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Published by Joanne Howard
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.
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"I feel more valued, I think, than I ever have in my whole career." After more than 20 years in teaching - moving school every couple of years as a military family, and retraining along the way from secondary English to primary - Helen reached a point in her career where she knew something wasn't right anymore. At the time, it felt like a positive choice to move on rather than burnout; but with hindsight she realised how normal she'd let the exhaustion become, dreading Mondays and living for the holidays. Now working for the police as a Learning & Development Standards Officer, Helen has found a role that leaves her feeling more valued than she ever has in her career, with a flexibility and autonomy she didn't know was possible. The work still feels important to her, she's surrounded by great people, and - for the first time - she's found herself feeling ambitious about what comes next. In this episode, we also talk about: A moment of realisation - "I don't want to be a teacher anymore" Normalising exhaustion and clocking it only in hindsight The excitement of jobs board browsing A workshop that changed her thinking Practical support inside the Academy The application process with the police Creating an interview presentation that stands out Flexi-working, feeling valued, and finding ambition she never had The art of the reframe Links: Teacher Jobs Board Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"I can't continue like this where my entire identity is wrapped up in being a teacher." After nearly 18 years in primary education, Rhonda had known for a while that something needed to change. She still loved teaching - it was never about that - but she'd reached a point where she felt like she couldn't sustain the way she was working in school while also being present for her own two children. It wasn't a decision that came overnight, and it took some of the Academy’s early resources to show her just how much her sense of self had become tied to being a teacher. Now a Learner Success Coach at a remote-first company upskilling workforces in AI and data, Rhonda supports apprentices through their courses. She's getting to do the school run as she’d always wanted to, working somewhere with a genuinely friendly culture, and giving herself the grace to learn without expecting to know everything on day one. In this episode, we also talk about: Sensing for years that teaching wasn't sustainable long-term Seeing the bigger picture - even when there are still bits of teaching you love A squiggly journey out Handing in her notice before securing a new role Rejoining the Academy and what that shifted Using Gold membership for tailored support Being unsuccessful first time round - and reapplying after learning from feedback Showcasing experience that you might not expect Adjusting to remote work (plus all the perks that it brings!) Hoping to be somebody else’s workplace ‘buddy’ someday Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"There are lots of jobs out there for people with the skills that we have as very experienced teachers." After 30 years in teaching - working across EYFS, KS1, forest school leadership and running pre-schools - Anne had loved every bit of it: learning new things, supporting others, and being in "the thick of it" in the classroom. But last year, burnout caught up with her, and she found herself asking, "how much longer can I keep going?" For the sake of her own health and wellbeing, she knew this wasn't the right path for her moving forwards. Now working as a Learning and Participation Officer for a national heritage charity, Anne has swapped exhaustion for early morning walks by the sea, beach meditation, and evenings that finally, actually end. She's letting go of her fixer instinct, learning to sit on her hands, and discovering that things don't have to be hard to work. In this episode, we also talk about: The surprising range of roles open to EYFS teachers Wondering what comes next after decades in teaching Why age doesn't rule anything out Slowing down to speed up Going through it together, not alone Learning to put yourself first Landing a competitive role in the heritage sector Meditation and beach walks as daily non-negotiables The variety - and energy - of life in a new role Letting go of the overachiever and learning to rest Links: Project Management Fundamentals Training Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"I wouldn’t have known how to even get going.” After 15 years teaching reception Hannah loved the job but found herself craving a new challenge. Ready for a breath of fresh air, she just didn’t know what that next step might look like. Now lecturing at a college, Hannah has found a different rhythm entirely. There's room to listen to a podcast and drink a coffee on the drive between placements, colleagues who've come from all kinds of backgrounds rather than just teaching, and a pace of life that finally leaves some space to breathe. In this episode, we also talk about: Not knowing where to start "Riding the rapids" when considering career change Balancing a career move with salary expectations Not waiting for the "perfect" moment to leave Leaving teaching positively Support from bite-sized career change content Transferable teacher skills in similar roles Subject expertise in a new role A varied week: assessing and teaching Life as part of the college ecosystem Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"I can have an impact on hundreds (of children) through the teachers I train and develop." After seven years in teaching - including several as Head of Maths - Becca reached a familiar tipping point: a passion that had quietly turned into exhaustion, and a nagging sense there had to be more to life than work. She recognised herself in the "indecision roundabout" from an Academy workshop, and knew that without taking an exit, she'd stay exactly where she was. Now working in Learning and Development, Becca has her days back in a way she never expected. With the commute gone and a four-day week, she's got the energy for evenings out and weekends that actually feel like weekends. She's also discovered she can still make a difference to the children she used to teach - just from a different angle, at scale. In this episode, we also talk about: Using part-time supply teaching to create space to think Navigating the grief of leaving a childhood dream job Why the CV and LinkedIn training changed everything Boosting confidence for interview Accessing a new vocabulary through the Project Management Fundamentals training Using LinkedIn to catch fast-moving roles Trading a reliance on school holidays for genuine work-life balance Rediscovering hobbies after teaching Staying motivated on the career change journey Links: Project Management Fundamentals Training Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"It's really hopeful, it's really positive - and it's so much better than teaching." After 11 years in the same secondary school - training as an RE teacher before moving through humanities and eventually leading PSHE - Rachael hit the burnout so many teachers recognise: slow-building, then impossible to ignore. As a noise-sensitive introvert, she realised the problem wasn't ability, but fit - and that the parts of the job she loved (leadership, communication, managing people) didn't require staying in a classroom. Now a Suicide Prevention Officer with Papyrus, Rachael has her evenings and weekends back - closing her laptop Friday and not thinking about work until Monday. With control over her own calendar and meaningful work that doesn't consume her, she's found something unexpected: excitement about the week ahead. In this episode, we also talk about: The personality mismatch she didn't see coming in teaching How leading PSHE opened the door to a completely different career path Turning job hunting into a structured, focused process Learning to trust flexibility after years of rigid routine Why foundational work - values, finances, a skills audit - speeds everything up How the Academy community kept her going through the hardest parts An interview that felt right from the start The variety that comes with the new role Feeling connected in a national organisation ("it doesn't feel like it's as big as it is") Content warning - this episode discusses suicide prevention as part of Rachael's professional role. Please contact Papyrus for support if you're worried about a young person. Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
After years as a primary class teacher and PE leader, Lauren knew it was time to leave. The decision came down to her health and wellbeing, and stepping away from teaching meant stepping into real uncertainty - trying different things, juggling multiple roles at once, and figuring out what she actually wanted. Now working with young people as a Programme Manager across the creative industries, Lauren has found a role that gives her everything teaching couldn't - variety, creative thinking, and the feeling that she's finally using her brain in the way she always wanted to. In this episode, we also talk about: Navigating a "squiggly" exit from teaching Working as a chaperone in TV and film - and what it revealed When task-switching gives you energy Attending our free summer event before joining the Academy Putting theory behind practice with the Project Management Fundamentals course Using mindset resources to make the transition well Growing in confidence on LinkedIn Using the interview booklet to reframe transferable skills Early worries - and how they played out Highlights from the first year Moving from fixed-term to permanent - and what's next Links: Project Management Fundamentals Training Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"Two emotions can exist at the same time. The grief can exist with the relief." Bex went into teaching straight out of university with her identity firmly attached to it. Quickly finding the environment ‘all-consuming’ and ‘energy depleting’, she spent 12 years in and out of the classroom - always getting pulled back in as she struggled to separate from a career she’d worked so hard for. Following a period of self-reflection, and taking some time to ask who she actually was outside of the job, Bex decided it was time for a new adventure. Now a Junior L&D Adviser at an accountancy firm, Bex has found something she didn't expect: calm. She works hybrid, has time for yoga, her dog Percy, and the people who matter to her - and with CIPD Level 5 on the horizon, she's excited about what comes next rather than feeling trapped. In this episode, we also talk about: Why leaving doesn't mean you've given up Getting caught in the "part-time teaching trap" and why it doesn’t work for everyone Living for the holidays whilst in teaching Finding structure during a career break Using LinkedIn to make purposeful connections Variety in an L&D role Enjoying a less hectic work environment Adjusting to desk-based work after years of being on your feet Asking the right questions at interview - including the ones that feel scary Shifting away from the "job for life" mindset that teaching can instil Getting to know yourself Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"I don't think I would have been out of teaching by now had I not joined.” After 20 years in the classroom - 13 in secondary and 7 in primary - Steph had reached a point where she was really ready for a change. She felt stuck, and not for the first time; she'd tried to leave eight years earlier and given up, resigning herself to staying put in the classroom. This time, with the right support around her, it was different. Now a Learning Designer in the civil service, Steph is five months in and already feels like a different person. Her friends have all said it - her confidence is back. With hybrid working, flexi time, and the ability to close the laptop and actually switch off, she's no longer using every holiday day just to recover. In this episode, we also talk about: Community support - and why it makes the difference Why it’s not ‘just’ about the CV Uncovering your values - and using them to filter your job search Translating your teaching experience Targeting roles that value equivalent experience over specific qualifications Upskilling opportunities once you're in the role What a Learning Designer actually does day-to-day Stakeholder management in L&D roles “But what about the holidays?” Building project management skills Changing your environment as the fastest route back to confidence Links & Resources: Project Management Fundamentals Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"I just think you're not trapped. You have options." Kate left teaching after 23 years in the secondary English classroom - not with a plan, but with the certainty that something had to change. Long-term supply work gave her breathing space but not direction, and by the time she found the Adventures After Teaching Academy, she was no longer burnt out, just lost. Having already invested time, money and energy into courses that hadn't moved the needle, she wasn’t sure about joining at first. But hearing others further along the journey made her feel, for the first time, that this is where she needed to be. Now a Learner Success Coach, Kate spends her days supporting apprentices through deadlines, personal crises and everything in between - all entirely remotely. With control over her own calendar and holidays where she's truly switched off, she's built a working life that actually fits around her family. Losing the subject expert identity was an adjustment, but she's gained something she hadn't had in years - time to read for pleasure, go to the theatre, and follow her own interests again. In this episode, we also talk about: Supply teaching as your lifeboat Why CVs aren't one and done The project management course that changed everything Feeling in limbo - and the power of seeing others make it out Resilience in the career change process What an AI-driven interview actually looks like The pastoral heart of a Learner Success Coach role What genuinely supportive workplace feedback feels like Taking time to unpick your identity outside of teaching Enjoying flexible working! Links & Resources: Kate’s LinkedIn Profile Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"Once I'd made that decision, I just felt like a weight had been lifted." After 13 years in primary education - taking on the roles of phase leader, assistant head, and eventually acting head - Iain hit a wall. The workload became unmanageable, and he was signed off with work-related stress before handing in his notice in May without anything else lined up. Returning to a lovely new school in September, Iain quickly realised that the education system just wasn’t for him anymore and joined the Academy Spring Track in the New Year. Now Head of Programmes and Impact at the Hull KR Foundation - the charity arm of a professional rugby league club - Iain is using every skill he built in education, from curriculum design to stakeholder management, in a role that genuinely excites him. The role is just as varied, but with less pressure and more flexibility, and for the first time in years, he's not counting down the days to half term. In this episode, we also talk about: Going off sick and navigating what comes next Traps we fall into that convince us to stay (when it’s not right for us!) Finding a new role that aligns with your values How the CV course and interview prep booklet helped at short notice Overcoming interview imposter syndrome Picking up new skills quickly Surprising teacher transferables Taking ownership of a newly created role It’s okay not to want to be in education anymore Leaving well Links & Resources: Hull KR Foundation 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! Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"I feel like a nicer partner, a nicer mum, a better friend." After 17 years teaching PE at the same school, Lucy had begun to feel the weight of an environment she describes as an "exams factory" - constantly performing, constantly visible, and increasingly exhausted by the relentless pace. Knowing she had transferable skills but unsure how to package them, she joined the Adventures After Teaching Academy and committed to the process: weekly calls, CV support, and slowly building the confidence to put herself out there. Now a Project Support Officer working within the Civil Service on the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament, Lucy is thriving in a role that sits perfectly at the intersection of her organisational strengths and her love of sport. With hybrid working, genuine trust from her manager, and the freedom to do the school run, she's rediscovered her energy and is enjoying the balance that comes with a different way of working. In this episode, we also talk about: The surprising crossovers between teaching and project support Hybrid working, flexible hours and being more present with family Learning to work without micromanagement Fixed-term contracts and the opportunities that follow Navigating the Civil Service application process Why every setback is still moving you forward Accepting the career change journey and remaining committed to the process (whilst also being kind to yourself!) 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! Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"I don’t miss the school holidays." After 25 years in the classroom, the last several as Head of Health and Social Care, Jessica reached a point of burnout and knew she no longer wanted to teach. A Google search led her to the Adventures After Teaching Academy, where she focused on rebuilding her self-esteem before even thinking about her next career move. Now an Employment Advisor for a private company, Jessica is helping others identify their own barriers and find their way back into work. With control over her own diary, genuine one-to-one connection with clients, and her evenings and weekends firmly back, Jessica is thriving in a role that feels both rewarding and sustainable. In this episode, we also talk about: Recognising burnout and giving yourself permission to slow down Using the Academy community to rebuild confidence Creating a "lifeboat" before you leap Searching for roles using job titles you hear in the community The power of a skills-based CV Variety and autonomy in a new role Leaving work at work and what that actually feels like Feeling valued and invested in Why teachers shine in one-to-one settings 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! Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
" The biggest change for me is just noticing how much more energy I have for my children." Former teacher John-Paul reached a turning point during a difficult first term following a job move and the birth of his daughter. Knowing something had to change, he sought support from those around him and found the Adventures After Teaching community, giving him that reassurance that he wasn't alone in how he was feeling. Now a Bursar for an organisation he'd known for years, John-Paul is managing a Grade II listed estate, overseeing a significant budget and building strong relationships with contractors - all with the flexibility and autonomy to make the role work for his family life. In this episode, we also talk about: The value of a community that ‘gets it’ Using transferable skills to frame your experience Finding opportunities in your own network The variety in the day-to-day role of a bursar Budget management for teachers without financial experience Relationship-building and working as part of a small team Work-life balance and flexible, autonomous working Persisting through the knockbacks Top tips for teachers moving into operations roles 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! Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
" We underestimate how brilliant we are as teachers. " Former primary teacher Rachel left the classroom when work-related stress began affecting her physical health. Despite loving the classroom, the long exhausting days and a particularly challenging final year made her decision clearer. After leaving at the end of August without a job lined up, Rachel took time to decompress before securing her current position. Now Head of Communities and Development at a charity, Rachel is enjoying the benefits of hybrid working and using her teaching skills in fundraising and development whilst finally experiencing what it's like to leave work on time. She's regained her evenings and weekends, and no longer feels that dreaded "Monday morning sick feeling." In this episode, we also talk about: Prioritising health as a catalyst for career change Colleague reactions to handing in your notice Taking time to recover before job searching The power of a skills-based CV Transitioning teaching skills to fundraising The importance of community support from people who "get it" Timescales to exit the classroom Finding roles that align with your values Top tips for teachers considering the charity sector 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! Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
“Everything I put in, I know I’m building something.” Sarah had always admired entrepreneurs but never imagined starting a business of her very own. After years in teaching and reaching a point where she knew she couldn't continue full-time in the classroom, she discovered Adventures After Teaching and found her path to becoming a Virtual Assistant (VA). Now running her own VA business part-time alongside teaching, Sarah is enjoying the freedom to be her own boss, cherry-pick the creative work she loves, and build a future with genuine excitement - all while reclaiming some of the flexibility that teaching never offered. In this episode, we also talk about: Building a VA business alongside teaching Setting boundaries and choosing your priorities The variety of work that VAs can do The power of community support from other transitioning teachers Acquiring your first client through conversation Overcoming imposter syndrome when starting a business The "can do attitude" teachers bring to VA work Financial planning and identifying your must-haves Top tips for teachers considering working for themselves Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"I definitely wouldn't have got there as quickly as I did without the support from the Academy.” After 18 years as a headteacher and over 30 years working in education, Kate found herself struggling with mental health and burnout. When off sick, she discovered Adventures After Teaching, taking part in our free ‘Stay or Go?’ event and then making the decision to invest in more support - a choice she describes as "absolutely worth it." In an accelerated transition of just three months, Kate secured her current role as Deputy Diocesan Secretary and Director of Operational Support for the Diocese of York. Now she's coordinating operational support for churches, using her leadership experience in entirely new ways whilst maintaining the community engagement work she's passionate about. In this episode, we also talk about: Taking small intentional steps towards burnout recovery Finding a safe space for senior leaders Values-led job hunting - a shift in perspective Standing out by narrowing your niche in the job market Transferable headteacher (and class teacher) skills for charity roles Working strategically without interruptions Enjoying more flexibility in working hours Managing boundaries and catching old habits in a new role Why investing in yourself through the Academy is invaluable The importance of peer support from other teachers in transition 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! Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"Don't be afraid to speak up and negotiate your terms." Former Deputy Head and SENDCO Catherine left a role she loved when burnout, wearing too many hats, and increasing expectations became unsustainable. Despite her specialised knowledge and passion for the work, she found herself physically, emotionally, and socially exhausted - struggling to perform her multiple roles as effectively as she wanted to. After using the Academy's burnout recovery materials to heal and rebuild, Catherine embarked on a "squiggly journey" that included supply work, a remote Education Navigator role, redundancy, and ultimately a return to a school-based SENDCO position - but this time, completely on her own terms. Now working just two days in school and the rest from home, Catherine has reclaimed her boundaries whilst also venturing into consultancy work supporting families with special educational needs. In this episode, we also talk about: If I’m not this then who am I? The tipping point from passion to burnout Taking time to explore a meaningful exit Learning from others in the community Navigating a non-linear career change path Setting boundaries and negotiating terms in a new role Returning to school - but with huge differences Recognising and resisting self-inflicted pressure Enjoying renewed energy for other aspects of life Trusting your value and not being afraid to speak up Opening up opportunities by looking beyond role titles 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! Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
“For the first time in my life I was very unsure about where I was headed and what I could do differently to teaching because I'd been doing it for so long.” Hannah, a primary school teacher for nine years, left the classroom seeking better work-life balance so she could be there more for her teenagers at home. Now a Youth Participation Advisor working globally to end malnutrition, she's enjoying flexibility around core hours, meaningful project work, travel opportunities, and the satisfaction of using her teaching skills in entirely new ways. With support from the Academy's resources and community, Hannah navigated the confusion of career transition, overcame imposter syndrome, and ultimately received two dream job offers on the same day. She now helps young people lead community dialogues that drive policy changes, creating resources and managing grants programmes that make a real difference. In this episode, we also talk about: Dealing with conflicting feelings over leaving Getting back on track with community support Project management training and its real-world applications Redefining what success looks like outside teaching Shaking off old ways of working Enhanced transferable skills and renewed confidence Building your network through LinkedIn Overcoming imposter syndrome and believing you haven't "missed the boat" Coping with rejection Tips for finding roles in charities and NGOs focused on youth work Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
"There is another side, and it's life-changing." Former Head of School, Sarah spent 13 years in teaching before deciding to listen to her inner voice and pivot towards a completely different path. Now an Employer Engagement Manager working in the not-for-profit sector, Sarah has found a role that utilises her communication and engagement skills across different audiences whilst offering the work-life balance and well-being she was missing in education. She's no longer in constant "crisis mode" and finally has quality time back for the things that matter. In this episode, we also talk about: Comfortable timelines for career transitions Treating your job search like a strategic project Recognising stress addiction and living in crisis mode Why engagement roles are perfect for teachers Hybrid working and reclaiming your evenings The difference between being tired and being mentally drained Sarah's only regret: not leaving sooner Hugely transferable teacher skills Interested in exploring a career in Project Management? Sign ups for the September cohort of our Project Management Fundamentals course are now OPEN! Limited spaces available ✨
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Observed September 21, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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