We asked SBMs what they love about their job. This is what they said

It might stretch the limits of your patience from time to time, but they are fewer more rewarding environments to work in than a school. As a School Business Manager, you can make a real difference to the lives of young people. Despite all the blood, sweat and tears, it’s so often worth it.

That’s something we found SBMs thought in our recent survey. We asked what exactly they love about their job. Here, we’ll sum up some of the most commonly seen responses.

What SBMs love the most about being an SBM

Job Variety – 44% (said this was the thing they loved the most)

We’ve seen plenty of SBMs commenting on how they’re getting involved in so many different aspects of the school these days. Judging by our survey, it seems it’s something you’re thriving off.

From general maintenance and cleaning to the financial management you were brought on to underpin, variety is the spice of life in the world of a School Business Manager. It led to many of our surveyed SBMs to say that “no two days are the same”.

The people – 17%

Schools are like small communities. People with different backgrounds, experiences and personalities come together with one common goal – educational success.

From watching a new batch of fresh-faced pupils enter the school hallways, to sharing a laugh with fellow staff members over a brew in the kitchen, it’s these little moments we share with the people in school that keeps us all going.

The kids – 15%

We could have lumped this one in with the previous point (kids are, after all, people), but we thought those who made special mention of the youngsters they work with deserve a special mention.

Without pupils to populate them, there simply wouldn’t be any need for schools. From watching them walk through the school gates for the first time, to seeing them walk out for the last time a more rounded person, interacting with the next generation is what keeps many SBMs happy in their job.

Job purpose – 13%

All of the above is great, but it’s nothing without broader purpose. There aren’t many jobs out there where you can definitively say you’re making a positive impact on the lives of individuals every single day. Anyone working in a school can make that claim.

Shaping the lives of the next generation is what you, and your fellow school staff members, do every day. It’s that sense of purpose that drives many SBMs forward and makes some of the more frustrating aspects of the roll that much more forgivable.

Honourable mentions

The four themes above were the most common amongst the SBMs we spoke to, but a couple of other aspects of your job are worthy of mention.

First, problem solving. There is no end to the problems you’ll encounter in your roll as SBM, but finding solutions is what the job is all about. It’s something that more than a few SBMs agreed was something they loved.

Finally, the quest for value for money. For some of us, the thought of endless financial spreadsheets and bargain hunting during your next procurement contract would be the stuff of nightmares. To many SBMs, it’s all part of the fun.

What one thing would you change about being an SBM?

There’s plenty of positives to shout about in the SBM world, but there’s always room for improvement, right? We also asked SBMs what one thing they would change about their job. Many couldn’t think of anything, but there are a few common themes worthy of mention.

Workload: The downside of variety can sometimes be a job list piling up as long as your arm. SBMs are under a lot of stress and pressure, leading many to say they’d like to see a reduction in workload.

If you find yourself struggling under the weight of expectation at your school, you might find solace in some of the pieces we’ve written on the topic of SBM wellbeing and support:

• Identifying SBM burnout, and 8 effective tips for avoiding it
• 5 places SBMs can go to for support
• 13 organisational tips for school business managers

Appreciation: Teachers are often given high praise for their efforts in schools, and rightfully so. SBMs are always going to be those operating the machinery behind the scenes, and it sometimes leads them to feel like they are under appreciated.

If you work in a school or send your child to one, give your friendly neighbourhood SBM a pat on the back from time to time too.

Perception: As an offshoot of that appreciation, the first step might be to truly understand the role of the SBM. Many feel like their fellow school staff aren’t aware of what it is they do and the positive impact they have.

If they can have one thing, it’d be to change that perception, so everyone understood the hard work that goes into their role.

Budget: With more money to play with, you can make even greater gains than you already are with the education of the pupils in your school. It’s no surprise that some wished for a top-up in their annual school budget this year.