From Burnout to Balance: Life as an Employability Team Leader
"There is light at the end of the tunnel."Former secondary school French teacher in Scotland, Laura left the profession after five years, having experienced burnout due to staffing crises and increasing workload pressures. As the only consistent staff member in her modern languages department amid post-Brexit staffing shortages, the isolation and pressure eventually led to her being signed off with workplace stress.Now an Employability Team Leader, Laura is enjoying the freedom and flexibility of her new role, mentoring a team of employment coordinators and working with clients who face barriers to employment. With autonomy over her schedule and a varied day involving travel, meetings, and relationship-building with employers, she's found a sustainable career path that allows her to come home with energy for her personal life rather than feeling like a "zombie."In this episode, we're talking about:Navigating burnout and being signed off workThe emotional difficulty of job searching while dealing with workplace stress The value of Academy well-being calls and community supportSeparating self-worth from professional outputFinding roles with movement and client interactionDay-to-day life as an Employability Team LeaderUsing LinkedIn for networkingRegaining work-life balance and personal energy post-teaching 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 you successfully leave the classroom! Join the waitlist for the next cohort of our CPD Accredited PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS training for transitioning teachers - starts January 2026! ✨
-------- Â
39:57
--------
39:57
From Teaching to Curriculum Writing: A Journey Made Together
The right role at the right time for the right people.Two former primary teachers, Emma and Victoria, share their inspiring journey of leaving the classroom together - though they'd never met before! After teaching for 12 years each, they both secured roles as primary curriculum writers for Developing Experts. Now they're enjoying creative freedom, collaborative culture, and the chance to use their teaching expertise in exciting new ways - building curricula from scratch, integrating real-world careers education, and finally having the time and headspace to problem-solve away from the high intensity of the classroom. In this episode, we also talk about:Feeling validated through connectionThe power of community for dealing with rejectionCareer change accountability and motivationTranslating ‘teacher speak’Dealing with the scary bits of career change Securing competitive roles Enjoying a comfortable interview experience Skills for curriculum design Remote work and prioritising mental healthBeing in control of your own dayLinks & Resources:www.jobsafterteaching.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 you successfully leave the classroom! Join the waitlist for the next cohort of our CPD Accredited PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS training for transitioning teachers - starts January 2026! ✨
-------- Â
43:07
--------
43:07
Community, Confidence and Career Change: Moving into Project Management
"I've never had so many people literally bending over backwards to support me with anything that I want to do." Former secondary science teacher Jen left the profession after 23 years, feeling lonely and lost about what to do next. Initially unsure of her direction and at "rock bottom," she found the community and structure she needed in the Academy.Now a Project Support Officer in the Civil Service, Jen is working to support various projects - from organising team away days to risk and benefits management. With a 70/30 work structure (70% working in the role, 30% self-development and community contribution), she's enjoying genuine time off, reduced stress levels, and a pace that allows time for thinking rather than constant firefighting.In this episode, we also talk about:Feeling lost about what's nextThe value of strong community supportDiscovering project management as a pathTranslating teaching skills into corporate languageNavigating civil service applicationsWaiting to hear back after interviewAdjusting to a slower pace of workFinding renewed confidenceWork-life balance transformationHelping others through the process Join the waitlist for the next cohort of our CPD Accredited PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS training for transitioning teachers - starts January 2026! ✨
-------- Â
38:48
--------
38:48
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: Finding Balance as an Apprenticeship Coach
"If all these people are able to get jobs, I'm able to get a job."Former teacher Rich had been in the profession for a long time when the stress and lack of sleep began taking a physical toll. Despite working at a school he loved, he knew he needed a break from teaching itself and, after personal life events put things into a new perspective, Rich knew it was time to make the career change he'd been contemplating.Now an Apprenticeship Coach, Rich is enjoying a transformed work-life balance with increased flexibility and time back in his evenings. He's enjoying supporting degree apprentices through their learning journey, using his teaching and coaching skills in new ways whilst looking forward to future professional development opportunities.In this episode, we also talk about:Life events as catalysts for changeLeaving a profession you love but can no longer sustainThe Academy as a "stepping stone for transformation"Unpacking your professional identity beyond the classroomSelf-investment and making time for career transitionWork-life balance and flexible working patternsThe importance of structure when making a career changeCommunity support and seeing others succeedRegaining self-belief after teachingIf 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 you successfully leave the classroom! Join the waitlist for the next cohort of our CPD Accredited PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS training for transitioning teachers - starts January 2026! ✨
-------- Â
33:02
--------
33:02
From Classroom to Consultancy: Still Making an Impact
"I definitely felt loaded with more tools and belief in myself."Secondary English teacher and Head of KS3, Camilla left teaching a few years ago, seeking different ways to make an impact outside of the classroom whilst still taking the bits of teaching that she loved with her.Now a Sustainability Consultant, she's enjoying working across different industries and projects, with growing confidence and increased leadership responsibilities. She's also recently taken on the role of a school governor, and is looking forward to keeping her foot in the door of the education world in a new way.In this episode, we also talk about:Teacher transferable skillsShifting pace in a new roleBuilding interview confidenceYour value in the outside worldReflecting on your professional identityThe most exciting parts of Camilla's workTips for teachers wanting to move into consultancyThe bravery in career pivotingIf 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 you successfully leave the classroom! Join the waitlist for the next cohort of our CPD Accredited PROJECT MANAGEMENT FUNDAMENTALS training for transitioning teachers - starts January 2026! ✨
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