After years as a primary class teacher and PE leader, Lauren knew it was time to leave. The decision came down to her health and wellbeing, and stepping away from teaching meant stepping into real uncertainty - trying different things, juggling multiple roles at once, and figuring out what she actually wanted.

Now working with young people as a Programme Manager across the creative industries, Lauren has found a role that gives her everything teaching couldn't - variety, creative thinking, and the feeling that she's finally using her brain in the way she always wanted to.

In this episode, we also talk about:

• Navigating a "squiggly" exit from teaching
• Working as a chaperone in TV and film - and what it revealed
• When task-switching gives you energy
• Attending our free summer event before joining the Academy
• Putting theory behind practice with the Project Management Fundamentals course
• Using mindset resources to make the transition well
• Growing in confidence on LinkedIn
• Using the interview booklet to reframe transferable skills
• Early worries - and how they played out
• Highlights from the first year
• Moving from fixed-term to permanent - and what's next

Links:
Project Management Fundamentals Training

⛺ Next Step Fest 2026 is coming! FREE online event for teachers ready to leave ~ released 23rd July. Register here now 🩷