Pros
Colleagues are generally great, supportive, and generous with their resources. Many have gone through difficult periods themselves, so they are often willing to share practical tips, advice, or materials if you ask. There is also some daily welfare/pantry snacks and drinks if you manage to make it out of your classroom.
Cons
The challenge is that the day-to-day workload can become so overwhelming that it is difficult to even find the time or mental space to identify what help you need, let alone ask for it. In 2026, the workload has felt even heavier with the added pressure of internal politics, shifting expectations, and frequent issues being escalated as mistakes or grievances. Just when you feel like you might finally be catching up, something new is often added or raised. Free periods are also frequently taken up by covering absent colleagues. This is not the fault of colleagues who are unwell, but it means that the only reliable way to rest or catch up on work means to take MC yourself. There is also a sense of constant monitoring, with leaders frequently appearing in or around classrooms. Instead of feeling supported, this can add to the pressure in an already stressful environment. Instead of this, perhaps they can cover absent colleagues instead. Many also do not have reliable support be it from interns or TAs to cover the more tedious and menial tasks of admin and classroom upkeep. Support staff have been consistently shifting or leaving. The students are heavily affected by the changes in personnel be it from absenteeism or permanently and this adds onto the behavioural issues to manage during class.
