Escaping teaching-what can I do?

[1000Stars]

I have been a primary school teacher for 10+ years and need a change! I've recently completed a Masters in Psychology, which I loved, particularly the research aspect (surprisingly!). I intended, long term, to complete the doctorate in Educational Psychology, but it's highly competitive, and I don't think I want to write another essay for the rest of my life, let alone another dissertation! I have joined Exit the classroom on Facebook which is great but I just feel so lost as to what I can do. It seems every ex-teacher is working in the civil service- but the role descriptions seem so confusing- and I'm not entirely sure if I'm capable of doing them. I feel like applying for a job is a full-time job. Does anyone have any advice or tips? Just feel a bit overwhelmed and lost at the moment.

Do you have any ideas about what you'd really like to do - and where your strengths lie? Any particular field - such as charity sector/legal/financial/giving advice/assistance to people, for example?

Have you considered getting some professional careers advice for your skillset (is there anywhere available locally that you could visit to get some ideas?). There's lots of good opportunities in the Civil Service, but I can understand what you say about not wanting to pursue it. What about something in local government?

You seem to have really enjoyed your Masters research (same here!) - so is there anything connected with the research you did that might lead to a job you'd like? Apart from this, I'd just say get your CV up to date. Good luck with your search!

you could move into learning & development? Course design, delivery. Elearning creation etc.

Have a look at Adventures after Teaching, it's a bit more realistic than the Exit the Classroom where everyone is tutoring or doing CS jobs.

I'm a bit further on in my career than you as I'm looking to retire and get a part time job doing admin in the NHs or somewhere.

I've totally had enough.

I’ve been teaching since the 90s and the job has changed beyond all recognition-I just hate it now.

I know what you mean about applying for other jobs being a full time job!
The job descriptions just depress me, too. I really don’t want to ‘hit the ground running’ or have to ‘deal well with high levels of pressure’. I just want to go to work, work hard whilst I’m there and come home again and not think about it again until the next day.

I am not sure which particular field- I have only ever been a teacher, so anything else seems like a whole new world!
I particularly enjoyed doing qualitative research as part of my course, so going into that area may be an option. I definitely need to update my cv and make it less teachery.

Thank you, I will look into these areas.

Thanks for this- I hadn't heard of Adventures after Teaching. Exit the Classroom- is a great resource in terms of helpful advice but some of the posts on there are harrowing-I've come off it for a bit. The admin team seem to be very supportive though of those in dire need of support. What has the education system come to?

I know exactly what you mean. I did come across a website called 'Didteach,' which has job adverts aimed at ex-teachers. I think, at this point, any job that allows me to go to the toilet whenever I need to would be perfect.

I got out 2 years ago after 20 years as a primary teacher. I was lucky as I was in a fantastic school but the workload and expectations are insane.
I now work for a charity in their education department. I am full-time. I was part- time as a teacher. I do a lot less hours being full- time!

Did teach is a good website to look at.
Good luck!

Could you do some private tutoring, whilst you figure out how what it is you would like to do?

As a teacher, your transferable skills will be plentiful.

Do you want to remain in the public sector?
Advocacy work? Citizens advice advisor? Job coach? Something in MH?

AAT - Jo Howard also has a podcast where she interviews lots of ex teachers. Even looking at the list might give some ideas!

Congratulations on getting out- do you have any tips? I feel like the last time I wrote a cv was 100 years ago and I'm so not clued in with corporate speak!

I may have to do tutoring, which might be good while applying for jobs. Everyone does say that teachers have lots of transferable skills, but I just find it hard to see. I'm not entirely sure what area to go into- I would really like a job that would allow me to work from home at least a few days a week.

I've just been on the Adventures after Teaching website, and it's really helpful. I will definitely listen to her podcast too. Thanks for the suggestion.

Hello, loads of careers you can go into, stay true to yourself, what would you love to do? Then look into successful organisations in this area, talk to HR are they currently hiring, and have they hired teachers in the past?

If you want to stay within education then check our Did Teach, they have free courses, blogs and a job board where companies are actively looking for former teachers to join them!