Putting the ‘Life’ Back into Work-Life Balance

“It was fantastic until it wasn’t so fantastic anymore”

Primary Deputy Head Giselle took a lot of positives from her teaching career, spending 23 years working in the same school with a “lovely team and a lovely community”. But, as a self-confessed people-pleaser, she eventually found herself wearing too many hats and, with increasing classroom commitments, the workload became unsustainable. 

Now an Operations Manager and Employability Lead for a CIC (Community Interest Company), Giselle is experiencing joy and fulfillment once again in this education-adjacent role. Enjoying relaxed mornings, time-freedom, and new opportunities for development in her unicorn role, she’s feeling like “a weight’s been lifted.”

In this episode, we also cover:

• Ripping off the bandaid through decision-making
• Reflecting on career achievements, strengths and skills
• Staying open-minded about new opportunities
• The importance of calling about a role before applying
• Completing a video application
• “The nerves were gone” - preparing for an interview
• Escaping free-time guilt
• Top tips for operations roles
• Term-time holiday plans! 
• A blossoming CV 🌺

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! 

Thinking about leaving teaching? Sign up for our new free webinar 💛 Leaving teaching in 2026 for your roadmap to leaving the classroom next year - delivered straight to your inbox on 27th December.