere?
Your Work/Life Balance
Do you feel you have a life outside of your work?
Are there opportunities for fun or hobbies where you live?
Do you “gel” with your current country, or would you be more suited elsewhere?
What do you like and dislike about your current country?
Do you have the energy to have a life outside of work, or is this job burning you out?
Do you only stay because of the money?
Making a decision this early in the school year can be really hard, and if you would like some impartial support to make your decision, I am offering a limited number of 3 solution-focused coaching sessions for the reduced price of ฿7000.
