"Life is far too short."

Former primary school teacher Emma spent 10 years in the classroom before making the leap to a Programme Officer role at a university. While she knew early on teaching wasn't her "forever career," the decision to leave was still incredibly difficult. After facing rejection in education-adjacent roles, Emma found support through the Adventures After Teaching community, learning to translate her experience and work through the grief of "if I'm not a teacher, then what am I?"

Now enjoying a hybrid work schedule and supportive team environment, she's rediscovered what it means to feel lighter, more present, and aligned with her values.

In this episode, we also talk about:

• The grief of leaving your teacher identity behind
• Dealing with rejection sensitivity
• Breaking the hyperachiever cycle and learning to rest
• Translating teacher skills for Programme Officer roles
• Why the journey might take a little longer than you think (and that's okay)
• The (good!) culture shock of starting a new job outside of teaching
• Enjoying simple freedoms in a new role (toilet breaks and uninterrupted lunch!)
• Finding camaraderie in a supportive team and asking questions without guilt
• Hybrid working and workplace adjustments
• Being present at home and improved work-life balance

If you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help you successfully leave the classroom! 

Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.