Escaping the ‘Trappedness’: Finding Joy in Work Again

After losing her passion for teaching, Michala left her role as Head of Humanities and whole-school Teaching and Learning Lead to become a Training Programme Delivery Manager for a national charity. 

Rather than being triggered by one thing, Michala talks in this episode about a build up of lots of little struggles that eventually motivated her decision to walk away from teaching. Despite feeling stuck initially, she recalls her husband’s words: “you can become an expert in something else again”, as well as feeling validated and encouraged listening to other ex-teachers speaking on this podcast … now she’s back to share her own inspirational story! 

We also explore:

• Feeling unappreciated in the classroom
• Investing in yourself 
• The idea of choosing differently
• Balancing work and job searching 
• Breaking down the ‘gobbledygook’ of job descriptions
• Showcasing your USP through presentations
• Handy interview tips and techniques
• Getting used to new ways of working
• Managing the holidays with a family
• Looking forward to the future
  
  

If you're looking for step-by-step support to find and secure a new job or start your own business, check out the Adventures After Teaching Academy which will help you successfully leave the classroom! 

Looking for clarity & confidence around your decision to leave teaching plus ideas for what to do next? Our much-loved FREE Stay or Go? Workshop is back for 2026! Sign up here and we'll send it straight to your inbox on Saturday 4th April ✨