Desperate Dan, you have my every sympathy. I've been getting out of teaching for the past fifteen years or so... and so far succeeded in that I'm now singing, writing, storytelling and running storytelling workshops. And supply teaching, to fill in the gaps. And office temp work, to fill in the long summer with nothing much else available. I'm awkward, though, because I don't want a full time alternative and mostly like this patchwork existence.

I'd say check out your local employment advice centre to see if they know of opportunities in your area to use your skills, or any retraining possibilities which may be appropriate. Be aware, though, that unless you're lucky or in London it's hard to find work at the same salary levels as teaching immediately on leaving the system - here in Wales I was told I would have to expect a drop of at least £10K!

Anne