A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Should I take this job offer?Basically, I am currently the youngest assisstant head teacher in Britain and I have been approached by a TV network to make a reality show where I spend a week in different schools around the world to see what teaching is like there. They also want me to do at least one other job while I am there to get an idea of hard jobs in that country. It would take up 8 weeks to film and I would have cameras following me everywhere. They have offered me quite a large amount of money and it would be a great opportunity but I am in a relationship where my husband is away a lot working so when he is home I like to spend as much time with him as possible. Should I accept the job? But how would I cope with basically being alone in 8 different countries? Should I ask him if he wants to fly out to spend time wiith me while I am filming? And how will I keep up a professional facade all the time, even first thing in the morning? They said they want it to be honest so I dont have to be 100% professional all the time like after work or whatever but I don't want it to affect my job at home. They are thinking about using the show as a training tool for students who want to teach and I think it would be good for me to do but I am unsure about those questions. Maybe I'm just not one to take risks? Please help and sorry it is long x
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female
reader, celtic_tiger +, writes (6 May 2012):
 You are already a Deputy Head at 25? I'm guessing you did a standard degree and then a one year PGCE? Even if you graduated at 21/22 that is still a remarkable progression through the ranks in at the most, 3 years of teaching.
Just out of interest, what level do you teach at?
Having worked with a few TV companies through my own research and projects I am associated with, I will give you a word of warning. Once you sign the paperwork, allowing them to use the footage, they can edit it any way they see fit. This may not always put you across in the best possible light, and in extreme cases may actually 'create' situations from multiple bits of film - remember it is essentially 'entertainment', especially if it is being pitched as a 'reality' experiement. It is about making good TV viewing.
Things you say, that may be totally innocent and logical can be twisted through the editing process.
Yes it is a wonderful opportunity, BUT you are still very young with a whole career ahead of you. If you were 35, or 45, then your career is established. You may be an 'assistant head', but you are still very very new to teaching. 3 years at the coal face is a very small step in a lifetime career.
Once the film is out there, you cannot take it back. It's a living CV that people would judge you on. Good or bad.
A
female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (5 May 2012):
 Now that I know your itinerary, I am EMERALD green with envy :). But, my congratulations are sincere, I think you made the right choice, and you 'll have the time of your life. All the best !
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (5 May 2012): Hi OP here.
I have spoken to my husband as well as a few of my colleagues and they have all agreed I would be mad not to accept the offer so I called the production company who have emailed me an example itinerary and have called me in for a meeting to discuss smaller points such as privacy etc. I think I was just being too cautious. It is a great opportunity that won't come along again so I am taking it. Thanks for all the advice!i'm off to google what I need to buy for Sydney, Borneo, Hawaii,Kenya, Norway, Texas, Brazil and Latvia! :D I'm really excited now plus my husband has agreed to spend his holiday with me while I'm in Africa! Thanks again! X
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A
female
reader, CindyCares +, writes (5 May 2012):
22-25... and you are hesitating ?...It's a fantastic opportunity ! It sounds like a blast, I'd do it in a jiffy ! Both for the money , and the experience. You get to visit 8 different foreign countries, to learn something that may be very useful in your career, to be on TV ( come on, who does not like that :) , to take a massive break from routine, to turn your life upside down for 8 weeks - and you get well paid to do that ! It really must be a matter of different personalities,- I am here green with envy at the idea of what you are being handed on a silver platter... and you are there dragging your feet...
Your husband ? Hey , it's only 8 weeks. He could fly and join you some times... but even if he cannot- it's EIGHT WEEKS,not 8 years. Love is patient and knows how to wait :).
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A
female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (5 May 2012):
 I would have a long talk with the hubby about it. Make a pro/con list and make talk to some of the older more experienced (no offense) teacher at your school for advice. Someone you trust, of course.
I think it's a once in a life time experience and I'm certain they can sit down with you and talk about SOME privacy and some limits to keeping your personal life and professional life a little separate.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (5 May 2012): Do it! What an amazing opportunity, who knows what it will lead to in the future.
Can't wait to see you on telly! I'll keep an eye out for this! x
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A
female
reader, Madalo 1  +, writes (5 May 2012):
Its just 8weeks.not much to go out of your way for.i think this is a great opportunity to do something new,gain more experience in a wonderful way, know more about other cultures through 1st hand experience,etc.hopefully your husband will support you.all the best!
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A
male
reader, Alexandre  +, writes (5 May 2012):
 hello, i may be young but please listen carefully to my advice.to begin with if u have any other offers and they involve a series with set characters you should accept it other than a reality show. if u want an acting carrer a reality show will get you nowhere. but if u want to teach it would be a great oppertunity :)next u should note that if your husband wants to come with you you can always ask the producers if u can take someone with you. if his only reason to stay is his work then you should force him along. work should NEVER come before your family and love.next as it is a reality show being 100% proffesional is a bad idea. the whole idea of reality is that things that arnt supposed to happen happen and that you stuff up once in a while. just expect for things to go wrong or emmbarassing things to happen.im sure that if you accept this it will make you a much better teacher because youll know what to do in difficult situations and also while your over there expect to get emotional from time to time because what you may see in some countries gan get really sad.Hope this helps and if you accept good luck in your endevours!!xAlexC
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (5 May 2012): Do it . channel 4 is awesome
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A
female
reader, oldbag +, writes (5 May 2012):
 Hi
Its a difficult choice. Me, I would go do it and love every minute,not so much being filmed 24/7, but the opportunity to travel and learn and see where it could lead job wise.Its out of your comfort zone but thats a good thing.I am single though.
You have done so well in your career so far, so you must have some ambtion.However its something you have to discuss with your husband.Yes he could fly out and join you, but would he like the cameras? Would he encourage you?
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