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Kitty White never imagined she’d leave teaching - she was in it for life. 

But after years of battling anxiety, disillusionment, and a crushing sense of being lost, she made a brave leap out of the classroom and into something completely different. 

In this powerful episode, Kitty reflects on the emotional toll teaching took on her, how she slowly rebuilt herself, and how she found new purpose (and peace) as the Business Development Manager of Cozy Holiday Cottages in the Yorkshire Dales.

Her story is full of raw honesty, gentle humour, and hope - and reminds us that it’s never too late to choose yourself.

Useful links :

Website - https://cozyholidaycottages.co.uk/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cozyholidaycottages/

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💚 This episode is proudly sponsored by the National Teaching and Advisory Service (NTAS) a brilliant organisation supporting children and young people not in mainstream education through one-to-one teaching. If you’re a teacher looking for a more flexible, meaningful way to use your skills outside the classroom, NTAS are always looking for passionate professionals to join them.

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

What happens when a dedicated teacher realises that the career she once loved is no longer the right fit? In this episode, we sit down with Rachael Daniel, who made the bold decision to step away from teaching and carve out a new path.

Rachael takes us through the highs and lows of her transition - from the moment she knew she had to leave, to the doubts that nearly held her back, and the surprising opportunities that opened up once she took the leap. She shares how she navigated financial fears, rediscovered her confidence, and built a career that aligns with her values and passions.

Expect raw honesty, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration for anyone considering a major career shift. If you’re feeling stuck in a job that no longer serves you, Rachael’s story might just be the nudge you need.

🎧 Listen now and get ready to rethink what’s possible.

A big shout-out to our sponsor, Full of Beans!

If you’re a teacher looking for a new direction but still want to make a difference in children's lives, Full of Beans could be the perfect opportunity. They offer sports and fitness coaching for kids, helping to build confidence, teamwork, and a love of movement. Whether you're looking for a full-time career shift or a flexible side hustle, Full of Beans is always on the lookout for passionate educators who want to inspire the next generation.

Check them out in the show notes or visit their website HERE to learn more!

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

This week on The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Grant Decker – a former teacher whose love for music led him to open his own record shop. After years in the classroom, supporting students with complex needs, Grant realised it was time for a change.

In this episode, he shares his inspiring journey from education to entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing work and family, and how he built a thriving business from his passion for vinyl.

Thinking about your own exit strategy? 

Grant’s story is proof that it can be done!

Useful links :

https://linktr.ee/vinylshakedownrecords

https://www.facebook.com/vinylshakedown

https://www.instagram.com/vinylshakedown

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 

P.S. Big shoutout to our sponsors, the National Teaching & Advisory Service (NT&AS), who do incredible work supporting children who aren't in mainstream education. They provide one-to-one teaching, working with young people who need that extra bit of care, whether they're in foster care, have additional needs, or just need help getting back on track. If you're a teacher looking for a change but still want to make a difference, they are always on the lookout for passionate educators. Check out ntas.org.uk and see how you can get involved!

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Paul Lennon, a former teacher with 28 years of experience in secondary schools across the UK and around the world. Paul started his career as a PE teacher, eventually working his way up to head of department, assistant principal, and IB Diploma Coordinator.

But his journey took an unexpected and deeply challenging turn when he found himself in a toxic school environment that left him battling anxiety, self-doubt, and ultimately a panic attack that forced him to walk away.

Paul shares:

 ·  His fascinating globetrotting teaching career, from Japan to Africa to Russia and beyond
 

·  The power struggles and bullying culture that made his final school unbearable
 

·  The moment he physically couldn’t enter the building—and the turning point that followed
 

· How leaving education led him to a new career in the NHS, where he’s found professional fulfilment and purpose

This is an eye-opening conversation about resilience, leadership, and what happens when great teachers are pushed out by toxic cultures. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job that no longer aligns with your values, Paul’s story will resonate deeply.

🎧 Listen now and discover how he rebuilt his life after teaching.

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

In this second part to Hollie Jones’ story, we dive deeper into her legal battle for workplace justice, the emotional toll of discrimination, and the life-changing shift that followed.

After an appalling "well-being" call that questioned her ADHD diagnosis, Hollie knew she was facing more than ignorance - she was up against systemic failure. 

With unwavering determination, she documented every step, stood her ground, and ultimately forced those in power to reckon with their treatment of neurodivergent staff.

In this episode, Hollie shares:

• How she fought back through grievance procedures and legal action.
• The psychological impact of being gaslit and sidelined by leadership.
• The power of a paper trail—and why every neurodivergent employee should keep one.
• How she found a fulfilling new career advocating for neurodiversity in schools.

Hollie's is a story of demanding change, knowing your worth, and proving that neurodivergent professionals belong in every workplace.

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

In this powerful two-part episode, we sit down with Hollie Jones, a former teacher turned neurodiversity practitioner, whose journey out of the classroom is one of resilience, advocacy, and hard-won justice.

Hollie always believed teaching was her lifelong career - until she faced systemic barriers, discrimination, and a lack of understanding about neurodivergent needs in the workplace. What started as a request for simple, reasonable adjustments quickly spiralled into a legal battle for her rights.

In this first part of her story, Hollie opens up about:

• The reality of masking in education and the impact of undiagnosed ADHD.
• The subtle and overt ways workplace discrimination manifests.
• The breaking point that forced her to step away from the profession she loved.

Hollie's journey is one about standing up, speaking out, and setting a precedent for others facing similar challenges.

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

In today's episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Ruth O’Neill, an educator who spent over 20 years in the classroom before stepping into a new role as a SEND consultant and English tutor. Ruth’s journey took her from teaching in the UK to classrooms in Cairo and Costa Rica, before returning home to take on a challenging SENCO role. Over time, the pressures of the role, increasing workload, and systemic challenges pushed her to breaking point.

Ruth opens up about the realities of working in SEND, the emotional and professional toll of the job, and how she ultimately found a new, fulfilling way to use her expertise outside of traditional education. 

Now, she supports families navigating the SEND system, helps children access the right support, and provides English tuition—all on her own terms.

If you’ve ever wondered what life after teaching could look like, or if you’re a SENCO questioning your next steps, this episode is for you.

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

This week’s episode is a powerful one. We sit down with Sarah Cowen, a former drama teacher who never planned to teach—until she fell in love with the profession. But after 18 years, she faced the realisation that her boundaries, well-being, and identity had been eroded over time.

Sarah’s story is one of deep reflection, empowerment, and transition. 

Now working as Head of Domestic Abuse Services, she shares:

✨ How she went from ‘accidental teacher’ to Mary Poppins of education, parachuting into struggling departments and making them thrive.

✨ The toxic relationship parallels between teaching and her work in domestic abuse advocacy.

✨ The exact moment she decided to leave—triggered by the now-famous Pit Pony video.

⏳ Why she once fantasised about being hospitalised for six months just to escape work.

This conversation is raw, honest, and so relatable for anyone who has ever normalised the unacceptable in teaching.

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

Welcome to another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible transformations our guests have experienced since leaving the classroom.

In this episode, we hear from:

✨ Leanne Herring – from teacher to voice artist & content creator.

✨ Mark Thompson – from teacher to TV & film chaperone.

✨ Amy MacDonald – from teacher to forest school leader & content creator.

Each of these stories is a powerful reminder that life after teaching can be filled with joy, fulfillment, and unexpected opportunities.

☕ Support the podcast! If you love these stories, help keep them coming by buying us a coffee.

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...

Today, we sit down with Katie Stone, a former primary school teacher who left the classroom after facing work-related stress and the pressures of an informal support plan. Katie opens up about the emotional toll of teaching, the challenges of leaving, and how she found a new path that gave her both freedom and fulfilment.

Now the owner of a successful virtual assistant agency, Katie shares how she turned her organisational skills, multitasking abilities, and work ethic - honed in teaching - into a thriving business supporting education professionals. From dealing with rejection sensitivity to embracing entrepreneurship, this is a powerful  story about resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming control over your career and life.

We also discuss the controversial role of "support plans" in education, their impact on teachers, and why so many educators are forced to exit instead of being truly supported.

🎙️ Listen now and discover how Katie built a career on her own terms—one that allows her to attend school nativities, travel the world, and support her family while doing work she loves.

📌 Resources & Links:

🔗 Visit Katie's Website Here
🔗 National Tutors Conference – Get Your Ticket
🔗 Buy Us a Coffee – Support the Podcast

Send us a message.

Buy Us a Coffee ☕️

Loving the Pit Pony Podcast?

If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running.

Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories.

https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub

Voice Message Us:
You can send us a voice message EASILY, whether it be a question, comment, review or anything you like! And if we like it, we'll feature your message on an upcoming episode.
https://www.speakpipe.com/pitponypodcast

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in our podcast there are organisations who can help (click to access their webpages):

• Education Support
• The Samaritans
• Mind
• Andy's Man Club

Join Us:

• Hit subscribe to the Pit Pony Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes – we’ve got some brilliant stories coming up from teachers wh...