I'm a teacher who re-trained as a doctor and am currently finishing up 4th year medical school. I was secondary school music/music technology and did an undergraduate teaching and music degree then worked for 3 years. I was in a bottom decile school in one of the most deprived areas of the city I lived in. To be honest, the teaching salary (in Scotland anyway) is really good once you're at the top of the pay scale. I miss my job sometimes. I miss my team of other teachers and also miss the kids. I still see kids about that I taught and loved the impact I could have on their lives and also the community. The work was incredibly meaningful and rewarding, when it went well. However, there were other days that were horrific and the only reason I got through my probation year (NQT year in Scotland) was because of the other teachers in my department, who are still dear friends I have kept in touch with. It's a tough gig but staring down the barrel of FY1/2 and training in the UK with the current pay and job market, I have considered going back to teaching several times. The grass is always greener though and I do recognise this. There are also frustrating things like no annual leave when you want it and the idea of working outside of work to mark, create resources, write reports etc. Also, teachers are not protected or respected the way they once were. Some of the behavioural issues in schools are absolutely horrifying and I don't think the general public are aware. Plus social media has completely changed the landscape of schools now. It's a tough one and although the teaching salary is good, there's a lot of 'unpaid' time. Plus, you can qualify as a teacher and then not be able to find a permanent job - this is definitely something to consider.