Unhappy in industry

[law92]

Hi I don't really know where to start...I've been working at a centre for a few months as a group leader and I'm starting to have doubts about whether this is the right industry for me. There are some parts of the job that I do enjoy, but other parts really stress me out and I go home at the end of every day flat out exhausted. It's so bad that I can't even really think straight by the time Friday comes around. To put this into context, I have depression and anxiety which I take medication for so I am more highly strung than most people and more sensitive than most people. I just don't have the energy to really be enthusiastic about the job- it's a struggle just to get through each day. On top of all this, the acting director is being really passive aggressive to me. For example, I arrived at work at the same time as the director the other day and she was inputting the front door code and I said,oh do we have a new code. and she replied, yeah did't you read the email? then today she said she was going to email me about something then said oh you probably wouldn't have gotten the email anyway. I don't know. How do you know when to move on from the industry? Or at least step down to an assistant role as the pay isn't that much different.

[WILQ]

Hi Law92,

I definitely think as with all work places, the centre you work and the people you work with can make a huge difference in your enjoyment levels! However I think only you can really decide whether it is just the work place or the child care industry in general. I would suggest maybe revisiting your initial reasons for getting into childcare in the first place to maybe reignite the passion, this might give you the answer as to whether a new centre may be the answer or a complete career change is in order. And if you have concerns or confusion with things your director is saying, have a talk to her about it and tell her how your feeling. As educators we all go through high moments and low moments and your team mates might be able to help you out and offer you support. The most important thing to remember is to have a job and workplace that is fulfilling and enjoyable because we spend so much of our lives there.
Best of luck and hope you sort things out.

[DumbleJum]

Hi Law92,

I definitely think as with all work places, the centre you work and the people you work with can make a huge difference in your enjoyment levels! However I think only you can really decide whether it is just the work place or the child care industry in general. I would suggest maybe revisiting your initial reasons for getting into childcare in the first place to maybe reignite the passion, this might give you the answer as to whether a new centre may be the answer or a complete career change is in order. And if you have concerns or confusion with things your director is saying, have a talk to her about it and tell her how your feeling. As educators we all go through high moments and low moments and your team mates might be able to help you out and offer you support. The most important thing to remember is to have a job and workplace that is fulfilling and enjoyable because we spend so much of our lives there.
Best of luck and hope you sort things out.

It might not be the whole industry, just the centrefnaf 1. I’ve worked in places where I loved going to work, and others where I dreaded every shift. The culture makes a huge difference. If the director is already making you feel like that, it’s probably not helping your mental health at all.

[Lorina]

It sounds like you’re carrying a lot right now, and I want to acknowledge how draining that can be. Many educators hit a point where they start questioning whether the role—or even the industry—is sustainable for them, especially when mental health challenges and workplace dynamics add extra weight. You’re not alone in feeling this way.

A few things to consider:
- Energy levels matter. If you’re consistently exhausted and struggling to get through each day, that’s a strong signal to reassess. Sometimes stepping down to an assistant role can ease the load without a huge pay difference, and it might give you space to rebuild your energy and confidence.
- Workplace culture counts. Passive-aggressive comments from leadership can make everything harder. If the environment isn’t supportive, even small tasks feel overwhelming.
- Enjoyment vs. stress. You mentioned there are parts of the job you do enjoy. That’s worth holding onto—it means the work itself isn’t the problem, but perhaps the level of responsibility or the current centre culture is.
- Exploring options. Some educators find relief moving into casual or relief work, OOSH, or kinder settings where the structure is different. Others take time out of the industry altogether to reset.

How do you know when to move on?
When the job consistently impacts your health, your ability to function outside of work, and your sense of self, it’s time to consider alternatives. That doesn’t have to mean leaving the industry completely—it could mean shifting roles, hours, or settings until you find a balance that works for you.

You deserve a role that doesn’t leave you depleted every week. Trust your instincts—if stepping down feels like the right move, it’s a valid choice.