This study considered early career teacher attrition as an identity making process that involves a complex negotiation between individual and contextual factors. The seven themes, developed inductively, were: (1) support; (2) an identity thread of belonging; (3) tensions around contracts; (4) new teachers will do anything; (5) balancing composing a life: Working hours; (6) the struggle to not allow teaching to consume them; and (7) can I keep doing this? Is this teaching?