Why I Left Teaching for a New Career (and How You Can Too)

Cat Moon
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

an image of light at the end of a long tunnel, depicting how there is hope for teachers who want to leave the classroom and change careers,

I wanted to write this to inspire someone else to leave teaching, if they felt like they couldn't. But mostly, to remind myself why I did, on the days that might feel tough. As I write this, I am very close to my last day of teaching (possibly forever), and stepping into a new role in just 2 weeks!

My Teaching Background

Originally from the UK, I taught in outer London for 3 years before moving the UAE to teach. After 5 years, I moved to New Zealand with my husband when our baby was just 3 months old! Not only did I move country, but I also had to start my life from scratch. Aside from all the usual stresses that come with relocation like setting up bank accounts, visas etc, we also had to survive on one salary for around 10 months. That alone, was a big challenge.

Returning to Teaching After Maternity Leave

After a year of maternity leave, I started thinking about supply teaching because I wanted flexibility with childcare. Eventually, I accepted a 10-week fixed-term job teaching Year 7 at a local school. I’d only ever taught primary kids before, so teaching older students definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. But honestly? What shocked me wasn’t the age group—it was that teaching felt just as draining and unsustainable in New Zealand as it had anywhere else. No teaching assistants. Behaviour challenges left for the classroom teacher to manage alone. Constant negotiations. “Restorative” this, restorative that… but no real consequences or support. Even though I was teaching only three days a week, I was coming home completely exhausted. I didn’t have the energy or patience left for my baby by the end of the day, and that’s when it hit me:

This career was taking more from me than it was giving.

I know so many teachers feel the exact same way—and that’s a big part of why I wanted to share my story.

Finding a New Career That Finally Fit

When a job for a Program Officer came up, which combined my interest and background in sport (I was Head of Sport in one of my previous teaching roles), and supporting members with their learning, I immediately knew it was a great fit. I jumped at the chance when they asked to interview me, and within 3 days, I had been formally offered the job! To hear more about my new role, and to see whether it could be of interest to you too, you can read my post below:

What Life Looks Like Now

I don't know exactly what my new role will look like. And yes—I’m sure I’ll have moments where I get imposter syndrome. But you know what? I’m excited.

I’m excited for a job where I don’t spend 98% of the day managing behaviour.

I’m excited to use my skills without feeling constantly drained.

I’m excited for a new routine, new challenges, and new possibilities.

After I’ve settled in, I’ll write an update about how things are going. But if you’re still in the trenches—feeling burnt out, guilty, or afraid of what comes next—please hear this:

You are not stuck. There is light at the end of the tunnel- you just have to find it!

Steps For Success: How Teachers Can Leave The Classroom

I won't repeat anything I've already posted, but the blog posts below will be super helpful to you if you're unsure where to start. Also have a read of the Success Stories page for inspiration about what former teachers are doing now!