Becoming a Project Manager: No Regrets for a New Chapter
“It’s given me my life back.”Head of Drama Lauren loved many aspects of teaching but found that the out of hours working expectations were simply unsustainable, sometimes hitting 12 hours a day for 6 days a week! After taking a few months off to rest and have fun, she spent some time freelancing and then started her job hunt for a full-time role. Now a Project Manager for an education research charity, Lauren is enjoying a job that’s interesting, varied, and challenging in all the right ways. Since leaving teaching she’s revisited old hobbies, planned term-time holidays and is happy to leave work “at the door” at the end of each day.In this episode, we also talk about:Reframing skills with the help of the AcademyMentally preparing for an interviewTrusting yourself The day-to-day of project managementWould project management suit you? Top tips for pursuing project management rolesBenefitting from a supportive communityCommitting to new things outside of workGetting excited about “whatever comes next”Links:AAT Jobs Board - Filter by 'Project Manager' to find similar rolesIf 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 FREE WORKSHOP... Your Classroom Exit Plan 💛
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32:46
Working with Wildlife: Overcoming Slow Burnout to Find Career Change Joy
“I didn’t realise it … I think I was slowly burning out.”Reception Teacher Georgi followed her passions into the world of education, but felt numb and burnt out by her last year in the classroom. Stumbling upon the Adventures After Teaching Academy, she loved the supportive community, practical resources, and tools to navigate all the ‘what ifs?’ of career change. Leveraging the power of LinkedIn to make connections, Georgi explored her passions once again, landing herself a job as a Zoo Education Officer (doesn’t it sound amazing?!) after a wonderfully positive interview experience. She now enjoys varied days, showcasing her creativity and organisational skills across two areas of interest: wildlife and education. In this episode, we also chat:Identity crisis Not knowing what to do Navigating LinkedIn whilst still teaching Growth, confidence, and connection on LinkedInThe most helpful resources for translating skillsFeeling confident going in to an interviewA day-in-the-life of a Zoo Education Officer (and the key skills you’ll need to get there!)Bringing fresh ideas to a role Following your interests to find career change joyLinks:RSPBBiazaWildlife Trust Butterfly Conservation Trust 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 FREE WORKSHOP... Your Classroom Exit Plan 💛
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24:54
From Anxious to Happy: Renewed Energy in a New Role
Once a Secondary Drama Teacher and Head of Drama, Serena felt frustrated with the “other elements” of teaching and wanted more time to focus on the “important stuff” with her students. Returning from maternity leave, and battling exhaustion both at work and at home, she was driven to seek a new role that better aligned with her values and passions. Initially taking on her job search alone, Serena joined the Academy last April and went on to secure a fantastic role as a Schools Resources Manager. Taking the best bits of teaching with her, she is now enjoying being in control of her own diary, living life with renewed energy levels, being more present at home and defaulting to happiness!In this episode, we’re also talking about:Frustration with the education systemFinding the Academy at the right timeFocusing on finding organisations with shared valuesDealing with rejectionHaving options with transferable skillsRelationship building through the first phone callMaking a committed career change choiceEnjoying more autonomy and flexibilityThe transformation from anxious to happyLinks:LinkedIn for Teacher Career Change 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 FREE WORKSHOP... Your Classroom Exit Plan 💛
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39:15
Taking the Plunge into the Wider World
“I’ve got to try something different.”Former History Teacher and Assistant Head, Simon remembers “running on empty all the time”. Following a conversation on the playground, Simon experienced a moment of realisation that teaching was no longer sustainable for him or his family, feeling “a weight off” after handing his notice in. Now an Account Manager for Unifrog Education, Simon’s new role involves problem-solving, relationship building, and continuing to make an impact on the world of education. He’s embracing the opportunity to work for a company that aligns with his values, whilst enjoying new-found flexibility, aspirations outside of work, and getting to walk his kids to school every day. In this episode, we’re also chatting:Breaking up with the classroomPositive filteringTeacher skills that are often overlookedSuitability for account management - you might be better at ‘selling’ than you think!Finding something you believe inRe-defining who you are and re-thinking where you're goingThe importance of having a planNew hobbies, health and habits!Links:Unifrog Education JobsIf 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 FREE WORKSHOP... Your Classroom Exit Plan 💛
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39:10
"It's Life-Changing": Rediscovering Life After Burnout
“It had taken over my entire life.”Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Geography, Victoria found her ‘4 day working week’ became a 50-60 hour commitment, frequently working 12 hours on a Sunday. Struggling with feelings of not wanting to let people down, she eventually gave herself permission to move on to a new adventure. Now the Deputy Director of an education charity, Victoria enjoys a varied role that leans into her relationship building skills and strategic expertise. She is loving the opportunity to have an impact at a high-level in the world of education, as well as re-connecting with friends, rediscovering the things she likes to do in her spare time, and no longer working weekends!In this episode, we’re also chatting:Guilt around leaving and seeking “good enough” reasonsTaking enough time for burnout recoveryFeeling confused about next steps Embracing a supportive, structured approach to career changeCommunicating the journey of past experience (including jobs before teaching!)The importance of making the phone callPositive interview experiencesPartnerships roles and the power of networkingEnjoying rest, connection, and fulfillment Links:LinkedIn for Teacher Career Change 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 FREE WORKSHOP... Your Classroom Exit Plan 💛
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