I moved abroad to teach because I was unable to secure consistent, full-time employment in Scotland. I have since returned home for family reasons, but my partner has had to remain abroad because he has been unable to secure work in Scotland and was not even able to get onto a supply list.
I am currently unemployed and receiving benefits. Despite actively applying for work, attending successful interviews and making every effort to secure employment, I have not yet been offered a position, and I have received no work through the supply list I am on.
I am actively seeking work and want to work. The current situation has been incredibly difficult and uncertain, particularly as I have no idea when I will next see my partner or whether he will be able to return to Scotland. I am continuing to apply for any suitable opportunities and am willing to travel for work.
This is answer 246 of the 269 written answers that teachers let us quote anonymously in the Scottish Teacher Employment Survey 2026. It answers the survey’s last question: what do the people who make decisions about teacher employment need to know?
We have corrected spelling, added paragraph breaks and removed details that could identify anyone. Words in square brackets are ours.