It's a very hard decision, but you may find that teaching just isn't you. You owe it to yourself to be happy in your work, and if it's really the actual teaching, rather than the admin or internal politics that is making you miserable then it's time to examine your options.

As a start, try the excellent Learn Direct Skills and Interests Assessment which asks you a series of questions and then suggests possible career options for you. You might be surprised at what it comes up with!

Other sites that offer careers advice include monster.co.uk, careers a-z, reed.co.uk, jobs.ac.uk (for academic posts) and jobs.co.uk. Fish4 is really good for local jobs.

Make a list of the skills you can offer - for example good time management, ability to think on your feet, ability to address an audience, good communication skills, ability to work in a team, ability to lead a team... (Once you get started you'll find loads.)

Consider whether you can afford to retrain or you need to make more of a sideways move.

Consider what level of salary you need to cover your expenses. (But don't be put of by having to take a pay cut initially - you CAN manage on less money!)

Some obvious, education related career change ideas are:-

Play Worker

Local Authority Advisor

Ofsted Inspector (Yes I know, but...)

Tutor

University Tutor

Trainer in Industry

Staff in day nursery

Educational Journalist

Educational Psychologist

Educational Officer for Museum or similar

Recruitment consultant for Educational Recruitment or Supply Agency

Bursar of School admin staff

Education Welfare Officer

Freelance Advisor

But the sky really is the limit - you've been a teacher for goodness sake, you can do anything!!!

Are you an ex-teacher who has made the change? Email me at sam@managemyworkload.co.uk with your experiences and advice.