The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching

In this final episode of 2024, we welcome Jane Lloyd—a former teacher of 14 years who traded in the classroom for a paintbrush and a new lease on life. Jane’s story is a perfect way to close out the year: a tale of transformation, resilience, and the power of pursuing what truly lights you up.After years of dedicating herself to teaching art in schools, Jane decided she was done with the stress and exhaustion that teaching brought into her life. In July 2024, she stepped away from her vocation to embrace her passion as a full-time artist—and hasn’t looked back since.In this episode, Jane shares:🎨 How she transitioned from teacher to professional artist while building her business on the side.🎨 Her creative approach to diversifying income, from commissions and prints to workshops and painting parties.🎨 The profound emotional shift she’s experienced since leaving the classroom.🎨 Practical advice for teachers (and anyone) considering their own leap of faith.🎨 Her breathtaking “sliding doors” moment, and how it symbolises the new life she’s built.Whether you’re a teacher looking for inspiration, an artist seeking courage, or someone considering a career change, Jane’s story will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle your dreams in the year ahead.Tune in to hear how Jane rediscovered her passion, reclaimed her mental well-being, and built a life she truly loves—all in less than six months.Useful links :https://www.janelloydfineartist.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/JaneLloydArtist/https://www.instagram.com/janelloydfineartistSend us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In this final chapter of Jonny Millard’s gripping story, we witness his extraordinary transformation from being trapped in a toxic work environment to thriving as a successful entrepreneur. Jonny shares how he found freedom after leaving teaching, rediscovering his purpose and channeling his drive into building a thriving business.Through sheer determination and resilience, Jonny turned his skills as a teacher and leader into the foundation of a highly profitable and impactful fire safety company. Now, as a managing director on track to expand his business internationally, Jonny reflects on the lessons learned and the remarkable opportunities that awaited him on the other side of adversity.This chapter is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for anyone to turn their life around, no matter how dark the situation may seem.Send us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In Chapter 4 of Jonny Millard’s story, we delve into one of the most harrowing aspects of his teaching career: the systemic barriers preventing him from leaving a toxic work environment. As Jonny recounts, the reliance on references and the coercive control exerted by his academy left him feeling trapped, unable to secure a fresh start despite his best efforts.With incredible vulnerability, Jonny shares the devastating loss of his grandfather and the emotional turmoil of navigating a job interview just one day later. His resilience shines through as he reveals the profound challenges of balancing personal grief with professional struggles.This chapter explores the deeper parallels between toxic work environments and abusive relationships, shedding light on the courage required to break free and start anew.Continue to Chapter 5 to hear the conclusion of Jonny’s incredible journey.Send us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real

In Chapter 3, Jonny Millard takes a courageous step as he reaches out for help, sharing his growing struggles with colleagues and leadership. Determined to salvage the passion he once had for teaching, Jonny recounts his desperate attempts to address the toxic environment that was taking a toll on his mental health.As the story unfolds, Jonny paints a vivid picture of his internal battle, the systemic issues within his school, and the harsh realities of a profession that often fails to support its own. This chapter is a heartfelt exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the limits of endurance in the face of adversity.Send us a message.Voice Message Us:You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcastIf you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages): Education Support The Samaritans Mind Andy's Man Club Join Us: Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers who’ve left the classroom and are thriving in their new lives. Sign up to our mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/i1L5ck Find us on social media and give us a follow for updates, and if you’re not already in the Facebook group… what are you waiting for? Thanks for listening 🙏Edited with finesse by our Podcast Super Producer, Mike Roberts of Making Digital Real