The Best Job I Never Got

It sounds strange to say, but the best thing that happened to me last year was a job I didn’t get.

When I returned to teaching a couple of years ago, I was determined to move quickly into leadership. I wasn’t there to coast—I wanted to progress, stretch myself, and, practically, provide more for my family. Within a year I’d stepped into a one-day-a-week deputy head role and felt like I was thriving.

So when that role became a full-time, permanent post, I thought it was mine to lose. I’d had great feedback, staff responded well to me, and my headteacher seemed pleased. But then the job was split into two part-time posts, opening the door for others to apply. I went into the interview week completely exhausted—thanks to a sleepless baby—and didn’t perform at my best. Instead of getting the job, I ended up at the bottom of the shortlist.

At the time, it stung. My ego and pride took a hit, and I felt frustrated and confused. But with time, I realised it was the best job I never got.

Why? Because if I’m honest, I wasn’t ready. With two little boys at home, chasing leadership so fast wasn’t sustainable. Deep down, I didn’t really want the extra pressure—I just felt I had to take it for the money. But the reality is that an extra £10,000 a year isn’t worth missing out on evenings and weekends with my family.

Since then, I’ve made some conscious decisions:

• I don’t take work home.
• I leave school by 4:30 every day.
• I never work weekends.

And the results? I’m more present as a dad and husband. I enjoy teaching more. I have greater patience with my pupils and a clearer sense of what matters.

I still dream of stepping into school leadership one day—but not yet. For now, I’m exactly where I need to be.

So if you’ve faced rejection from a job or promotion, maybe take a moment to pause. Ask yourself: what’s really driving me? Sometimes the closed door is the one that keeps the most important things in your life wide open.

By David Wright | Mr Wright Teaching