Sharing inspirational stories from teachers who have chosen to walk away from classroom to successfully transition to a new career. Advice, tips and ideas for e...
Coping, Not Thriving: Falling Out of Love with Teaching
“It wasn’t a choice anymore … I had to go.”After 21 years of teaching in Secondary schools, Lucy found herself falling out of love with the job. Throughout her career she’d tried different role and different schools, but no longer felt the same passion for the profession that she once had. “I just didn’t feel like I was myself anymore,” she shares in this episode. Now a Teacher Resources Production Manager with OCR, Lucy has no regrets about embarking on her new adventure and is enjoying a life of hybrid working, renewed confidence, increased autonomy, and more quality time to spend with her own family. We’re also chatting:Struggling with self-confidence Making the decision to leaveReflecting on personal skills through a different lensThe feedback process of job hunting (refining and reflecting)Dealing with setbacks Having a “helping hand” through career changeProject management skillsNew professional development opportunitiesChoice, trust, and autonomyEmbracing squiggly careersGetting a life outside of work! 🤩Links:1. Sign up for ‘Stay or Go?’ 20252. Cambridge University Press & Assessment Careers If you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom! ⚡️ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW FREE EVENT - "STAY OR GO?" APR 2025! ⚡️
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“I Feel Completely Different”: Exploring Diagonal Steps in Teacher Career Change
“I can’t be in this position next year.”Primary teacher Vicky loved so many things about teaching but, after 20 years in the classroom, she found that the scope of her role had increased so much from when she first started her career. Regularly working until 9pm just to feel prepared for the next day, she felt like she was missing out on being present with her own family and knew that it was time for a change. Now a Regional Trainer with Literacy company Lexonik, and also one of the Adventures After Teaching Academy’s Associate Coaches, Vicky is loving working in alignment with her values - enjoying travel, a supportive team, and continuing to have a positive impact on the world of education. A great episode for anyone who is interested in training roles, Vicky shares her expertise and advice with us.In this episode, we’re chatting:Struggling with perfectionism in teaching The experience of lone job huntingFeeling more confident with a career change planFinding your ‘alternative staffroom’Refining the types of role that interest youRebranding your experience with varied skills‘Pinch me’ moments in a new roleEnjoying travel and meeting new peopleBeing valued and celebratedReturning to working in schools in a different capacity 🩵 Links:Visit the Lexonik websiteThe Adventures After Teaching CV CourseIf you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom! ⚡️ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW FREE EVENT - "STAY OR GO?" APR 2025! ⚡️
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Stimulation Without Stress: Landing A Role That Ticks All The Boxes
“I wouldn’t go back.”Special school Assistant Head Clare was always taking care of others around her … not realising the impact that burnout was having on her own life. After finally giving herself permission to stop and being signed off sick from work, she started to explore other options outside of teaching - daring to dream of jobs that might combine both a healthy work-life balance and align with her interests.Now an EHC Coordinator for her local authority, Clare is enjoying still being a part of the education world in a role that offers “stimulation without stress”. Her supportive family have been with her every step of the way, and now she gets to spend more quality time with them than ever. In this episode, we cover:Guilt around being signed off from work The pressure of teaching as vocationStruggling with a loss of identityHealing from burnout - giving it the time it needsFinding holistic support in the AcademyLearning from interview feedback Handling online interviewsGrounding practices to shine with confidenceEnjoying hybrid and flexible working - plus lunch breaks!Appreciation without unrealistic expectations 🙏Content warning - this episode mentions self-injury. Please contact Samaritans for support dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings.Resources:Your Classroom Exit Plan ✨ free workshopIf you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom! ⚡️ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW FREE EVENT - "STAY OR GO?" APR 2025! ⚡️
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It’s Time to Let Loose! Being Open to New Possibilities on Your Teacher Career Change Journey
“I can’t do this anymore.”Secondary Science teacher, Susanna, was done with the classroom - but not with teaching! Still with a great passion for learning and for her subject, it was the commute, the pressure, and all those extra duties that were really taking a toll and brought her to the realisation that it was time for something new. Now a STEM educator for neurodivergent learners with online alternative provision Gaia Learning, Susanna is embracing the opportunity to be creative, enjoy flexibility in her life, deliver future-focused education that puts the learner first, and be a part of an inspiring working culture that truly values her. In this episode, we’re chatting: Feeling drained in the classroomPositive interview experiencesKnowing when a company is a good fit for youWorking from home and all its perksDigital tools and the future of learningEnjoying holidays and travelThe importance of communityRebranding yourself with a skills-based CVBeing open to new opportunities 🗺️Links:1. Susanna’s LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/susannafasasi2. Gaia Learning: www.gaialearning.co.ukIf you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom! ⚡️ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW FREE EVENT - "STAY OR GO?" APR 2025! ⚡️
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Reigniting a Passion for Working with Young People: Fulfilment, Flexibility & Fun!
“I’m not prepared to give up any more of my personal life” After spending 12 years teaching in special needs schools, Assistant Head Rachel loved working with children and young people but found herself frustrated by the lack of resources available to support them and overwhelmed by the impact of teaching on her home life. Joining the Academy in April 2023, Rachel went on to land herself a part-time role with children’s charity Barnado’s, and poured her additional time and energy into setting up a business that aligned with her passions and specialist expertise. Now running a successful therapeutic yoga business working with young people, Rachel is loving a life of flexible working, the ‘best bits’ of teaching, and exciting plans for the future. In this episode, we’re exploring:Riding a roller-coaster of emotionBeing signed-off sick (and attempting to return to the classroom)Battling feelings of ‘it must be me’Decision paralysis whilst burnt out Enjoying collective support from people who understand the journeySeeking meaning in new career optionsBusiness-building securityThe practicalities of setting up a local business Making worthwhile connectionsTerm-time travel! ✈️Links:Rachel’s website:https://www.discoveringcalm.co.uk/ Opportunities at Barnado’s:https://www.barnardos.org.uk/jobs-at-barnardos If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business School and choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE. ⚡️ SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW FREE EVENT - "STAY OR GO?" APR 2025! ⚡️
Sharing inspirational stories from teachers who have chosen to walk away from classroom to successfully transition to a new career. Advice, tips and ideas for exhausted teachers who know there's a difference between "giving up" and "having had enough". Join me to explore all things teacher burnout, career and business coaching and get plenty of ideas for your very own adventure after teaching.
UK