The Adventures After Teaching Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

 "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! 

"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! 

"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 behind
• Dealing with rejection sensitivity
• Breaking the hyperachiever cycle and learning to rest
• Translating teacher skills for Programme Officer roles
• Why 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 teaching
• Enjoying simple freedoms in a new role (toilet breaks and uninterrupted lunch!)
• Finding camaraderie in a supportive team and asking questions without guilt
• Hybrid working and workplace adjustments
• Being present at home and improved work-life balance

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! 

Jo Bradley has made an amazing transition to becoming her own boss after teaching became too much. She talks to Jo about making the difficult decision to leave teaching and make an inspirational career in mindfulness. She also discusses the impact that mindfulness practices have had on her life.

Jo now equips children, families and schools with mindfulness practices that promote better mental and emotional wellness through her own business, Learnful.

In this episode, we also explore:

“Teacher-mum guilt” – The shift in priorities as a parent and teacher (1:10)

Jo’s own mindfulness journey and it’s benefits (3:40)

Building the mindfulness business to support schools (10:20) and online (13:40)

Tips for networking online, through social media and face to face (20:50)

Considerations around finances when leaving teaching (27:35)

Suggestions for developing a business that supports children, parents or schools (32:00)

Links and Resources

Learnful website

LinkedIn

Facebook

“I went into teaching to make a difference … and I’m still doing that!”

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! 

In this episode, Jo chats with Katie Stone who has created flexible, remote work as a successful Virtual Assistant. After having children, Katie realised that teaching wasn’t sustainable and started taking on admin work locally. She's now grown a thriving business as an entrepreneur and virtual assistant for educational businesses. Katie shares lots of great tips and advice for anyone wanting to set up as a virtual assistant and explains why she believes this is the perfect job for ex-teachers.

In this podcast, we also explore:

• Leaving the classroom and the healing process following your exit (05:25)
• Becoming a Virtual Assistant and an insight into setting up the role (11:15)
• Utilising LinkedIn and social media platforms for content marketing (18:30)
• The benefits of having your own business and being self-employed (23:10)
• Training and online tools recommended for those interested in becoming a VA (27:55) (34:57)

Links and Resources

Katie Stone 

Society of Virtual Assistants

LinkedIn Learning: Online Courses for Creative, Technology, Business Skills

www.canva.com

“Teachers are the perfect people to be a VA”

“Setting up as a VA is very easy as a side hustle”

Jo talks to Primary Teacher, coach and author Jacqueline McGill about her brilliant growing business, Pursuit of Wisdom coaching. She talks about her exciting transition to becoming a life coach and the amazing support her company provides for children, parents and teachers on mindset. This insightful episode also delves into some interesting insights around empowering the mind.

In this podcast, we also explore:

How the Pursuit of Wisdom business began and how it works (3:10)

How mindset, workload and burnout affects teachers (10:40)

The concept of ‘limiting beliefs’ and how Jacqueline’s workshops and resources support the thinking and emotions of the children and adults (15:50)

The importance of research and testing in taking your product to market (24:10)

Considerations when working with schools and the opportunities to sell your business or product in education (27:17)

Links and Resources

Pursuit of Wisdom Coaching | Facebook

Pursuit of wisdom.com

“The children of the future need to be problem solvers, solution focused and flexible in their thinking”

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! 

Ben Durkan talks candidly to Jo about his experience with stress in the classroom as a Secondary Drama teacher and his journey to a new career he loves. Ben explains how he tried several jobs before finding his dream job teaching children in crisis at a centre in the Lake District.

If you love to teach but are fed up with the demands of the classroom, this episode gives some great insights into working in alternative provision supporting children at risk. 

In this episode, we also explore:

• Admitting when the stress is too much [2:10]
• Applying for jobs when off sick [7:10]
• How Ben found his new role [11:35]
• Being part of the team around the child [17:46]
• The most rewarding parts of working with children in care [20:00]
• Tips for moving into a career working in alternative provision [23:50]

This episode refers to the experiences of children in crisis and as such mentions content some listeners might find upsetting.

"Our role is one of settling and refocusing, giving them some time out and time away from their chaotic lives."

"My role educationally is to just allow them to realise that they have got other options."

For plenty of FREE resources giving you practical ideas and next steps for leaving the classroom, head to www.adventuresafterteaching.com

Natalie Freeman has made an amazing transition from languages teacher to careers professional. She talks to Jo about her journey through Further Education and Secondary schools inspiring young people with some fascinating projects. 

Now working with university students, Nat shares how she's used her transferable skills to successfully transition out of the classroom and land her dream job at the University of East Anglia as their Award Officer.

In this podcast, we also explore:

The difficulties faced by teachers heading towards burnout in the profession (1:50)

The types of projects and activities involved in careers advice work with young people (9:36) 

Nat’s current role and dream job for the Careers Service at the University at East Anglia (17:38)

The skills and attributes of teachers that are valued by employers and recruiters (23:20)

Top tips for teachers making applications outside of education (30:10)

Links and Resources

Gatsby benchmark

University of East Anglia Careers

University Jobs in the UK

FREE Stay or Go Workshop Series

“I sat for quite long time with a laptop on my lap thinking where do I start?”

“This is actually my dream job…  I didn’t even know it was out there!"

For plenty of FREE resources giving you practical ideas and next steps for leaving the classroom, head to www.adventuresafterteaching.com

Jo talks to ex-Primary Teacher Alice Beveridge about her exciting move to wellbeing and positive mindset company Tree of Knowledge, where she delivers inspirational training programmes, keynotes and coaching for schools and businesses. 

Alice took a chance to connect with a business she was inspired by and explains how her skills from the classroom have been invaluable.  Now the Director of Training, Alice spends her time creating and delivering an amazing array of fascinating projects!

In this podcast, we also explore:

• How making connections and bravery can lead you to success (6:30)
• Weighing up the risks and rewards involved in making the jump (9:50)
• How the skills, qualifications and experience you have can come full circle later in life.
• What a typical day in the life looks life and how Alice’s role has developed (11:46)
• Tips for exploring roles in mental health and wellbeing (21:30) 

Links and Resources

Tree of Knowledge

Angela Duckworth –No Stupid Questions

Character Academy

“I’m a big believer that if you want something, you should go after it.”

For plenty of FREE resources giving you practical ideas and next steps for leaving the classroom, head to www.adventuresafterteaching.com

In this episode, Jo talks to Eileen Adamson who is a part-time teacher and money coach with a wealth of financial knowledge. Eileen explains how she informs and supports teachers to become ‘happier, healthier and wealthier’ and how she grew her amazing business ‘Your Money Sorted’. 

We also delve into the important issues around financial planning when leaving teaching including what you need to consider when thinking about your teacher's pension.

In this podcast, we also explore:

• Financial top tips that support those leaving teaching and planning for your future (7:55)
• Having the right kind of money mindset (13:30)
• Balancing teaching life and your own business (22:50)
• Implications of leaving teaching for your teacher pension (26:50)
• The variety of resources available from Eileen that can help you with money management

Links and Resources

• https://www.yourmoneysorted.co.uk/free-resources
• Teachers pensions

For plenty of FREE resources giving you practical ideas and next steps for leaving the classroom, including our Financially Planning Your Exit From Teaching, head to www.adventuresafterteaching.com