"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! 

Looking for clarity & confidence around your decision to leave teaching plus ideas for what to do next? Our much-loved FREE Stay or Go? Workshop is back for 2026! Sign up here and we'll send it straight to your inbox on Saturday 4th April ✨