“If they can do it, I can do it.”

Former Primary Deputy Head Natalie was on her second maternity leave when she decided to explore her career options outside of teaching. With creeping anxiety about returning to work and worries about not being present enough at home, she shares that “it had been a long time coming for me.”

Now a Neurodiversity Family Support Practitioner with the NHS, Natalie is enjoying flexibility, renewed confidence, time for professional development, and family balance in her new role. Best of all - she now has her evenings and weekends back! 

In this episode, we also talk about:

• Perfectionism vs balance
• New motherhood and returning to work 
• Dealing with feelings of failure 
• Accessing community support
• Regaining a sense of who you are
• Financial planning
• Setting job alerts and searching for similar roles
• The benefits of hybrid working
• Navigating the holidays with small children
• Top tips for intervention and well-being based roles 

Links:

1. NHS Jobs

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! 

Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.