“It’s the best feeling when you’ve made that decision … it took a weight off my shoulders when I said ‘I’m gonna do this.’”

Former primary school teacher Barbara spent 12 years in the classroom, mostly teaching years five and six alongside middle leadership roles. By her seventh year, some of the excitement that she once had for the classroom had waned, and trying to fix it by changing schools or year groups just wasn't cutting it. Facing burnout and declining health, she made the brave choice to start putting herself and her well-being first. 

Now a Grants Officer at a charity celebrating young people's achievements, Barbara loves her varied role, hybrid working, true control over her schedule, and - best of all - having her evenings back!

In this episode, we also talk about:

• Making the emotionally difficult decision to leave teaching
• The critical importance of foundational work on values and mindset
• Identifying transferable skills as a confidence boost
• Breaking burnout patterns before entering a new role
• The "squiggly journey" to finding the right role
• Navigating first interviews and assessment tasks
• Salary negotiation for teachers used to pay scales
• Daily responsibilities as a grants officer
• Core teaching skills: attention to detail and adaptive communication
• Work-life balance and managing your own timetable

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.