Biology teacher looking to get out

[RonBurgundyspanpipe]

I've been teaching for 15 years and looking to get out. I've never felt so utterly exhausted at the start of a term. My family are also losing quality time and are sick of seeing me with a red pen in my hand.

So, the question is what to do? I have no idea what sector to work in or what would be a realistic role to aim for with no work experience outside of school. I would love some suggestions and am expecting to take a pay cut.

Key skills I have:
Communication
Planning - long and short term
Manager of a medium sized team
Appraiser
Delivery of CPD to adults
Very well organised
IT literate
Biology graduate

[Acopyofacopy]

Investment companies often hire scientists as investment managers, if you like that idea.

Lots of teachers end up in recruitment and HR as well.

[hollieberrie]

I left teaching at the end of July, after 8 years. Am currently waiting to start a civil service job, it seems lots of civil service departments are recruiting right now. I attended 2 interviews (different departments) and was told at both that they have lots of ex teachers both applying and working there. I think teaching skills are fairly transferable, I had no problems demonstrating the required skills / competencies.

Good luck! I am DELIGHTED to be out of education .

[hollieberrie]

p.s. am taking a 5k pay cut.

[Sethis]

Are you locked to the UK?

Have you considered teaching something other than Biology, or at a location other than a school?

[RonBurgundyspanpipe]

Thanks everyone, I've got a lot of research to do.

I am locked to the UK and definitely want out of schools. I would love to continue working in science.

[RonBurgundyspanpipe]

Just finished yet another batch of marking and feeling even more determined that there's more to life.

[Sethis]

Even as an EFL teacher (Read: Someone who chickened out of working in English schools) I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment....

Can't offer much advice regarding science stuff, but when looking for alternatives it's always a good idea to make a list of your skills and see what they might transfer into e.g. group control, health and safety knowledge, risk assessments, etc etc etc a friend of mine went into working at a museum after teaching.

[TheFifthKey]

You’re allowed to mark in red?

Seriously though, I moved to a sixth form college and it’s the best move I ever made. I love my job, the students, the staff, the atmosphere, the lack of micromanagement....it’s like teaching was 15 years ago when I started. I never ever dread going to work, even on a Sunday or the last day of the holidays. It’s given me back a love of teaching. I can’t recommend it highly enough! And sixth form colleges, as opposed to FE, pay the same as schools (or thereabouts) and have roughly the same terms and conditions. (Although more flexible- eg we have lunchtime meetings but no duties/tutor group etc).

[cdtaylornats]

Project Management is a possibility.
Adult professional training.

By IT literate I assume you can use a computer and produce MS Office stuff.

[castasp]

I have a background in the pharmaceutical industry and there are loads of jobs in that field. No idea how difficult it would be to get into after teaching though.

Go on the ABPI (Association of British Pharmaceutical industry) website, then click on undergraduates and then case studies.

There's the obvious jobs working as a biologist, but there's tons of other jobs as well, like running clinical trials, marketing, sales, data analysis (they generate huge amounts of data) etc. You'd have to see if any of your transferable skills would map over.

Also, you could take a completely different tack, and maybe try just looking what jobs are available on Indeed e.g. within a 5 mile/10 mile radius of your house, then seeing what you'd like to do and what you could do.

Another thing I've heard people go into is university admin, if you live near a university.

[tissuesosoft]

I left last Christmas and now work in the civil service- I don’t regret it for a second. Have a look at civil service jobs- public health are always recruiting if you wanted to stay science based

[Mrskeats]

Medical publishing? Maybe as a writer with a science background. My dh is in this industry and has a biology background.

[RonBurgundyspanpipe]

Oh you're all so full of good ideas. Lots of research needed.