02-05-2025
Half of teachers consider quitting: Stress, admin burden and low pay among top reasons
A new nationwide survey has revealed dissatisfaction among teachers, with half saying they are considering leaving the profession within the next 10 years.
The alarming findings come from the Teacher Demographic Dividend (TDD) project conducted in partnership with Stellenbosch University's Research on Socio-Economic Policy unit.
'Results from the online survey reveal half of in-service teachers want to leave the profession in the next 10 years. While it is unlikely so many teachers will leave the profession, given job market constraints, the finding does point to high levels of dissatisfaction among teachers,' the report stated.
The survey found stress and job dissatisfaction are the two leading factors driving discontent.
A staggering 70% of teachers identified excessive administrative work as their main source of stress, followed closely by a lack of work-life balance, mental and physical health concerns and the pressure to meet high academic expectations.
'The main reason cited for wanting to leave the profession was 35% for being overworked, followed by not earning enough at 34%,' the report said.
Alarmingly, 68% of teachers reported teaching does not allow them to have a work-life balance, 32% said it negatively affects their mental health, and 24% said it affects their physical health.
