From teaching to education outreach - how a lateral career move worked for Natalie

Former secondary teacher Natalie describes how career change coaching helped her move from the classroom into helping disadvantaged young people find pathways to Higher Education.

Besides pointing the way to a job she loves, coaching gave Natalie a set of durable decision-making tools for lots of other situations in and outside of work.

What sparked your career change?

I was tired, uninspired, and disillusioned. I knew that sleeplessness, nightmares, and waking up worried about my working day meant it was time to move on.

What work were you doing previously?

I was a secondary school teacher who had tried lots of things to stay in Education. I'd moved to Australia from the UK and changed systems. I'd found a great school with supportive leadership. But it was time to move on.

Teaching was my second career. In hindsight, I wish I'd considered my choice more thoroughly before moving into it. There were bits that I loved but also bits that I hated.

Why did you change?

I care about young people and Education. But I realised that teaching just wasn't for me, and I had to make a change for my sanity. I simply couldn't see a satisfactory way forward in a school.

What are you doing now?

Having returned to the UK, I'm working for a government project supporting disadvantaged young people to find higher education pathways. I'm meeting my need to help young people realise their potential in a role that gives me the independence and flexibility I need.

I manage my diary and visit colleges, so I have heaps of out-of-office time. I also get to work from home to save travel time on my admin days.

What process did you go through to decide to change?

My decision was a long time coming. I'd been thinking about changing for several years! When my stress and dissatisfaction finally peaked, I knew I needed help to make my next move. I'd more or less fallen into teaching without much forethought or planning. I wanted a more thoughtful, structured shift this time, and working with a career coach seemed like a good way to make that happen.

What was the hardest part of changing careers?

Feeling vulnerable, having to ask others for help.

How did you go about making the shift?

I found Jo, and I followed her programme. I absolutely loved my coaching experience. It opened my mind to the possibilities out there. It allowed me to reflect on myself, including my skills and motivations. It was practical and fun and did much more than set me up to change careers successfully. I now use the strategies Jo taught me to help make all kinds of choices. I also changed the way I searched for jobs. I paid less attention to job titles and more attention to job descriptions. If I felt I could do the job and it matched my aspirations, I applied.

What help did you get?

Jo was the biggest help. She was very encouraging, but she also challenged me when I needed it. I felt genuinely listened to and constantly supported to move towards my goal.

My family and friends were also great, especially when it came to completing the reflective exercises that were part of the coaching programme. I was also amazed by the kindness of strangers who willingly talked to me about their jobs.

What have you learnt in the process?

I signed up for career coaching to better understand myself and learn how to take clear, confident steps into a new career. That's exactly what happened.

I learned about what I'm good at and what does (and doesn't) motivate and engage me. I learned how to channel my interests and apply my skills to build a fulfilling career. I also grew my confidence and learned to use some very useful decision-making tools.

Are you happy with the change?

Absolutely! I'm so much happier. I enjoy my job, and I have more free time.

What do you miss and what don't you miss?

I don't miss recurring work-related nightmares disrupting my sleep, constant anxiety, and endless amounts of work. Surprisingly, I don't miss the school holidays, as I'm not as tired. I don't miss feeling constantly watched and scrutinised. I don't really miss anything!

What do you enjoy most about your new career?

I'm enjoying being trusted to do my job. I'm using my skills to work creatively with other adults. I have lots of professional development opportunities, including project management training and even an intro to coaching!. Besides this, I love having an actual lunch break with time to walk around the campus lake,

What do you wish you'd done differently?

Nothing!

What 3 tips would you give others in the same situation?

1. Know yourself and what it is you want from your career. Don't follow the crowd!

2. Focus on job descriptions, not job titles. Similar jobs are often called different things. The title doesn't necessarily tell you what you need to know about the actual role.

3. Involve your family and friends. I was amazed at some of their observations and even quite emotional at their insights! It was great to hear their thoughts.

By Jo Green, Career Change Coach

I know that when you find what you love, heart and soul, your life changes. I work every day with people who are reshaping their current careers, starting new enterprises or searching for a new direction. Basically I help people who don’t like their job to figure out what to do instead!

As a Careershifters and Firework Advanced Certified Coach and experienced career changer myself, I can help you figure out what fulfilling work looks like for you.