Leaving teaching isn’t just a career decision.

It’s a life decision.

And if nobody’s told you this yet, I will:

You are absolutely allowed to want more.

More freedom. More creativity. More peace. More possibility.

Wanting a life you love isn’t selfish. It’s human.

But here’s where most teachers get stuck:

Leaving teaching feels impossibly big when you only look at the end result.

→ The business that’s thriving.
→ The flexible career someone else has built.
→ The confidence it looks like everyone else has.

What you don’t see? The very first steps those people took when they were exactly where you are now.

Small. Quiet. Private. Often terrifying.

And that’s where your story starts too.

1. Get really honest about why you want to leave.

Clarity always begins with truth.

Ask yourself:
→ What’s not working for me anymore?
→ What am I longing for?
→ What do I miss about myself?
→ What would life feel like if I didn’t have this weight on my shoulders?

Write it down. See it in front of you.

This is the beginning of creating a life that fits you, not the version of you shaped entirely by school bells and timetables.

2. Stop waiting for the perfect plan.

Nobody leaves teaching with it all figured out.

(If they say they did, they’re editing the story.)

Most people begin before they’re ready.

They start small.

→ Tutoring in the evenings.
→ Exploring a side project.
→ Testing out freelance skills.
→ Saying yes to one tiny opportunity.

It’s not about building the dream life overnight.

It’s about giving yourself proof that different is possible.

3. Get curious about what you already love (and what you’re already good at).

Teaching gives you skills the rest of the world desperately needs.

But what about you? What lights you up?

Ask yourself:
→ What do people always ask for my help with?
→ What am I naturally drawn to?
→ What do I lose time doing because I love it so much?

It’s often hiding in plain sight.

→ Writing.
→ Supporting others.
→ Organising.
→ Speaking.
→ Creating.

Your next chapter might grow from what’s already in your hands.

4. Don’t try to do this alone.

This is why I created Your Next Chapter, because leaving teaching without support is overwhelming and lonely.

What makes this journey feel lighter is community.

Spaces where you’re allowed to be unsure.

Coaching that meets you exactly where you are.

A roadmap to follow, but also permission to go off it whenever you need to.

You don’t need to do this alone.

And honestly? You’re not supposed to.

5. Remember: You were never meant to stay stuck in a job that breaks your heart.

Teaching was part of your story.

It doesn’t have to be the whole thing.

Leaving teaching isn’t giving up.

It’s moving towards something better.

Something quieter. Braver. Freer.

Something that feels like you.

Ready to Begin?

→ Download Rewrite the Script my free guide for teachers ready for change
→ Join me for my free coaching workshops
→ Explore Your Next Chapter coaching experience

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