Life Beyond Teaching
Helping ex teachers move on
Sadly, when work doesn't work any more, it's time to call it a day and
move on. It's no secret that thousands of teachers have left the profession
during the last ten years. An increasing number do not see themselves
staying on to retirement age. Many have sought early retirement through
stress. Often, the most conscientious have taken it most hard - remember
the tragic case of the primary teacher who committed suicide because inspectors
said her lessons lacked pace. It's no coincidence that a high number of
dedicated teachers suffer from chronic fatigue.
I believe these people deserved better and suffered unnecessarily through
the ill managed implementation of the National Curriculum, lack of support
with unruly and often violent, disturbed children and bashing from Ofsted
and the media on a grand scale.
However, in coaching we can move on, so the way forward is to support ex teachers renew their sense of purpose and rediscover their joie de vivre. I believe that teachers are talented, creative people who went into teaching to make a difference - it certainly wasn't for the money. The people I want to help are those who now find themselves burnt out and disillusioned. I want them to feel what has been described as 'the sensation of being somebody' again as they rediscover a sense of belonging, a sense of worth and value and being competent in their chosen field.
We want to hear from ex teachers who have successfully changed careers to inspire others to find a less stressful way of earning a living and develop their soul purpose.
Stories by ex-teachers
"I helped my daughter set up her own business and she employs me as a receptionist. Everyone says I look years younger. The great thing is having the energy to go out in the evenings and away at weekends."
"I miss the holidays so I decided to work free-lance and take more annual leave even if it means working longer hours and losing some income. I drifted into several jobs just to earn a salary but now I've settled down with a company selling children's books and it's going really well. I like being my own boss and setting targets. Also I get a company car."
"I found a job working in an estate agents. It's very different to teaching but the pay could be better."
"I used to be a P.E. teacher but now I'm a fitness instructor at the local gym and a Reiki-master."
"I retrained to be a beauty therapist and ended up lecturing two days a week. I like the contact with other members of staff at the college but the downside is keeping up with the paperwork and marking assignments."
"I used to be a headteacher but now I work part-time with Special Needs children. I still have the holidays but it's much less stressful. I really appreciate having two days off- I go to the gym, have a swim and meet up with friends. It's a different life. I've no regrets."
"I'd read about people having portfolios but I never thought it would apply to me. I do a bit of teaching, marking exam. Papers and decorating. The rest of the time I write scripts for sit-coms at creative writing classes."
"I took early retirement through ill-health and started an art course. I didn't really want to go but it gave me the incentive to get ready and drive the car. I needed to have a sense of purpose otherwise I'd have stayed in bed all day."
"I decided to train for the Marathon. I raised £500 for charity which made me feel really great."
"I was at a loose end so I volunteered to be a Samaritan. Then I trained to be a Counsellor before I started a degree in Psychology."
"I'm currently studying with the Open University and belong to a walking group."
"I design websites in addition to part-time supply teaching."
Anderson Internet
| Life Beyond Teaching offers help and support but is unable to take responsibility for individual results |