Do Former Teachers Miss the Holidays After Leaving Teaching?

I've dedicated a whole post to this because let's be honest- most teachers wouldn't teach if it weren't for the holidays! I'm not going to sit here and pretend that I would...Like many of you, the idea of leaving teaching made me worry about missing the holidays and having a chance to unwind and switch off from the never-ending tasks that come with being a teacher.

Why Leaving The Teaching Profession Feels So Hard

I've also felt a lot of shame around leaving teaching and looking like a "softie". Career change involves a lot of 'stepping into the unknown'. Even if you research a new career thoroughly, and you speak to people who have lived it, your experience will most likely be different. For example, you might have an idea what your new job will be like but, like anything, it will have its own challenges.

What I Gained by Leaving the Classroom

For me, leaving teaching meant that I wouldn't be shaking with anxiety when I start my day and almost jump out of my skin at the sound of the morning bell, because I know how much there is to get through. I know that I won't be taking on the emotional toll of 25-30 students, who may or may not 'feel' like learning, and that the majority of my day won't involve behaviour management and dealing with about 20 other non-related teaching issues. I also won't be counting down the days until the next school holiday- just so I can catch up on lesson planning.

I've read many positive stories and comments from ex-teachers who have successfully transitioned out of the classroom, and I wanted to put them all in one place:

Comments from Ex-teachers who have left the profession:

When I started thinking seriously about leaving the profession, I found so much comfort in reading stories from ex-teachers who had already made the leap. Hearing how they adjusted — even with fewer holidays or a pay cut — helped me see what was possible.

Here are some of my favourite comments from teachers who’ve left the classroom:

"I have less holiday, but I don't even notice because I don't need them as much as I did in my teaching job, where I was always crawling towards the next break."

"No amount of holidays in the WORLD negates having absolutely zero back to work anxiety! The weight of Monday dread in the pit of my stomach no longer exists, and I don't think about work until I open my laptop."

"I have the option for hybrid work, so I can still get house work done or do exercise before work if I want."

 “I thought I would miss the holidays, but I have way more freedom now. I can take annual leave whenever I want — not just during school holidays when it's expensive.”

 "Time is actual time off. I'm not expected to go in for training or do any lesson planning before work starts."

"The school holidays with kids can actually be pretty intense- so selfishly, it's actually a relief to "retreat" to work sometimes!"

The Emotional Side of Leaving Teaching

When I was toying with leaving the profession, reading these positive comments from ex-teachers made me feel more at peace — and less guilty. Unfortunately, feelings of guilt and shame are incredibly common among teachers leaving the profession.

Many teachers say things like:

“I feel like a failure.”

“I feel like a quitter.”

But you’re not failing by prioritising your happiness. Failing would be ignoring what’s best for you because you’re worried about what others might think. Do what’s right for you. Always put yourself first — for a happier, healthier you.

Success Stories from Ex-teachers

When I was searching for a way out of teaching, I was curious to see what others had gone on to do. It was inspiring to hear from teachers who had transitioned successfully into new roles — whether in instructional design, educational technology, HR, or completely different fields.

I’ve interviewed a few ex-teachers about their journeys and what their new careers look like. Their stories might spark ideas or inspiration if you’re considering your next step. Have a read below to see how they made it happen.

💌 Have you left teaching, or are you thinking about it? Share your story in the comments — your words might be exactly what another teacher needs to hear.