Explore every episode of the podcast The Adventures After Teaching Podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for The Adventures After Teaching Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Reigniting a Passion for Working with Young People: Fulfilment, Flexibility & Fun!
25 Feb 2025
00:32:32
“I’m not prepared to give up any more of my personal life”
After spending 12 years teaching in special needs schools, Assistant Head Rachel loved working with children and young people but found herself frustrated by the lack of resources available to support them and overwhelmed by the impact of teaching on her home life.
Joining the Academy in April 2023, Rachel went on to land herself a part-time role with children’s charity Barnado’s, and poured her additional time and energy into setting up a business that aligned with her passions and specialist expertise. Now running a successful therapeutic yoga business working with young people, Rachel is loving a life of flexible working, the ‘best bits’ of teaching, and exciting plans for the future.
In this episode, we’re exploring:
Riding a roller-coaster of emotion
Being signed-off sick (and attempting to return to the classroom)
Battling feelings of ‘it must be me’
Decision paralysis whilst burnt out
Enjoying collective support from people who understand the journey
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
A Story of Self-Rediscovery: Battling Chronic Illness whilst Job Hunting
18 Feb 2025
00:38:37
One of our earliest Academy members, Laura joined Adventures After Teaching three years ago. After 17 years teaching Secondary Maths whilst also dealing with a chronic health condition, she enrolled in our free Stay or Go workshop and began to dream of new possibilities outside of the classroom.
Laura landed herself a new role as a Digital Skills Trainer and embraced a life of remote working and flexible job perks, whilst still retaining all the aspects of teaching that she loved - relationship building and flexing those coaching and mentoring skills! In the last year, Laura has moved on to establish her own business, empowering entrepreneurial mums with chronic illnesses.
In this episode, we chat:
Feeling stuck in teaching whilst dealing with health struggles
Gaining perspective outside the school environment
Illuminating transferable skills
Negotiating better terms for a new job
Remote work - does it get lonely?
Grieving the loss of teacher identity
Rediscovering yourself again
Working on mindset - evolving and going with the flow!
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Secondary History to Charity Administrations and Systems Officer
24 Jul 2024
00:29:11
Caroline was a Secondary History teacher who has successfully transitioned out of the classroom to become an Administrations and Systems Officer for a local charity.
Her journey out of teaching took a year and she reflects on her need to take the time to explore her value and skills - the result making her comfortably able to showcase why she was the best person for the job!
In this episode we also explore:
Teaching not aligning with her health and family anymore
Values being at the centre of making a positive career change
Every teacher being on their own path when leaving
Creating a confident CV which showcases your skills
The transferabale skills teachers have for admin and systems work
The day-to-day variety of her hybrid role
Reclaiming connection with her family and friends
Top advice for teachers looking the leave the classroom
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
Lee was a Secondary Geography teacher with additional responsibility for careers, who has successfully transitioned into Programme Management. He shares with that even though he already changed careers when coming to teaching later in life, he still had a lot to learn about “de-teacherfying” his CV and navigating the world of recruitment.
In this episode, we also explore:
Mapping Lee's varied skills from teaching
Utilising his event's management experience
Embracing change without fear and knowing it will work out
Practical career change support that helped him
Targeting his energy in the job search
Actually enjoying the interview process!
Lee's day-to-day and a different type of manageable pressure
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
Deputy Head to Domestic Abuse Schools Liaison Officer
09 Jul 2024
00:25:49
Academy Alumni Ruth was a Deputy Head with experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENCO, who is now working for a Local Authority as Domestic Abuse Liaison Officer (Schools).
Ruth was able to combine her safeguarding knowledge and transferable leadership skills to successfully secure this role, allowing her to make a difference while not taking her work home with her. She shares her experiences of the local authority interview process and the gifts of working in a hybrid role.
In this episode, we also explore:
Recognising the impact work was having and discovering the choice to choose another path.
Reflecting on your values to explore what you want from a future role.
Preparing for the interview using positive visualisation and evidencing impact with clear examples.
Ruth’s core responsibilities and day-to-day life delivering training, monitoring data and triaging cases.
Working flexibly from home, mixing visits to local offices and schools across the local authority.
The benefits of being able to choose and book your own CPD to up skill your CV!
Slowing down, enjoying a manageable pace and being able to schedule your own day.
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 Academywhich will help successfully you leave the classroom!
Fran's fascinating career change has seen her move from Primary Music Teacher in a rural Primary school (along a squiggly career path) to where she is now as a Learning Technology Strategist. She offers some great insights into the world of learning design and we can utilise our teacher transferable skills.
We explore where we can find roles in learning technology and learning design and chat about the need to put yourself out there - particularly the power of networking on LinkedIn!
In this episode, we also explore:
Feeling that teaching didn’t align with her values anymore
Finding a lifeboat job to get out of school quickly
Branching into e-learning and taking on temporary roles
What a learning technologist and learning designer does
Bringing a range of teacher transferable skills to problem solving
Finding an organisation who has the same values
Why you need to be on LinkedIn when changing your career!
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
Career Change Success as a Quality Assurance Leader for NCFE
25 Jun 2024
00:35:55
Academy Alumni member Gemma talks about her interesting move from Secondary Art teacher to Quality Assurance Leader at NCFE. She shares specific examples of the skills that she evidenced in her application and interview, and how these help her in the day-to-day role.
As teachers and leaders in education, we have a wealth of quality assurance, moderation, assessment and training experiences - this episode shares another way we can use this in a very different setting.
In this episode, we also explore:
Maternity leave, lock down and competing with her pre-children teacher self
Financially preparing to leave teaching
Knowing that feeling sad doesn’t make it the wrong decision
The wealth of teacher transferable skills and how to reference them
Translating job specifications and understanding what they mean
Preparing for her interview and giving great examples
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
Amy shares her adventure after teaching, setting up an alternative provision centre where she now employs a small team of teachers.
In business for two years, we talk about her early experiences working in different settings before exploring the practicalities of securing a space, compliance and working with local schools. A must listen for anyone passionate about teaching on your own terms!
In this episode we explore:
Feeling the call to create high quality holistic provision for young people
What to know about setting up an alternative provision centre
How running a centre is similar to managing a classroom or department
What to consider when looking for a space
The relationship between the local authority and schools in placing students
Amy’s day-to-day in the centre and taking the best bits of teaching with her
Managing and growing the business in the future
Top tips for teachers wanting to follow a similar path
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Academy member Paul shares his teacher career change journey with us - from teaching internationally to securing a role as an Outreach Officer at “Make Happen”, a company working in partnerships with local university and disadvantaged schools to increase access advice and info to students, teachers and parents on reality of higher and university education.
He enjoys a hybrid role with time at home and the ability to truly switch off evenings and weekends. Paul's day-to-day gives a fascinating insight into the sorts of skills and experiences universities and charities who work with them are looking for.
In this episode we explore:
Finding support from a community of teachers leaving
Making the most of LinkedIn when job searching
Evidencing project management and events management in the interview process
What school outreach looks like day-to-day
Feeling the benefits of work-life balance
Facing imposter syndrome on the career change journey
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 Academywhich will help successfully you leave the classroom!
And if you've seen an Outreach Officer role and would love some help translating your teacher skills, check out my popular CVs & Resumes for Teacher Career Changecourse.
Delivering Training in Schools and Developing Partnerships as a Regional Manager
31 May 2024
00:29:18
Angela was a Secondary Languages teacher who mentored ECTs before moving on to be a Regional Manager for a Financial Education Charity. Angela has the best of both worlds, working hybrid from home and also visiting schools.
We chat about the skills you have for similar roles developing partnerships with schools and other organisations.
In this episode we chat about:
How Angela knew it was time to walk away from teaching
Finding us through the Adventures After Teaching Podcast and help from the Summer Bootcamp
Evidencing transferable skills on applications and finding roles
Being assertive in asking for feedback and making initial contact
Setting up a new regional division and using “teacher skills” in her day-to-day role
Upskilling her subject knowledge and enjoying be paid to do CPD
Networking and developing partnership development skills
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 Academywhich will help successfully you leave the classroom!
And if you've seen a training role and would love some help translating your teacher skills, check out my popular CVs & Resumes for Teacher Career Changecourse.
Academy alumni Kate was a Secondary Dance department lead who now works for the Diabetes Team within her local NHS as a Diabetes Educator. Working in the local community has allowed Kate to bring her enthusiasm and passion to a new role training others with the support of her clinical colleague.
Kate describes her varied week and the tools that helped her make a successful transition. A really inspirational listen!
In this episode we chat about:
Knowing where to start when dance is all you know
Listening to the "Stay or Go?" session in her caravan
Recovering from burnout and rebuilding her confidence
The NHS application process
Her varied day-to-day and lack of Sunday dread!
A supportive one month induction process
All the best bits about her role and new found 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 Academywhich will help successfully you leave the classroom!
Deputy to Libraries Development & Engagement Officer
27 May 2024
00:30:16
Claire is an Academy Alumni who moved from her position of Deputy in a Primary school to Development & Engagement Officer with her local libraries team. She has an amazingly varied role which mixes event management, programme development, team leadership and reporting, all while working with interesting partners across the local area. Claire shares a wealth of gold in this episode!
In this episode we chat about:
Battling the “mum guilt” as a senior leader in school (2:33)
Clicking into place with the “Summer Bootcamp”
Getting stuck into the community calls
Refining the job search process using keywords
Enjoying managing a team, event management, programme development… (11:54)
Working with a team who are proud of her teaching background
A very human interview process and supportive onboarding
Top tips for working in engagement and events (and libraries!)
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 Academywhich will help successfully you leave the classroom!
And if you've seen a Libraries role and would love some help translating your teacher skills, check out my popular CVs & Resumes for Teacher Career Changecourse.
“I do love teaching … but I do not like the system.”
Primary Teacher and Outdoor Learning Lead, Pauline was struggling with serious burnout. She tried a change of key stage and reduced hours but continued to feel like teaching was “just not the same anymore.”
Pauline’s new adventure started with an idea … gardening! Over the last year, she has turned this passion for outdoor learning into an everyday reality. Now a Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) Practitioner, she combines part-time charity work with growing her own business, connecting both children and adults with nature to support their wellbeing and learning.
We also explore:
Accepting “it’s not me”
Recognising the need for rest (getting signed-off sick)
Embracing semi-retirement
Doors opening through volunteering work
Connecting with others again after experiencing burnout
Enjoying a more relaxed and flexible working environment
Working with vulnerable groups
Where to look if you’re interested in similar opportunities
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
In this episode, Jo chats to Wendy about how she became a children's coach. Wendy felt trapped in teaching and joined the academy as she transitioned out. After exploring different options, Wendy found the path that allowed her to follow her passion and her business adventure began.
This episode also explores: - Transitioning out of teaching. - Finding other income sources. - How to niche and build a business. - Wendy's day to day. - Developing social media skills. - Wendy's future business plans. - Top tips for starting a coaching business.
As Wendy says: "I just love the variety of what I am doing and the freedom!"
Links and resources: Find out more about Wendy's coaching business by exploring her:
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
From Early Years Teacher to Youth Wellbeing Officer
28 Nov 2023
00:27:53
In this fascinating chat, Jo discovers how Michelle planned her exit from teaching by following her passion for outdoor learning. Michelle shares a lot of interesting information about becoming a Forest Schools Leader and how this allowed her to transition into her role of youth wellbeing officer for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
In this episode, we also explore: - Following your passion to exit the classroom. - Transferable skills gained from teaching. - How to gain volunteering experience. - Michelle's day to day. - How to find a sense of belonging in a new team. - Forest school training, resources and job opportunities. - Michelle's top tips.
If you're looking for step-by-step support to recover from burnout, 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 interesting episode, Jo chats with Tom an electronic engineer & ex-teacher, who followed his passion and started a tech camp to fill the long summer holidays. This passion soon turned from a hobby into a thriving full-time business providing good quality holiday wrap-around provision.
Some great advice for any budding business owners out there!
In this episode, we also explore: - How to gain experience to create your own business dream. - Finding good business guidance. - The importance of identifying gaps in your own capabilities. - How to grow your own business. - What skills and knowledge can be transferred from teaching across into business. - Top tips for creating your own niche business.
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
In this inspiring episode, Jo chats with Arthur about how he transitioned from being a secondary maths teacher to an online tutor. They delve into the different types of tutoring work that is available for teachers wanting to leave. Arthur shares how being honest with yourself and really understanding what you want will allow you to create a tutoring business with the work life balance you desire.
In this episode, we also explore: - How to find clients and grow your business. - The technical set up needed. - Finding a community to support you. - What the day to day looks like for an online tutor. - Understanding the reason behind why you are leaving teaching. - How to manage your money. - Top tips for becoming an online tutor.
As Arthur says: "You have to find what works for you!"
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
In this interesting episode, Jo talks to Rachael about how her past life experiences and transferable skills led her to becoming a Funeral Arranger. Rachael shares how she came to realise teaching wasn't the career for her and how she identified her needs and boundaries within work. This is a wonderful story of self-discovery in which Rachael shares how she's crafted a new career aligned with where she is in her life now. Warning - this episode does contain content about death, grief and mental illness.
In this episode, we also explore:
Reaching the decision to leave teaching.
Being able to reflect and discover your core values and beliefs.
The skills needed to be a Funeral Arranger.
The interview process.
What Rachael's working week looks like.
As Rachael says: "When you are going into a different career, you sometimes need to dip your toe in and see what it is like!"
If you're looking for step-by-step support to recover from burnout, 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 chats to Jenny, who decided to take a risk and create her own business following her passion of running and being outdoors. Jenny shares how a career shift towards pastoral and wellbeing support, led her to dream of being her own boss. All the puzzle pieces fell into place allowing her to create a wonderful business focused around coaching, running and mountain walking. This is a great episode for those in the community who would love to follow their passion and grow a business they love!
In this episode we also explore:
- How to transition slowly into your new business. - Marketing and messaging. - How to identify your priorities. - Jenny’s day to day. - How to discover your business niche. - Understanding and reflecting upon your own core values. - Top tips for starting a wellbeing business.
As Jenny says: " I went on a journey and I found a new self!"
Links and Resources: Find out more about Jenny's amazing business - Jenny Bushell Adventures by checking out her website, Instagram and Facebook pages.
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Jo chats to Steph about leaving teaching and becoming a key accounts manager in the waste management industry. Steph had worked in this industry before going into primary teaching and found her way back several years later! Steph shares how she had to leave teaching for her own mental wellbeing and how she's gained a much better work life balance outside of the classroom.
In this episode, we also explore: - Reasons for leaving the classroom. - What an account manager role involves. - The transferable teaching skills that account managers need. - The day to day of an account manager. - Future opportunities for Steph. - Top tips for account manager 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 successfully you leave the classroom!
And if you've seen an Account Manager role and would love some help translating your teacher skills, check out my popular course CVs & Resumes for Teacher Career Change .
Jo chats with Craig about making the brave decision to leave teaching before reaching burnout and how he landed his new role as an Account Manager. Together, they delve into the account manager role and how teachers have the skills and experience to make great client engagement managers. Craig shares how he now enjoys working at a slower, less pressurised pace with a constant feeling of achievement and being valued.
In this episode, we also explore: - Reaching the decision to leave teaching. - What Craig's day to day looks like. - How to find Account Manager roles. - Enjoying a new career after teaching. - Progression within the business sector. - Top tips for becoming an Account Manager.
Links and resources:
If you're looking for step-by-step support to recover from burnout, find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom.
Jo chats to Wendy, who is now an education assessor and centre manager, about how she found a pathway where she could continue teaching and imparting knowledge without all the politics and policy burdens of schools. She shares how transferable our teaching skills are and how our experiences can be used to support others in their learning. As Wendy says: "The skills we've got as teachers are second to none!"
In this episode, we also explore: - Wendy's varied professional career. - Qualification pathway to become an assessor. - The importance of relationship skills in the role of an assessor. - What Wendy's week to week looks like. - How to set up as an assessor. - The grieving process when leaving the classroom and starting a new career. - Top tips for becoming an assessor.
If you've seen a job you'd love to apply for and need some help rebranding your teacher skills, check out my popular CVs for Teacher Career Change course, packed with video walk throughs, CV templates, done-for-you language examples, guidance on cover letters and much more!
In this fascinating chat, Jo catches up with Helen to explore how her ceramics business has transitioned and blossomed in a year. Helen had reached the decision that she loved teaching but not in schools, and took her passion for ceramics to create workshops for the community. Helen shares how she has used her transferrable teaching skills to help this business grow.
In this episode, we also explore: - Developing a business pathway using your creative passion. - Understanding the journey of being self employed. - Finding windows of opportunities. - Developing your own networks and connections. - Understanding the different emotions you encounter on the journey. - Helen's future dreams and ideas.
As Helen says: "You can make your dreams come true!"
Links and resources: Have a look at Helen's beautiful ceramics and the workshops she has coming up by exploring her: Instagram Facebook Website.
If your looking for step-by- step support for finding and securing a new job or creating your own business, check out the Adventures after Teaching Academy, which will help you successfully leave the classroom.
Former History Teacher and Head of Sixth Form, Kirsty loved her school but was fed up with the constraints of teaching … working long evenings and regular weekends, as well as having no flexibility around holidays.
Now working in Consultancy (with an epic job title that you won’t want to miss!), in this episode Kirsty details her journey out of the classroom, from “feeling my way around in the dark by myself” to using networking, work experience opportunities and the support of the Academy to help secure her new dream role.
We also explore:
Leaving before burnout
Dealing with the overwhelm of job hunting
Taking ‘messy action’ to get started
The benefits of finding a like-minded community
Being attracted to sales roles - creativity and reward!
Braving phone calls
The power of LinkedIn
Different styles of interview
Opportunities for Maths teachers in the actuarial space
Enjoying continuous learning, freedom and her first holiday outside of term time!
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
Jo chats with Ali about how she had to leave the classroom due to health reasons and then the road to recovery and rediscovery she has been on since. They explore the emotional rollercoaster of losing the teacher identity, learning to make life style changes and finding and re-igniting your passion when it is buried deep within.
In this episode, we also explore: - The emotions around having to leave due to ill health. - Finding a safe community to allow recovery to happen. - How to manage fatigue, burnout and all the emotions alongside. - Finding opportunities to specialise in your passion. - How to rediscover and realign with your core values and beliefs.
As Ali says: "Just be brave and find that passion!"
Links and resources: If you're looking for step-by-step support to recover from burnout, find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom.
From Classroom Teacher to Successful Published Author
20 Jun 2023
00:39:01
In this fascinating chat, Colleen, a successful published author, who was terrified of leaving the classroom had reached a crossroads in her life. For her own creative and emotional sanity, she decided to focus on her writing full time and reveals how she found her own true writing style. Colleen shares lots of wisdom, helpful tips and advice for all the would be writers, who are still in the classroom and dream about leaving. As Colleen says, "Trust the process."
In this episode, we also explore: - Fears around leaving teaching. - The disciplines needed to become a successful writer. - The emotional process behind writer's block. - How publishing deals work. - Overcoming fear and judgement of your work. - How to stay motivated to write when working. - Finding your own true writer's voice.
As Colleen shares: "Writing a book is all consuming, it's fascinating, a wonderful world to inhabit!"
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
Training and Events Administrator for Early Excellence
13 Jun 2023
00:21:45
Hannah has made the exciting transition out of the classroom and is now a Training and Events Administrator for Early Excellence. She shares her story about recognising how she needed to leave teaching and find a her new role which has allowed her the flexibility to regain a work/life balance!
This is a great episode for considering how to gain skills in support roles and how this opens doors to other opportunities.
In this episode, we also explore: - Understanding the signs Hannah wanted to leave the classroom. - Mapping a journey out of the classroom. - The interview process. - The variety in Hannah's working day. - Training and professional development. - How Hannah has regained a "calm" life. - The importance of a growth mindset and flexibility when applying for new roles.
As Hannah says: "I enjoy having my life back!"
Links and Resources
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
If you'd like some support with making your CV bespoke for different roles you're looking for, and help translating your teaching skills, check out the CVs & Resumes for Teaching Career Change Course.
Ways to become a Freelance Curriculum Writer or Independent Consultant
06 Jun 2023
00:17:37
This episode I chat about my experiences leaving the classroom! I used my transferable skills to become an Independent Literacy Consultant allowing me to share my in depth subject knowledge, expertise and passion with others.
Through exploring flexible working opportunities and networking, I transitioned into other freelance roles including curriculum design and programme development.
I share lots of advice about how you to could make the transition from the classroom into roles where you can share your passions and subject knowledge!
In this episode, I also explore: - How to set yourself up as an Independent Consultant - Ways to network and strategic planning - Finding Curriculum Writer roles - How to evidence and showcase your skills - What a Programme Developer role involves - Ideas for job searching
If you're looking for step-by-step support to recover from burnout, find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom.
As Jo says: "It's about putting yourself out there!"
Recovering from Burnout and Finding a Work/Life Balance
30 May 2023
00:37:06
Kate is now a facilitator for teachers and leaders for an education charity and enjoys a work/life balance! She joins me to talk about the messy process of recovering from burnout, regaining her confidence, and finding a new role. Kate shares how the resources in the Adventures After Teaching Academy gave her the step-by-step plan and mental support to make a career change and find the family work life balance she has strived for!
In this episode we also explore: - What teacher burnout looked like for Kate. - How the Academy helps you recover from burnout. - Taking a methodical approaches to find your new roles. - Seeing her strengths play out in her new role. - How to rebuild confidence to regaining control of life. - Top tips for teachers about making decision to leave teaching.
As Kate says: "It's about being brave and taking that first step to put yourself first."
If you're looking for step-by-step support to recover from burnout, find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom.
Adam made the exciting move from primary school teacher to Training and Development Manager for a company developing a programme for improving children's mental health. Adam explains how he has used his transferable teaching skills in his new role to create, develop and deliver workshops for developing positive mindsets for children. In this episode, we also explore: - Leaving the classroom, the notice period and being between roles. - The job application and interview processes. - The positive mindset programme Adam has created - What Adam's day-to-day looks like and the things he's learnt. - Working in an environment where you are encouraged to succeed. - Why teachers have great transferable skills for Programme Manager / Developer roles. - Top tips for teachers applying for 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 successfully you leave the classroom!
And if you've seen a Programme Manager role and would love some help translating your teacher skills, check out my popular course CVs & Resumes for Teacher Career Change .
Creating a Ceramics Business Whilst Leaving Teaching
16 May 2023
00:21:50
Helen shares her journey of turning daydreams into a reality and creating a blossoming ceramics business. Within 6 weeks of joining the Adventures After Teaching Academy, she was able to overcome her fears and start a business while still teaching full-time.
She's now left the classroom and her business has continued to grow. Helen shares the ups and downs and her excitement for the future. This is a great episode for those in the community who would love to follow their passion and start a creative business!
In this episode we also explore: - Following your dreams to create a business from your passion. - The dilemmas teachers face about leaving the classroom. - Handing in your notice and the feelings around the decision. - How the Adventures After Teaching Academy provided Helen with marketing advice and support to understand her clients. - How to discover your business niche. - Other possible income streams. - How Helen rediscovered herself and found her confidence.
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Sheena chats to us about how she made the exciting move from SENCO to Professional Organiser by creating her own business.
Sheena realised her strength was in organising and created a business that allows her to follow her passion to help people become more organised. She believes that organising skills are a valuable tool in helping with mental health. In this episode, she breaks down her journey and shares what when found most helpful when starting up on her own.
We explore: - How to create a business using your strengths and passion. - Mapping out a business and finding support in different communities. - How Sheena overcame barriers by challenging her mindset. - Becoming the face of your business. - Diversifying and developing your business. - How to grow in confidence and deal with failures.
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Becoming a Young Person's Mental Health Project Manager in the NHS
25 Apr 2023
00:25:45
Lauren made the exciting move from school leadership to a Project Management role within the NHS supporting children and young people's mental health. She's using her teaching and management skills to develop and coordinates project with multi-agency teams, while pursuing her passion for mental health. She shares her journey to a new balanced life working from home!
In this episode we also explore: - Finding support and sharing the teacher career change journey. - How Lauren explored the idea of Project Management and working for the NHS. - Her experience preparing her application, using research and key words. - Getting ready for the interview and how it differed from teaching. - What her day-to-day looks like and the variety of skills she's using. - Creating balance while working remotely. - Considering completing the Prince2 project management certification. - Top tips for teachers applying for 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 successfully you leave the classroom!
And if you've seen a Project Management role and would love some help translating your teacher skills, check out my popular course CVs & Resumes for Teacher Career Change .
Becs is now an Educational and Professional Development Officer for an Environmental body and enjoys a much calmer pace! Bec joins me to talk about her successful transition into a part-time remote role which allows her to be at home for her children whilst growing her career. She shares how the resources in the Adventures After Teaching Academy gave her the step-by-step plan and mental support to make a career change as a teacher.
In this episode we also explore: - Finding accountability to make a move. - Getting the first job she went for! - Seeing her strengths playing out in her new role. - Enjoying living all year and not just the holidays. - Passing on career coaching to students. - Top tips for teachers on the fence with their resignation.
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
"I'm living life all the time and not craving the holidays... I get to live all year."
Stepping Away Confidently: Moving on from School Senior Leadership
15 Oct 2024
00:27:14
With so much love for her school and all that she’d achieved in her teaching career, Co-Headteacher Charlotte made the difficult decision to pursue a career change after “feeling depleted rather than energised.”
Now in a brand new (recently promoted!) role as ‘Assistant Director, Programme Leader’ for a leading educational CPD organisation, Charlotte shares her journey to experiencing joy and passion for a new sector. In this episode, she talks about finding a job that encompasses some of the ‘best bits’ of teaching, utilises all of her amazing leadership skills, and gives her so much more flexibility to enjoy time with her family.
We also explore:
Exiting from senior leadership roles - and the additional challenges this can present!
Stepping away confidently
Using supply as a ‘safety net’
Networking to explore the reality of new roles
Building an amazing CV and cover letter
Trust and confidence in a new role
Working in a new way
Top tips for getting into programme management - from a hiring manager!
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
Deb shares her journey from teacher to celebrant! Having tried everything to make teaching fulfilling again, she knew it was time to make a change. It was a revelation at a funeral that led her to realise she had all the skills, compassion and creativity to become a celebrant!
Deb is an Adventures After Teaching Academy member and shares her experiences of finding more balance in the classroom and settling her mind to growing her business. She shares the process of retraining and her exciting plans for a more creative future.
In this episode we also explore: - The difference between a celebrant and registrar! - What appealed to Deb about moving into this sector. - Finding an online training provider and what the course covered. - How the role focuses on creative writing and creativity. - Managing full-time work and retraining/studying. - How being surrounded by other teachers also moving on has inspired her. - Facing the fear of leaving and comparing this to staying.
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Shelley chats to us about her transition from Primary teaching to becoming a voice over artist. She worked her way up to deputy head before deciding there were other adventures she wanted to explore.
In this episode, Shelley breaks down how she studied while still in teaching and planned her transition which included initially taking a sabbatical. She now enjoys a varied day and enthusiastically shares the joys of voice over with us!
In this episode we also explore: - Where it all began with a love of characters and speaking to audiences. - Making the move when the world went into lock-down. - Sensing burnout coming and recognising it was time to go. - First steps and practicalities to getting into voice over work. - The variety of work Shelly enjoys. - How Shelley finds work and her favourite projects. - Top tips for teachers transitioning in this sector.
If you'd like some support creating a stand-out LinkedIn profile ready to connect with future employers or clients, check out the LinkedIn for Teacher Career Change Course.
And 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 success
Danni is joining us this week to talk about her move from Primary education to starting her own child minding company. She now enjoys working for herself and having the freedom to provide a relaxed and creative learning environment for the children in her care.
Danni shares so much gold in this episode and if you've ever wondered about starting your own childcare company, this is one not to miss.
In this episode we also explore: - The legalities of starting out as a childminder. - The difference between childminding and starting a nursery. - How to find clients in the early days. - Tapping into local support networks to learn from others. - The local demand for childminders and quality home-from-home care. - The practicalities of setting up initially. - Developing creative experiences for the children. - Ways to scale by employing others and moving to larger premises.
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
I'm joined by Matt, who after a successful career in teaching, found his next adventures working for the railway as a train manager!
Matt talks to use about the process of applying for a wide range of positions and the interview process for his job managing trains across the country.
In this episode we also explore: - The signs he wanted to leave the classroom. - The benefits which attracted Matt to the role . - The assessment process and interview against other service professionals. - Matt's day-to-day role and how his teacher skills help! - What he loves about his new career. - His advice for those of us applying for roles outside of teaching.
If you'd like some support with making your CV bespoke for different roles you're looking for, and help translating your teaching skills, check out the CVs & Resumes for Teaching Career Change Course.
And if you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academywhich will help successfully you leave the classroom!
I'm joined by the amazing Andrea who was one of the very first Adventures After Teaching Academy members! Andrea talks us through the whole process she went through to be accepted on the Police Detective graduate scheme.
This is a fascinating chat as Andrea reflects on the process of selling her teaching skills and showing how these translate brilliantly to the police.
Even if the police is not a career path for you, there is lots of great advice as Andrea explains how she approached the different styles of assessments and interviews!
In this episode we also explore: - What attracted Andrea to the police force. - What the police detective graduate scheme looks like. - The variety of roles available within the Police. - The application stages and everything they involved. - Her positive feedback from the interview process. - Andrea's skills in shooting and representing team GB!
If you'd like some support with making your CV bespoke for different roles you're looking for, and help translating your teaching skills, check out the CVs & Resumes for Teaching Career Change Course.
And if you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom!
Feeling Valued Again Working for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
14 Feb 2023
00:33:33
I'm joined by Ewan in this episode who talks to us about his adventure after teaching working as an Operations Officer for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award!
Ewan describes the process of applying for multiple different sectors and how he persevered to open as many doors as possible. Now valued in a company which prioritises mental wellbeing in their staff, Ewan has developed his confidence and enjoys working closely with schools involved in the award.
In this episode we also explore:
How Ewan found the job search process and his top tips.
What he learnt about applications and managing not being selected.
What attracted him to this specific role.
Managing a portfolio of 42 organisations and his day-to-day.
Enjoying a 9-5 work day and the mental health this brings.
If you'd like some support with making your CV bespoke for different roles you're looking for and help translating your teaching skills, check out the CVs & Resumes for Teaching Career Change Course.
And if you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom!
Content Creation, Voice Overs and Self-Publishing!
07 Feb 2023
00:21:33
Join me as I chat to Leanne about her transition from Early Years teacher to working for an educational publishing company. After leaving to pursue a Masters and securing some part-time work, lockdown hit and sent Leanne's plans into a spin!
She set to find a job and secured an interesting role as a video content creator for Twinkl and Leanne has been with the company for several years creating and editing videos for YouTube.
Leanne talks about how the flexibility of the role has allowed her to complete her Masters, forge a path in voice over and write and publish her own children's books!
In this episode we also explore:
How lockdown led her to her current role.
Finding more energy despite having several jobs.
The flexible day-to-day of a video content creator.
Balancing working from home and being part of a supportive team.
Developing voice-over roles and building a portfolio.
For plenty of FREE resources giving you practical ideas and next steps for leaving the classroom, head to www.adventuresafterteaching.com
And if you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom!
Facilities and Business Services Manger for the National Trust
31 Jan 2023
00:20:57
Join me for this interesting chat with Helen Woodhams as she explains her journey from education senior leader to working for the National Trust. Helen enjoys a varied day supporting multiple departments within the organisation and loves working across different estates and land-based projects.
In this episode Helen shares how valued she feels and how she loves being part of a supportive team, focused on employee wellbeing.
There are always a wide range of job opportunities within the National Trust and they recognise your transferable skills as a teacher. This episode is well worth a listen!
In this episode we also explore:
The importance of varying your job search.
Taking risks with temporary contracts.
Opportunities to develop with large organisations.
The transferable skills welcomed by the charity sector.
For plenty of FREE resources giving you practical ideas and next steps for leaving the classroom, head to www.adventuresafterteaching.com
And if you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help successfully you leave the classroom!
Do you enjoy coaching and mentoring colleagues? Like evaluating curriculum needs? Perhaps you still enjoy training? In this episode we talk to Alison Dale, who went from Secondary English teacher to HR & Learning and Development professional.
Alison has worked for an animal charity, a large accountancy firm (where she created their apprenticeship scheme) and now in a large law firm. Currently studying for her Level 7 certificate focusing on Diversity and Inclusion, Alison shares her route into the industry and gives advice on the best training courses to explore.
I genuinely believe HR and Learning and Development are two industries for which teachers have amazing transferable skills and I can't wait for you to listen to this golden episode!
In this episode we also explore:
How Alison used a temping agency to find work in a charity. How her role developed into learning and development. The differences and similarities between HR and Learning and Development. The courses that she's taken (and those she'd suggest if you're thinking of a career change). How she enjoys the variety of her day-to-day and what it involves. The transferable skills teachers should be highlighting for employers.
For plenty of FREE resources giving you practical ideas and next steps for leaving the classroom, head to www.adventuresafterteaching.com
And if you're looking for a supportive step-by-step programme to help you make a career change, the doors to the Adventures After Teaching Academy open soon!
Isobel Kent has had a fascinating journey which began with a background in law and music, before running a school library. She explains her path to becoming an editor and proofreader and the courses and associations available to support you to do the same.
Isobel's company specialises in editing children's books and supporting authors to get their work into schools. We chat about the ups and downs of working for yourself, the path to creating a business that makes you happy and the importance of networking.
If you have a love of language and are happiest with your nose in a book, this is a must-listen episode!
In this episode we also explore:
What proofreading and editing really are. The professional bodies and associations which can support your retraining. What the training course to qualify looks like. How your teacher skills will help you! The significance of networking from the start. Employed opportunities vs working freelance.
“Don't put too much pressure on yourself - you won't know everything.” "I'm only going to do the things that make me happy."
If you'd like to get that head start on the networking we talked about in this episode, I heartily recommend the LinkedIn for Teacher Career Change course!
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Escaping the ‘Trappedness’: Finding Joy in Work Again
08 Oct 2024
00:44:55
After losing her passion for teaching, Michala left her role as Head of Humanities and whole-school Teaching and Learning Lead to become a Training Programme Delivery Manager for a national charity.
Rather than being triggered by one thing, Michala talks in this episode about a build up of lots of little struggles that eventually motivated her decision to walk away from teaching. Despite feeling stuck initially, she recalls her husband’s words: “you can become an expert in something else again”, as well as feeling validated and encouraged listening to other ex-teachers speaking on this podcast … now she’s back to share her own inspirational story!
We also explore:
Feeling unappreciated in the classroom
Investing in yourself
The idea of choosing differently
Balancing work and job searching
Breaking down the ‘gobbledygook’ of job descriptions
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 successfully you leave the classroom!
I talk to Susan about her move from teaching English and Journalism in a high school to retraining as a copywriter. We explore the course Susan took, how she secured her first clients and how her niche developed over time.
This is a great episode if you've ever wondered if you could make money from writing online and clearly explains the difference between copywriting and content writing.
In this episode we also explore:
Finding the perfect copywriting course (3:30)
Getting her first clients (6:30)
Niching her business to clarify her services (8:30)
The best bits about working as a copywriter (11:00)
Challenges of growing a business (14:40)
The difference between writing copy and writing content (18:50)
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Creating a Franchise and Membership Supporting New Mums
08 Jul 2022
00:34:13
I talk to Emily Mills who has been out of the classroom for 10 years now building her hypnobirthing business and private hypnotherapy practice. After her own positive birth experience, Emily trained as a practitioner herself and has niched to support mothers.
In the last few years Emily has successfully franchised her classes and expanded to offer mindset support for mums in her membership and 1:1 coaching.
This is a really helpful interview for anyone interested in supporting new parents, mental health and building a community.
In this episode we also explore:
Finding the "performance" of teaching incompatible with having children (2:00) Retraining as a clinical hypnotherapist (5:00) Discovering hypnobirthing and growing her business (8:00) Niching to support parents and new mums (9:30) Emily's decision to franchise and what to consider (10:00) The business structure of Babies in Waiting (14:30) Building an online community during the pandemic (17:30) The challenges of being an entrepreneur (23:00) Enjoying the flexibility to be there for her own children (25:00)
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
Going to Work to Play! Creating Story-Based Classes and Supporting New Parents
28 Jun 2022
00:33:56
I chat to the fabulous Nikita who is the creator of the brand Story Sense. Nikita left the classroom after having her first child and when weighing up what to do for childcare realised there were no baby and toddler classes locally.
Nikita's classes are based around books she writes and provides early education opportunities, as well as lots of support for parents around issues such as feeding, sleep and metal health. Her brand is going from strength to strength and she's now franchised. Listen to how she started and her top tips for others wanting to provide classes locally.
In this episode we also explore:
Finding a gap in the market parents were willing to pay for (2:00) Building the business in the early days (4:00) Niching her classes and creating her brand (8:00) Writing books and how Nikita structures her classes (12:00) Continuing her training to support parents (14:00) The main challenges Nikita's faced and what she's learnt (20:00) Her plans to scales by franchising (27:00) Nikita's top tips for those of you wanting to start classes (29:00)
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.
A Year in the Life of a Teacher Turned Property Developer
21 Jun 2022
00:28:46
I'm joined by Joanne O'Connor who went from teaching Art to growing a property portfolio which allows her now to work very little day-to-day and have plenty of time for all the passion projects she'd been dreaming of.
Joanne is keen to share how other teachers can start to invest in property and create financial freedom for themselves and their families.
In this episode we also explore:
Joanne's first steps into property renovation (2:30)
Building her business while working (5:45)
Creating her own pension (7:20)
Learning to have more time (8:40)
Teacher transferable skills for property development (10:40)
A year in the life of a property developer (12:50)
Creating her training programme specifically for teachers (15:58)
If you're looking for step-by-step support to start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Business Schooland choose from five different pathways to turn your teacher skills into a business you LOVE.