The Adventures After Teaching Podcast
Episodes
"They're Already Investing in Me": Finding a Role That Values Your Growth
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"I don’t miss the school holidays."After 25 years in the classroom, the last several as Head of Health and Social Care, Jessica reached a ...
On Your Own Terms: Finding Flexibility and Family Time After Teaching
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
" The biggest change for me is just noticing how much more energy I have for my children."Former teacher John-Paul reached a turning point d...
Choosing Yourself: Loving and Leaving Teaching
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"We underestimate how brilliant we are as teachers."Former primary teacher Rachel left the classroom when work-related stress began affectin...
Reclaiming Flexibility: Building a Business on Your Own Terms
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
“Everything I put in, I know I’m building something.”Sarah had always admired entrepreneurs but never imagined starting a business of her very o...
Breaking Through Burnout: A Headteacher's Journey to Charity Leadership
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"I definitely wouldn't have got there as quickly as I did without the support from the Academy.”After 18 years as a headteacher and over 3...
Full Circle: Rebuilding a Career on Your Own Terms
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"Don't be afraid to speak up and negotiate your terms."Former Deputy Head and SENDCO Catherine left a role she loved when burnout, wear...
You Haven't Missed the Boat: Career Change at Any Stage
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
“For the first time in my life I was very unsure about where I was headed and what I could do differently to teaching because I'd been doing it...
Quality Time Over Crisis Management: Escaping the Stress Cycle
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"There is another side, and it's life-changing."Former Head of School, Sarah spent 13 years in teaching before deciding to listen to he...
Laying the Groundwork: Why Starting Early Matters in Career Transition
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I do not feel that sheer tiredness that I did when I was finishing a school day.”Former Early Years Teacher Tina Harrison spent 13 years in the c...
Finding Presence Beyond the Classroom in a Programme Officer Role
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Life is far too short."Former primary school teacher Emma spent 10 years in the classroom before making the leap to a Programme Officer rol...
Taking Back Evenings: Autonomy and Purpose in a Grants Officer Role
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“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 prim...
From Burnout to Balance: Life as an Employability Team Leader
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"There is light at the end of the tunnel."Former secondary school French teacher in Scotland, Laura left the profession after five years, ha...
From Teaching to Curriculum Writing: A Journey Made Together
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The right role at the right time for the right people.Two former primary teachers, Emma and Victoria, share their inspiring journey of leaving the cla...
Community, Confidence and Career Change: Moving into Project Management
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"I've never had so many people literally bending over backwards to support me with anything that I want to do." Former secondary scien...
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway: Finding Balance as an Apprenticeship Coach
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"If all these people are able to get jobs, I'm able to get a job."Former teacher Rich had been in the profession for a long time when t...
From Classroom to Consultancy: Still Making an Impact
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"I definitely felt loaded with more tools and belief in myself."Secondary English teacher and Head of KS3, Camilla left teaching a few years...
Overcoming the Anxiety of 'What's Next?'
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I just knew that I had to make that change.”In a supportive school but with her own changing priorities, Primary and Early Years Teacher Georgia ...
From Tough Decisions to Freelance Freedom
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s okay to prioritise yourself sometimes.”Passionate about supporting emotional wellbeing in both children and adults, Katie was an experienc...
Getting Your Life Back: New Possibilities After Maternity Leave
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“If they can do it, I can do it.”Former Primary Deputy Head Natalie was on her second maternity leave when she decided to explore her career optio...
Lots to Love in a New Career: Exploring Transferable Skills for Product Management
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s about the right role at the right time.”After spending 14 years teaching mostly in Further Education, Head of Faculty Gareth left the clas...
A World of Difference: The Journey to a Community Education Role
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we hear from the wonderful Selini, a former primary school teacher who has made an inspiring transition to become a Community Education Coo...
A New Pace in the Civil Service: Challenge, Enjoyment and Opportunity
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“What’s the worst that could happen?”Former Primary Headteacher Adam, loved the job but wanted to move on before he reached the point of burnout...
Becoming a Project Manager: No Regrets for a New Chapter
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s given me my life back.”Head of Drama Lauren loved many aspects of teaching but found that the out of hours working expectations were simpl...
Working with Wildlife: Overcoming Slow Burnout to Find Career Change Joy
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I didn’t realise it … I think I was slowly burning out.”Reception Teacher Georgi followed her passions into the world of education, but felt ...
From Anxious to Happy: Renewed Energy in a New Role
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Once a Secondary Drama Teacher and Head of Drama, Serena felt frustrated with the “other elements” of teaching and wanted more time to focus on th...
Taking the Plunge into the Wider World
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I’ve got to try something different.”Former History Teacher and Assistant Head, Simon remembers “running on empty all the time”. Following ...
"It's Life-Changing": Rediscovering Life After Burnout
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“It had taken over my entire life.”Associate Assistant Headteacher and Head of Geography, Victoria found her ‘4 day working week’ became a 50-...
Putting the ‘Life’ Back into Work-Life Balance
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“It was fantastic until it wasn’t so fantastic anymore”Primary Deputy Head Giselle took a lot of positives from her teaching career, spending 23...
Coping, Not Thriving: Falling Out of Love with Teaching
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“It wasn’t a choice anymore … I had to go.”After 21 years of teaching in Secondary schools, Lucy found herself falling out of love with the jo...
“I Feel Completely Different”: Exploring Diagonal Steps in Teacher Career Change
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I can’t be in this position next year.”Primary teacher Vicky loved so many things about teaching but, after 20 years in the classroom, she foun...
Stimulation Without Stress: Landing A Role That Ticks All The Boxes
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I wouldn’t go back.”Special school Assistant Head Clare was always taking care of others around her … not realising the impact that burnout w...
It’s Time to Let Loose! Being Open to New Possibilities on Your Teacher Career Change Journey
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I can’t do this anymore.”Secondary Science teacher, Susanna, was done with the classroom - but not with teaching! Still with a great passion fo...
Reigniting a Passion for Working with Young People: Fulfilment, Flexibility & Fun!
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I’m not prepared to give up any more of my personal life” After spending 12 years teaching in special needs schools, Assistant Head Rachel lov...
A Story of Self-Rediscovery: Battling Chronic Illness whilst Job Hunting
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of our earliest Academy members, Laura joined Adventures After Teaching three years ago. After 17 years teaching Secondary Maths whilst also deali...
Turning a ‘Pie in the Sky’ Dream into a Reality
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“I do love teaching … but I do not like the system.”Primary Teacher and Outdoor Learning Lead, Pauline was struggling with serious burnout. She ...
Leaving with Love: Finding Freedom Before Burnout
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Former History Teacher and Head of Sixth Form, Kirsty loved her school but was fed up with the constraints of teaching … working long evenings and r...
Stepping Away Confidently: Moving on from School Senior Leadership
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With so much love for her school and all that she’d achieved in her teaching career, Co-Headteacher Charlotte made the difficult decision to pursue ...
Escaping the ‘Trappedness’: Finding Joy in Work Again
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After losing her passion for teaching, Michala left her role as Head of Humanities and whole-school Teaching and Learning Lead to become a Training Pr...
Loving Life as a Virtual Assistant
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After 14 years as a Drama Teacher and Subject Leader of Performing Arts, Nicola moved away from the classroom and set up her own business as a Virtual...
Embracing Remote Working within the NHS
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A former Assistant Headteacher with 13 years teaching experience behind her, Amandeep transitioned out of the classroom and into an interesting new ro...
Becoming a Specialist Teacher for Inclusive Practice
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me this week where I’m chatting to Cathie about her empowering secondment into the role of Specialist Teacher for Inclusive Practice with her L...
Senior Leader to Head of Congregational Administration & Communications
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I chat to Rachael about her move from leading Maths to finding a rewarding new role leading communications and administration in a Francisc...
Secondary History to Charity Administrations and Systems Officer
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Caroline was a Secondary History teacher who has successfully transitioned out of the classroom to become an Administrations and Systems Officer for a...
Geography Teacher to Programme Manager
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lee was a Secondary Geography teacher with additional responsibility for careers, who has successfully transitioned into Programme Management. He shar...
Deputy Head to Domestic Abuse Schools Liaison Officer
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Academy Alumni Ruth was a Deputy Head with experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and SENCO, who is now working for a Local Authority as Domesti...
Music Teacher to Learning Technology Strategist
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fran's fascinating career change has seen her move from Primary Music Teacher in a rural Primary school (along a squiggly career path) to where s...
Career Change Success as a Quality Assurance Leader for NCFE
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Academy Alumni member Gemma talks about her interesting move from Secondary Art teacher to Quality Assurance Leader at NCFE. She shares specific examp...
Setting up a Successful Alternative Provision
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amy shares her adventure after teaching, setting up an alternative provision centre where she now employs a small team of teachers. In business for tw...
Working with Universities as an Outreach Officer
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Academy member Paul shares his teacher career change journey with us - from teaching internationally to securing a role as an Outreach Officer at “M...
Delivering Training in Schools and Developing Partnerships as a Regional Manager
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Angela was a Secondary Languages teacher who mentored ECTs before moving on to be a Regional Manager for a Financial Education Charity. Angela has the...
From Low Confidence to NHS Diabetes Educator
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Academy alumni Kate was a Secondary Dance department lead who now works for the Diabetes Team within her local NHS as a Diabetes Educator. Working in...
Deputy to Libraries Development & Engagement Officer
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Claire is an Academy Alumni who moved from her position of Deputy in a Primary school to Development & Engagement Officer with her local libraries...
From Teacher to Children's Coach
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jo chats to Wendy about how she became a children's coach. Wendy felt trapped in teaching and joined the academy as she transiti...
From Early Years Teacher to Youth Wellbeing Officer
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating chat, Jo discovers how Michelle planned her exit from teaching by following her passion for outdoor learning. Michelle shares a lo...
Creating a successful summer camp business
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this interesting episode, Jo chats with Tom an electronic engineer & ex-teacher, who followed his passion and started a tech camp to fill the l...
How to Start an Online Tutoring Business
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode, Jo chats with Arthur about how he transitioned from being a secondary maths teacher to an online tutor. They delve into t...
Becoming a Funeral Arranger
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this interesting episode, Jo talks to Rachael about how her past life experiences and transferable skills led her to becoming a Funeral Arranger. R...
Wellbeing Passion to Business Adventure
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jo chats to Jenny, who decided to take a risk and create her own business following her passion of running and being outdoors. Jenny shares how a care...
Teacher to Key Account Manager
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jo chats to Steph about leaving teaching and becoming a key accounts manager in the waste management industry. Steph had worked in this industry befor...
Teacher to Accounts Manager
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jo chats with Craig about making the brave decision to leave teaching before reaching burnout and how he landed his new role as an Account Manager. ...
How to Become an Education Assessor
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jo chats to Wendy, who is now an education assessor and centre manager, about how she found a pathway where she could continue teaching and imparting ...
Turning Creative Passion into a Business
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating chat, Jo catches up with Helen to explore how her ceramics business has transitioned and blossomed in a year. Helen had reached ...
Becoming a Mentor for Young People
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jo chats with Ali about how she had to leave the classroom due to health reasons and then the road to recovery and rediscovery she has been on since. ...
From Classroom Teacher to Successful Published Author
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating chat, Colleen, a successful published author, who was terrified of leaving the classroom had reached a crossroads in her life. For...
Training and Events Administrator for Early Excellence
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hannah has made the exciting transition out of the classroom and is now a Training and Events Administrator for Early Excellence. She shares her story...
Ways to become a Freelance Curriculum Writer or Independent Consultant
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode I chat about my experiences leaving the classroom! I used my transferable skills to become an Independent Literacy Consultant allowing me...
Recovering from Burnout and Finding a Work/Life Balance
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Kate is now a facilitator for teachers and leaders for an education charity and enjoys a work/life balance! She joins me to talk about the messy proce...
Becoming a Training and Development Manager
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Adam made the exciting move from primary school teacher to Training and Development Manager for a company developing a programme for improving childre...
Creating a Ceramics Business Whilst Leaving Teaching
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Helen shares her journey of turning daydreams into a reality and creating a blossoming ceramics business. Within 6 weeks of joining the Adventures A...
Creating a Business as a Professional Organiser
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sheena chats to us about how she made the exciting move from SENCO to Professional Organiser by creating her own business. Sheena realised her strengt...
Becoming a Young Person's Mental Health Project Manager in the NHS
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren made the exciting move from school leadership to a Project Management role within the NHS supporting children and young people's mental he...
Part-Time & Remote Work to Find Balance
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Becs is now an Educational and Professional Development Officer for an Environmental body and enjoys a much calmer pace! Bec joins me to talk about he...
Retraining and Celebrating Life as a Celebrant
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Deb shares her journey from teacher to celebrant! Having tried everything to make teaching fulfilling again, she knew it was time to make a change. It...
Fancy a New Career as a Voice Over Artist?
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shelley chats to us about her transition from Primary teaching to becoming a voice over artist. She worked her way up to deputy head before deciding t...
Creating a Dream Business as a Childminder
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Danni is joining us this week to talk about her move from Primary education to starting her own child minding company. She now enjoys working for hers...
Adventures on the Railway as a Train Manager
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm joined by Matt, who after a successful career in teaching, found his next adventures working for the railway as a train manager!Matt talks to...
From Teacher to Graduate Police Detective
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm joined by the amazing Andrea who was one of the very first Adventures After Teaching Academy members! Andrea talks us through the whole proce...
Feeling Valued Again Working for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I'm joined by Ewan in this episode who talks to us about his adventure after teaching working as an Operations Officer for The Duke of Edinburgh&...
Content Creation, Voice Overs and Self-Publishing!
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I chat to Leanne about her transition from Early Years teacher to working for an educational publishing company. After leaving to pursue a ...
Facilities and Business Services Manger for the National Trust
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join me for this interesting chat with Helen Woodhams as she explains her journey from education senior leader to working for the National Trust. Hele...
Opening Doors In Learning & Development
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you enjoy coaching and mentoring colleagues? Like evaluating curriculum needs? Perhaps you still enjoy training? In this episode we talk to Alison ...
Life as an Editor and Proofreader
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Isobel Kent has had a fascinating journey which began with a background in law and music, before running a school library. She explains her path to be...
English Teacher Turned Copywriter
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I talk to Susan about her move from teaching English and Journalism in a high school to retraining as a copywriter. We explore the course Susan took, ...
Creating a Franchise and Membership Supporting New Mums
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I talk to Emily Mills who has been out of the classroom for 10 years now building her hypnobirthing business and private hypnotherapy practice. After ...
Going to Work to Play! Creating Story-Based Classes and Supporting New Parents
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I chat to the fabulous Nikita who is the creator of the brand Story Sense. Nikita left the classroom after having her first child and when weighing up...
A Year in the Life of a Teacher Turned Property Developer
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I'm joined by Joanne O'Connor who went from teaching Art to growing a property portfolio which allows her now to work very little day-to-day...
Family Flexibility as a Will Writer
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ella talks to me about her interesting journey to retraining as a will writer and how this has changed her work life balance for the better. She expla...
A Unique Journey as a Professional Embroider
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I speak to Chloe Savage who has had a fascinating Adventure After Teaching retraining as a professional embroiderer! Chloe Savage trained as a hand e...
Building A Community Around Your Self-Published Book
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join me as I chat to the amazing Anuper Roper who wrote about her relationship with body image in her picture book Sparrowlegs which she self publishe...
Building Multiple Income Streams with a Baking Business
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk to Annie Bennett, who after 30 years in education, made the move to self-employment.Annie talks about how she navigated her exi...
STEM Explorers - Taking Science Outside the Classroom
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I talk to Ruth who took her love of all thing STEM and created a busy activity class business. Ruth shares her journey from the classroom to the logis...
Teacher Turned Airbnb Business Owner
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I talk to Tracey Whitehead about her amazing adventure starting and growing her Airbnb business. Tracey turned her second home into a holiday let and ...
Creating a Play Therapy Business
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Esther Schencks talks about interesting journey from the class room as a nursery nurse and then 1:1 LSA to a play therapist.Esther and...
Forest School to Outdoor Education Business
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I talk to Ellie Smallcombe who is living the dream on her small holding in Wales with her family. Ellie was a Special Needs teacher who trained as a F...
A Slower Pace In The Financial Sector
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jo talks to Catherine who has made a complete career change from teaching to an interesting role with Deloitte. She talks about what it’s like to w...
Teacher Turned Successful Hypnotherapist
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jayne Bell is a qualified hypnotherapist who exited teaching for a better work life balance. Jayne reflects on her rewarding journey and how she built...
Turning A Side Hustle Into A Career
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jo talks to ex-languages teacher Caroline about how she developed an amazing opportunity from a side hustle to set up her own company.Caroline explain...
Supporting Early Career Teachers
22 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After moving up the career ladder in education, Alexandra decided to exit teaching to create her own business. Jo talks to Alexandra about her excitin...
Retraining As A Copywriter
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jo talks to Sarah Davis who has embarked on an exciting journey to become the Parenting Copywriter. After 26 years in teaching, Sarah decided to writ...
Creating A Successful Tutoring Agency
08 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jo talks to Jemma Zoe who shares amazing insights from her exciting journey, which has taken her teaching all over the world! Despite completing her P...