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Original poster

Former teacher? What do you do now?

34 replies

KerfuffleShuffle · 25/09/2019 21:23

Just that really. Currently a primary teacher (in my 3rd year) and I'm beginning to think I'm done (makes me very sad to say that). I have a masters degree in engineering as well as a PGCE. For people who have been teachers and swapped careers, what do you do now? Have you stayed in the education sector or have you swapped completely?

OP posts:
scrunchSE18 · 25/09/2019 21:35

I’ve gone back to uni and I’m studying for a PhD with a view to staying in academia. It’s funded but nowhere near the wage I was earning. I’m lucky that after 18 yrs of teaching I have financial support that has allowed me to make the change. I feel like I have a life again.

BringOnTheScience · 25/09/2019 22:14

I do education outreach for a STEM-related company. All the best bits of teaching with none of the crap!
Many large firms, especially in engineering, have small education teams. Also science museums & visitor centres (though salaries likely to be low).
Or you could look at becoming a trainer in the engineering sector. Move to FE maybe?

NumberblockNo1 · 25/09/2019 22:15

Panic that I haven't found another source of income whilst be relieved Im not teaching...

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Pointof0return · 25/09/2019 22:25

I'm in the process of leaving teaching after 14 years.. Currently looking for jobs in public sector using the management/ leadership experience I've got from time on SLT. Have come to terms with a massive pay cut and no more long holidays. It's well worth it to not be an exhausted anxious wreck with no time for a life outside of school work in term times.

OP your engineering masters must stand you in good stead for a job in that field?

Pointof0return · 25/09/2019 22:26

I hope this thread gets lots of replies and gives us lots more ideas! Good luck x

ElfrideSwancourt · 25/09/2019 22:29

I'm a tutor - best thing I ever did! I really feel that I'm making a difference (I work with children in care) whilst having a great work-life balance.

Original poster
KerfuffleShuffle · 25/09/2019 22:31

I am thinking at civil service entry either in policy, statistics or communications but wonder if I have enough 'transferable skills' to prove. Has anyone else done a similar move into the corporate world?

OP posts:
LolaSmiles · 25/09/2019 22:32

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This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Noroof · 25/09/2019 22:35

Following. I'm thinking of retraining but I think I'll try to wait it out until the kids are older. Teaching is shit but at least I've got the holidays etc now to enjoy with them

Pointof0return · 25/09/2019 22:35

@KerfuffleShuffle You have only been in teaching 3 years which is a good stint but doesn't look like you're set in your ways, and you have impressive qualifications in addition I think you will be seen as a great candidate.

clary · 25/09/2019 22:39

I work in communications for the NHS, but I do have a background in that industry from before I went into teaching. I was in private sector for 20 years, 8 years teaching before moving to current role (phew) two years ago.

Do not miss the holidays, so nice to have my evenings back. My kids are teens and above tho.

31133004Taff · 25/09/2019 22:41

Project manager in a DfE funded project.

Samsamsuperman · 25/09/2019 22:56

Exhausted teacher following with interest

mclover · 25/09/2019 23:35

Training / learning and development for companies? Could do a CIPD qualification and I'm sure you'd be snapped up

Ivalueloyaltyaboveallelse · 25/09/2019 23:41

Work for the NHS

8Track · 25/09/2019 23:50

I taught for 8 years, took a hefty paycut (was middle management in a large primary school) and joined an audit accountancy grad scheme in the City. Study through the programme and 2.5 years later I've regained and exceeded the teaching wage.

And I'm sane and happy.

NumberblockNo1 · 26/09/2019 00:04

Id love to do a city grad scheme/civil service but dont live near a city.

I am kicking myself for not retraining pre kids. And the posts on mumsnet where people want to change to teaching as its family friendly.... hollow laugh.

ElGuardiandenoche · 26/09/2019 02:59

DH ‘retired’ from teaching after 17 years. He could no longer put up with the crap.

He went around the employment agencies with his CV but found he couldn’t get management jobs even though he was SLT and had tons of experience so took a temporary job with the local council and a huge pay cut ( £17k gross), proved he could do the job with flying colours and got co-opted onto another team with a pay rise (19k), then was offered a two year contract at 22k. He got to know people and networked and showed he was brilliant at what he did, went for management jobs and had a few interviews and has just been offered a job for £38k. His boss is desperate for him to stay and has offered him a job but can’t match the other offer.

We’ve actually seen more of him since he’s been working in a ‘normal’ job. He’s not so tired anymore, he can ferry the kids to their activities. He can volunteer to help with scouts etc. He’s here all weekend and evenings. He can attend events at the kids schools and so much more.

NumberblockNo1 · 26/09/2019 08:08

Wow El, he's done well. I am currently loooking at minimum wage jobs wondering how I got it so wrong!

I've lost a lot of confidence I think.

EnolaAlone · 26/09/2019 08:25

I work for HMRC and we've had quite a few teachers recruited through our external trawls in the last couple of years. That's a starting salary of £23k or £30k depending on whether you get an a O or HO role.

TryingToDrinkMoreWater · 26/09/2019 09:18

Another vote for HMRC. It's a good match as they look for many of the skills gained in teaching which can be transferred to the specialism that they train you for.

Samsamsuperman · 26/09/2019 09:18

As a teacher I earn £45k. Just not sure I'll earn that in anything else, at least not for a while.
I just find it so emotionally challenging.

Pointof0return · 26/09/2019 19:39

Loads of inspiration here! I've already applied and interviewed for a job at the council (didn't get it), currently have an application in for DoE, two more possibles found to apply for. A friend of a friend who's in public sector recruitment told me I have to build up a Linkedin profile, which I'm trying to do but it's not v intuitive.
Good luck and morale boosts to all

Cherrysoup · 27/09/2019 23:15

I think the school makes a massive difference. I was super stressed in my last job, bonkers busy in current role but a lot happier.

Pointof0return · 28/09/2019 11:18

Bit of cheering info here... A friend put me in touch with her friend who's in recruitment specialising in public sector and not for profit organisations. She told me that the public sector is getting a cash injection either way Brexit goes and she's currently seeing them recruiting like never before. She also said charities are fundraising at their highest level for years and this is being reflected in their recruiting as well.

Just a bit of hope for those of us trying to get out of schools into other public sector/ non businessy settings

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