If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I don’t hate teaching… but something isn’t working anymore,” you’re not alone.

In the coaching workshops I’ve run with teachers, one pattern comes up again and again:
It’s not that they want to run from teaching.
It’s that they want to run towards something that feels more aligned.

But no one tells us how to do that.

This post is for teachers who feel stuck, guilty, or unsure and want clarity, confidence and options.

Why So Many Teachers Stay Stuck

Here are the three most common false beliefs that keep brilliant teachers from exploring what else might be possible:

1. “I have to know exactly what I want before I can leave.”
   → In truth: You don’t need a five-year plan. You need a first step.

2. “I’m not qualified to do anything else.”
   → In truth: Teachers are project managers, coaches, communicators and strategic thinkers. You’re more qualified than you realise, but your skills need translating into the language of the outside world.

3. “Leaving means I’ve failed.”
   → In truth: Wanting more isn’t failure; it’s growth.

What Teachers Need to Hear But Rarely Do

In my workshops, I shared this truth and saw it land every time:

You don’t have to burn it all down to start again.

You can build something new that feels like you without throwing away everything you’ve learned.

The 3 Mindset Shifts That Change Everything

These three mindset shifts have helped teachers move from dread and doubt to clarity and momentum:

🔹 1. From “I have to figure it all out” → to “I just need to explore”

Clarity doesn’t come from thinking harder. It comes from trying something: a course, a side project, a conversation.

🔹 2. From “What will people think?” → to “What do I want?”

When we stop outsourcing approval, we start building a life we’re proud of.

🔹 3. From “I’m just a teacher” → to “I’ve already built a career — now I’m building a life”

Your next chapter isn’t about erasing what came before. It’s about evolving it.

So What Can You Actually Do Next?

Here’s a practical framework I shared during the workshops to help teachers get started:

1. Reflect

• What’s working for you right now? What’s not?

• What parts of your teaching role light you up and what drains you?

2. Explore

• Follow people on LinkedIn who’ve transitioned out of teaching

• Look at freelance education roles, tutoring platforms, or mentoring

• Attend a webinar, challenge, or course that isn’t CPD

3. Experiment

• Try a side project or coaching session

• Offer a paid workshop or resource

• Have one coffee chat with someone doing work you’re curious about

Final Thought: You’re Allowed to Want More

Your next chapter doesn’t need to be dramatic or sudden.
It just needs to feel like yours.

So many teachers I work with start out feeling stuck and within a few weeks, they’ve remembered who they are and what they’re capable of.

You’re not behind.
You’re right on time.
And the story isn’t over - it’s just changing shape.

Want support with this?

If this resonates, I’d love to send you the free Next Chapter Coaching Workbook and access to one of the workshop replays.

You’re not alone and you don’t have to figure this out on your own.