The Adventures After Teaching Podcast

• Finding Presence Beyond the Classroom in a Programme Officer Role

  "Life is far too short."Former primary school teacher Emma spent 10 years in the classroom before making the leap to a Programme Officer role at a university. While she knew early on teaching wasn't her "forever career," the decision to leave was still incredibly difficult. After facing rejection in education-adjacent roles, Emma found support through the Adventures After Teaching community, learning to translate her experience and work through the grief of "if I'm not a teacher, then what am I?"Now enjoying a hybrid work schedule and supportive team environment, she's rediscovered what it means to feel lighter, more present, and aligned with her values.In this episode, we also talk about:The grief of leaving your teacher identity behindDealing with rejection sensitivityBreaking the hyperachiever cycle and learning to restTranslating teacher skills for Programme Officer rolesWhy the journey might take a little longer than you think (and that's okay)The (good!) culture shock of starting a new job outside of teachingEnjoying simple freedoms in a new role (toilet breaks and uninterrupted lunch!)Finding camaraderie in a supportive team and asking questions without guiltHybrid working and workplace adjustmentsBeing present at home and improved work-life balanceIf 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!  Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.

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• Taking Back Evenings: Autonomy and Purpose in a Grants Officer Role

  “It’s the best feeling when you’ve made that decision … it took a weight off my shoulders when I said ‘I’m gonna do this.’”Former primary school teacher Barbara spent 12 years in the classroom, mostly teaching years five and six alongside middle leadership roles. By her seventh year, some of the excitement that she once had for the classroom had waned, and trying to fix it by changing schools or year groups just wasn't cutting it. Facing burnout and declining health, she made the brave choice to start putting herself and her well-being first. Now a Grants Officer at a charity celebrating young people's achievements, Barbara loves her varied role, hybrid working, true control over her schedule, and - best of all - having her evenings back!In this episode, we also talk about:Making the emotionally difficult decision to leave teachingThe critical importance of foundational work on values and mindsetIdentifying transferable skills as a confidence boostBreaking burnout patterns before entering a new roleThe "squiggly journey" to finding the right roleNavigating first interviews and assessment tasksSalary negotiation for teachers used to pay scalesDaily responsibilities as a grants officerCore teaching skills: attention to detail and adaptive communicationWork-life balance and managing your own timetableIf 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!  Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.

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• 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!  Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.

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• 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!  Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.

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• 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 Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.

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