I left teaching and became a .....

[IguanaTail]

And are you pleased you did? Any regrets?

Education Training and Employment Coordinator in substance misuse services.
Self employed counsellor.

No regrets whatsoever. I love my job.

That sounds really interesting. I want to do something else but not sure what else I can do as all I've ever done is teach.

Prematurely retired layabout. And happy.

I'm only 38 so I don't think that's an option for me!

DSis became a vicar, but that's a bit niche . Two friends left and became Educational Psychologists. Another did several years coordinating nursery provision for a council but has recently gone back to supply. My old boss was a teacher, then managed Education services for local authority and is now in charge of Troubled Families. A neighbour used to teach and is now a homeopath (again niche).

I'm in social care by the way, and lots of youth jobs, especially those with vulnerable or challenging young people say qualifications in social work or teaching. Would that sort of work interest you - youth offending, family support, parenting work etc?

They all sound really interesting. I am very much a people person and really believe in education so I'll look into all of those. Thank you. It's the over-accountability that's wearing me down and it's not going to get better.

...supply teacher and private tutor. Absolutely loving it so far, new lease of life!

Breastfeeding counsellor. Though it's not a bill paying proposition.

I previously worked in a private nursery - has anyone ever left teaching to work in nursery or know of anyone who has? It seems like it's always done the other way round nursery -> teacher

I need to find a career that's going to pay long term, and earn substantially more than NMW from the outset. I'm considering HR/L&D. There's a tech company that's expanding significantly nearby, and though I'm not in a position to apply yet, I've been in touch and have been asked to send my CV.

I do hate the long notice period required by teachers. It means I'm committed until Easter, yet still have to give my notice in by February. Grr!

Full time MA student, PT tutor and supply teacher - poorer but happier!

Play therapist

One of my friends became a TA, another a consultant for an academy chain (like the old LEA consultants) and another makes a decent living doing maths tutoring, including intervention work in schools.

I do hate the long notice period required by teachers. It means I'm committed until Easter, yet still have to give my notice in by February. Grr!

Be warned - that's the same in lots of jobs. My current job (like my last one) requires that I give 3 months notice, so if I told them I was going in Feb, I'd be tied in until May. Easter sounds quite reasonable!!

farmer