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

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 ✨