The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching

Today, we’re joined by Rowena Hicks, who dedicated over 30 years to her role as a Deputy Head Teacher and SENCO in the London-Kent area. Teaching was Rowena's life - it was her passion, her calling, and she gave it her all, right up until the moment her own health signalled it was time to step back.Rowena opens up about the physical and emotional toll of being a people-pleaser in the world of education. From pushing through chronic stress to the realisation that her relentless work ethic was costing her health, Rowena shares her journey of self-discovery and recovery. She talks about the pivotal moment she took her doctor’s warning seriously, the challenges of redefining herself outside the classroom, and the newfound passion she’s poured into her second career as an author.Tune in to hear Rowena’s inspiring path from burnout to balance, her take on the importance of self-worth, and the small, daily steps she’s taken to rebuild her life with intention and joy.Notable links :Rowena's website : https://www.rowenahicks.com/Facebook group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/preventingteacherburnoutSend 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 episode, we sit down with Helen Taylor, a former history teacher whose dedication to education was undeniable. Helen spent 18 years in teaching, finding joy in her students and a deep sense of purpose in the classroom. For years, she believed teaching was her lifelong path, pouring her energy and resources into her role.But after a gruelling stint with new pressures, overwhelming workloads, and the unrelenting demands of a system that left her burned out, Helen made the life-changing decision to leave the profession she loved. Helen takes us through her turbulent decision to exit the profession, charting a new course and eventually finding herself soaring to unexpected heights as cabin crew for British Airways. Join us as Helen shares her story of resilience, personal reinvention, and the thrill of embracing a life she’d never imagined, 30,000 feet above the classroom.https://www.tiktok.com/@helentaylor46Send 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 episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we speak to the inspirational James Terry.James describes himself as “born to teach.” From his first work experience as a teacher in school, he knew it was his calling. For six years, he found joy and purpose in the classroom, creating an environment that felt like home. But after moving to a new school, James lasted only four terms before he handed his resignation to the head’s PA, never looking back.Join us as we follow James’s journey through the next eight years, facing life outside the familiar grounds of teaching. He speaks openly about the challenges, the loss of direction, and ultimately, the resilience that guided him through until he found a surprising new role that has brought him a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment.Find James here:Visit James's website  www.jamesterrycelebrant.co.uk Follow James on FacebookFollow James on Instagram Contact James by email:[email protected] 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 compelling episode, we meet Vicky Thurkettle, a teacher who found more than a career in the classroom - she found purpose, family, and what she believed was her path for life. Known for her unwavering dedication, Vicky poured her heart into her work, shaping young lives and embracing each day as part of her own.But after returning from maternity leave, everything changed. Within just seven weeks, she made the unimaginable decision to leave the career she thought she’d never step away from. In this episode, Vicky opens up about her journey, the challenges she faced, and the resilience it took to leave a job she once loved so deeply.Listen to Vicky’s story of self-discovery, courage, and transformation as she shares the reality of finding new strength and purpose beyond the classroom. The Rawsome Chocolate website HEREInstagram page HEREEtsy page HERETune in for an inspiring story about how life after teaching can be just as fulfilling—especially when chocolate's involved!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