How long have you been debating leaving teaching? I remember trying all sorts to make the role more manageable... moving school, reducing my hours, trying the get more organised.
There comes a point where you really have to ask yourself, βWhat if the only answer is to move on completely?β
I did 15 years as a teacher and leader, enjoying roles in state and private schools, teaching pupils from Year 1 to Year 8. I lead departments, specialised in early intervention and was an assistant SENCO and Local Authority Trainer. For many years I thought I loved my job and it was my life.
But now, when I reflect on those years, I know there were very few weeks (even days) where I wasn't suffering with incredibly high levels of stress. I normalised this way of living - the reactiveness, the dis-regulation, the lack of time to recover before starting again.
Burnout for me was the sense of disengagement and a lack of energy, as my whole being began to withdraw. Even in this shut down, I suffered ruminating thoughts, poor sleep and chronic tension headaches. Balancing lesson planning, marking, and supporting my students while trying to be present for my family left me overwhelmed and feeling like I couldn't perform to the level I once did. That shouldn't have been surprising considering I could no longer use the evenings and weekends to mop up the unrealistic demands of the work-day!
One night, while reading to my son, I realised the low-level irritation I felt, willing the book to be done so I could get on with the pile of marking I had to do... In that moment I knew there must be so many other high-achieving, passionate parents who were feeling the same about juggling family and work. Not able to do any one part of their life well. I looked online for a coaching certification that focused on supporting others to manage their energy to lead without burnout.
Initially I didn't really want anything to do with education. π«£ I was training to be a yoga teacher and wanted to create a coaching programme that incorporated retreats (something I think I'll still do one day!). But actually, many of the women leaders I supported, were going through exactly the same issues as those in education. The drive to help others, to do more and sacrifice, while feeling underserving in taking time for themselves was consistent.
I soon started working exclusively with teachers and leaders, mostly burnt out, and either signed off with work-related stress or considering whether they needed to leave. I realised quickly that as I supported clients with their self-belief, their boundaries and their values, that they all chose themselves over the job and left. It was a big thing for me at the time to declare I was going to help teachers to leave - I imagined the outrage and judgement on social media! But I told myself the system was breaking, and it should always be a choice that educators sacrifice them selves and their families; they shouldn't feel trapped in the belief it was all they could do.
In 2021 I created Adventures After Teaching, it's name a positive take on what was becoming a draining topic for so many online. With core values of community, freedom and adventure, I launched my Adventures After Teaching podcast, to showcasing exciting career changes fellow teachers had made and began growing my Facebook group to offer an inspiring place to ask questions and get ideas.
I had supported many friends, family members and clients to secure new jobs and had become very good at selling myself while managing imposter syndrome and battling with my confidence. Since training as a coach, I've also certified as a CBT-hypnotherapist, which helps significantly with clients when rebuilding their self-esteem.
I've now helped 100s of teachers to understand how to use their transferable skills and walk away from the classroom - without the guilt! We've secured so many varied and exciting roles and even have our own dedicated jobs board. The community is blossoming and as a company, we've led the way for teachers to celebrate their time teaching and feel good about starting a new chapter. π
When you choose to work with Adventures After Teaching Ltd, you're joining an experienced and supportive community. We co-create a transformative journey, combining practical, actionable steps to keep you moving forward, while also guiding you to unravel years of living with other peoples' priorities to find what's aligned for you.
The transformational Adventures After Teaching Academy Membership provides accessible, specialised career change support for educators, combining the community and layered coaching you need to confidently find your next career.