Jobs for ex-teachers – where to look?
Knowing where to look for roles outside of teaching can be difficult, we are so used to using the network established during our time teaching. However, jobs for ex-teachers are available if you know where to look. This list of websites is here to inspire and get the ball rolling, however, I would advise that your first step should be to register your CV with a recruiter.
Hopefully, you are keeping up with my posts about alternative careers for teachers. In the meantime, the following links are the best jobs websites for ex-teachers. Let me know if it helps! If you want to stay working within schools but just want to leave teaching, there is a guide to inspire you here.
*if a good website is missing, let me know in the comments.
Teacher Resignation – everything you need to know
I have written a comprehensive (and growing) list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding resigning from teaching. Before you start searching these websites for your ideal new job, make sure you read the Teacher Resignation FAQs.
Start your Job Search here:
Jobs in the Education Sector:
jobs.ac.uk – The best search engine for jobs within Higher Education Institutions across the UK. Bring your knowledge of education to exciting new roles such as Learning Technologist, Graduate Tutor, Schools Liaison Officer etc. I would start with a Region-based search and read a few job descriptions for Student Support roles; if things start to sound interesting, dig a little deeper!
fejobs.com – Similar to the above, except focussing on Further Education. Colleges tend to have more non-teaching roles available; stepping away from the classroom might be within reach! Working in FE is quite different to school and you may worry about pay discrepancy. I would say that when I taught in FE my workload was much reduced compared to Secondary teaching. Use my guide to Teacher Hourly Pay to get a good overview of how much you really earn at the moment!
Jobs in the Cultural Sector:
artsjobs.org.uk – If you are an Art Teacher looking to escape the classroom, this website is the best resource for employment within the arts sector. Pay in the Arts Sector is notoriously disappointing but reference my Hourly Pay Calculator to identify how much you currently really earn and then compare with the variety of interesting gallery, theatre, and workshop-based roles listed here.
museumjobs.com – A great resource for those want employment in the cultural sector. Not just for History Teachers, this site usually has lots of interesting education officer roles available. A number of people have contacted me having moved in to Education Officer roles and jobs in Interpretation.
Jobs outside your comfort zone:
allcruisejobs.com – perfect for MFL Teachers looking for a very different job. As the URL suggests these jobs are all based on Cruise Liners; probably best suited to those without significant commitments. During your career in education, you have amassed years of customer relationship skill and are used to performing to a crowd; all board!
Guardian Jobs – Before I discovered the more niche sites, this was one I visited daily. You can refine by sector, region, and salary. With a little bit of URL hacking you can get really specific (Article to come). When I was first thinking about quitting teaching, I spent a significant amount of time reading Person Specifications on this website, identifying my Transferable Skills.
New Scientist Jobs – Great for ex-teachers with specialisms in the Sciences, Maths, Engineering, and Geography. You will find 100s of roles available here that likely excite the part of you that wants to continue to explore your beloved subject, without the bureaucracy of working in a school.
Third Sector Jobs – When I was first thinking of leaving the teaching profession, I was drawn to the idea of working in the charity sector. It made sense that the same reasons I became a teacher would see me succeed in a role working for a charitable organisation. I enjoy the variety of roles listed on this website and realised that you can find a charity that incorporates pretty much anything you have an interest or affinity with; Work with dogs? Coach sports? Organise events? You will find a job for you here! it’s no wonder so many ex-teachers work in Charitable Organisations.
National Trust Jobs – From the classroom to the forests and stately homes of Great Britain. Some of the roles advertised here align nicely with your transferable skills; customer service, education roles, etc. However, I enjoy the idea of retraining as a Ranger and patrolling the grounds of Tatton Park in a Jeep and keeping the Fallow Deer under control.
Extra-income and casual work:
AppJobs – A slightly unusual niche and one you might not immediately consider but bare with me. This site specialises in flexible work and has the potential to provide a supplementary income whilst you figure out what you want to do, apply for other jobs or build a nest-egg before whilst you work your notice. There are vacancies for Tutors, Tour Guides and Deliveroo riders – all of which can be taken as Second Jobs and provide some financial freedom. Be brave and take a look!
If you are interested in earning a side-income without taking another job, I recommend reading my Guide to Profit Accumulator and Generating Extra Income.
Remember to register an account on CV-Library today, then upload your CV as soon as possible!
CZ