Finding Presence Beyond the Classroom in a Programme Officer Role

"Life is far too short."

Former primary school teacher Emma spent 10 years in the classroom before making the leap to a Programme Officer role at a university. While she knew early on teaching wasn't her "forever career," the decision to leave was still incredibly difficult. After facing rejection in education-adjacent roles, Emma found support through the Adventures After Teaching community, learning to translate her experience and work through the grief of "if I'm not a teacher, then what am I?"

Now enjoying a hybrid work schedule and supportive team environment, she's rediscovered what it means to feel lighter, more present, and aligned with her values.

In this episode, we also talk about:

• The grief of leaving your teacher identity behind
• Dealing with rejection sensitivity
• Breaking the hyperachiever cycle and learning to rest
• Translating teacher skills for Programme Officer roles
• Why the journey might take a little longer than you think (and that's okay)
• The (good!) culture shock of starting a new job outside of teaching
• Enjoying simple freedoms in a new role (toilet breaks and uninterrupted lunch!)
• Finding camaraderie in a supportive team and asking questions without guilt
• Hybrid working and workplace adjustments
• Being present at home and improved work-life balance

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 ✨