Problem isn't the job per se, its the amount of work teachers actually have. Its absurd to expect anyone with a degree level education to remain in employment in a field where 12-14 hour days are the normal experience. My wife quit teaching in the end. When she quit she'd leave for work at 7.30 for a job contract that was 9 till 5pm, get out of school around 5pm, and still be doing lesson plans, OFSTED Requirements, Marking etc until 10-11pm most nights.

Granted the holidays are a bonus, but even then there is work to be done by teachers. My wife probably had 2 weeks out the the six weeks summer holiday where she wasn't doing something for school in terms of preparation.

I think that's viable when you're in your 20s, but as you age and being to settle down, form relationships and family, it creates an impossible regime.

The issue isn't really so much that 'its making a lot of people ill' but its also pushing teachers out of education into the private sector - where they can earn a similar wage with less responsibility, less pressure, more free time and far less stress.

The prognosis isn't good. If we want the education system to function, it should encourage people to want to stay in teaching, not try to break them emotionally and mentally.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

Having to do it all. I don't think its an increased workload, but just a big workload.

She did note that when she taught in South Africa it was a lot less stressful and the kids were better behaved (and she did teach 'township kids'). So there is probably more to it than just 'the work'. Apparently kids here in UK state schools were worse behaved than in South Africa, and she blames their parents (Apprently Jo'berg black parents would never tolerate their kids pissing around in class).

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]