Community, Confidence and Career Change: Moving into Project Management Artwork

The Adventures After Teaching Podcast

Sharing inspirational stories from teachers who have chosen to walk away from classroom to successfully transition to a new career. Advice, tips and ideas for exhausted teachers who know there's a difference between "giving up" and "having had enough". Join me to explore all things teacher burnout, career and business coaching and get plenty of ideas for your very own adventure after teaching.

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The Adventures After Teaching Podcast

Community, Confidence and Career Change: Moving into Project Management

November 11, 2025 • Joanne Howard • Season 6 • Episode 3

"I've never had so many people literally bending over backwards to support me with anything that I want to do."

Former secondary science teacher Jen left the profession after 23 years, feeling lonely and lost about what to do next. Initially unsure of her direction and at "rock bottom," she found the community and structure she needed in the Academy.

Now a Project Support Officer in the Civil Service, Jen is working to support various projects - from organising team away days to risk and benefits management. With a 70/30 work structure (70% working in the role, 30% self-development and community contribution), she's enjoying genuine time off, reduced stress levels, and a pace that allows time for thinking rather than constant firefighting.

In this episode, we also talk about:

Feeling lost about what's next
The value of strong community support
Discovering project management as a path
Translating teaching skills into corporate language
Navigating civil service applications
Waiting to hear back after interview
Adjusting to a slower pace of work
Finding renewed confidence
Work-life balance transformation
Helping others through the process

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