A well-paid, rewarding career on your own terms

Many teachers in the UK are seeking jobs that offer financial independence, flexibility, and a rewarding experience. Teaching is a fulfilling job. However, the workload, stress and earning potential often drive professionals to seek a new path.

The good news is that many well-paid jobs for teachers offer the chance to make a difference while taking control of your career.

One popular career change for teachers is self-employment. They can use their skills in communication, leadership and organisation to create a successful business.

This is a guide to find jobs after teaching in the UK like Cat. She launched a successful career after teaching to enjoy financial stability and flexibility.

Current Teaching Landscape: Why Teachers Are Seeking Career Change

Teaching in the UK is a highly demanding profession. Teachers are responsible for:

• Delivering lessons
• Managing classrooms
• Marking work
• Liaising with parents
• Handling various administrative tasks.

With increasing demands and expectations, many teachers are struggling with their workload. The national teacher shortage and pay freezes have further complicated matters. Teachers are often working late into the night and over weekends, leading to burnout and job dissatisfaction.

A survey by the National Education Union (NEU) found that more than 40% of teachers in the UK have thought about leaving their jobs. They are stressed, have heavy workloads and receive low pay.

Teaching is a rewarding job, but the pressure to balance everything can lead to exhaustion. This makes it hard to continue for a long time. Many teachers are looking for jobs that provide more flexibility, better pay, and the chance to work on their own terms.

A career that offers financial freedom and flexibility

Many teachers worry about leaving a secure salary. Finding well paid jobs after teaching in the UK is daunting. But well-paid jobs in the UK after teaching offer financial growth beyond what teaching provides.

By becoming your own boss, you control your income, set your own rates, and expand your services as you gain experience. Unlike the capped salaries in teaching, running your own business means your earnings reflect the effort you put in.

Many former teachers consider becoming private tutors or explore careers in social work.

But, Cat’s story shows how teachers can move into a rewarding and flexible career that pays well.

Cat’s Journey: From Teaching to Running a Successful Business

Cat’s journey began as a primary school teacher, a role that initially worked well around her young children’s schedules. The flexibility helped her balance work and family life. Over time, teaching became increasingly stressful and demanding.

The workload, stress and long hours gradually caused her to fall out of love with the job. Despite once finding fulfilment in the classroom. The pressure of constant planning, marking and emotional exhaustion pushed Cat to seek alternative jobs.

Cat wanted a career that offered flexibility for her children and the potential for a more rewarding, sustainable future. She wasn’t interested in the corporate world, project management or human resources like her former colleagues. This drove her to explore new opportunities outside teaching and launch a business that provided the balance she sought.

In 2016, Cat was looking for well paid jobs after teaching that would still fit around her children’s school schedule. She was exploring career paths that where she could apply her transferable skills. She wasn’t averse to learning and development.

Whilst job searching, she found the opportunity to retrain to teach older people exercise.

So, she became a Move it or Lose it Instructor, combining her love for music, her teaching skills, and her desire to help people. Despite having no prior fitness instructor experience, she quickly found success with the comprehensive training provided.

She launched her business with just four classes. Through the support of Move it or Lose it, she persevered.

What began as a venture for extra income became a thriving business. She now enjoys financial independence and a fulfilling career.

Today, Cat runs eight classes over three days, generating a gross income of nearly £4,000 per month. Few part-time jobs offer this level of income with such flexible hours.

Beyond financial success, Cat finds deep fulfilment in her work. She makes a positive difference in the lives of over 150 older adults each week. She empowers her class members to stay active, social, and healthy.

The relationships she has built with her classmates bring her joy. The smiles on their faces show the strong community she has created.

“My journey as a Move it or Lose instructor has been amazing, simply the best job ever!  I underestimated what an amazing group older adults are, and the joy and rewards that working with them brings.”

Cat’s Story: overcoming challenges and thriving in a new career

Cat’s journey wasn’t without its struggles. Transitioning from a structured and secure teaching career into self-employment was daunting. The first hurdle was financial uncertainty—moving from a regular salary to an income that would fluctuate depending on how many clients she could secure. At first, she felt unsure about whether she could make the transition work.

But Cat quickly learned that her teaching skills—communication, leadership, and organisation—were not just useful in the classroom. They were the foundation of her new career. The key was perseverance. Cat sought mentorship and advice from other self-employed professionals and, slowly but surely, began to see the fruits of her labour.

She recalls the early days of her business, saying, “It was tough at first, especially trying to balance work with my family life. But over time, as I saw my classes grow, I knew I had made the right choice. The support from Move it or Lose it helped me stay focused and motivated.”

Cat’s story is a perfect example of how teachers can leverage their skills in new and innovative ways. While the initial transition was challenging, her determination paid off. Today, Cat enjoys financial independence and a flexible work schedule, giving her the freedom to spend more time with her children while making a positive impact in her community.

The Move it or Lose it Story: Julie’s mission to empower older adults

Julie Robinson’s story mirrors Cat’s in many ways. As a former PE teacher, Julie always had a passion for keeping people active and healthy. However, when her parents began to age, Julie found it difficult to find solutions to help them stay mobile and independent. This experience led her to explore fitness for older adults—a sector she soon realised was severely underserved.

Driven by the desire to help her parents and others in similar situations, Julie retrained and launched Move it or Lose it, a programme that trains instructors to lead fitness classes for older adults. Through this initiative, Julie has impacted thousands of lives by promoting healthy aging and providing instructors with a career path that is both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.

Julie’s decision to start a business didn’t come lightly. She was driven by personal experience and a deep understanding of the challenges older adults face. “It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating something meaningful that could make a real difference,” Julie says.

Today, Move it or Lose it has grown into a network of instructors helping older adults across the country. The training programme, FABS, has become a vital tool for teachers and other individuals looking to make a career change while making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Turning personal experience into a mission to help older adults stay active and healthy

Julie Robinson, Founder and CEO of Move it or Lose it was once a PE teacher. She dedicated her career to helping young people stay active and healthy. However, when her own parents began to age and become frail, she felt helpless.

Despite her background in teaching, she struggled to find solutions to help them maintain their independence and well-being. This experience inspired her to retrain and find a job that could help her parents and others with similar issues.

Julie soon realised there was a desperate need for more classes to support older adults in staying active as they age. Driven by this insight, she launched an instructor training programme, FABS. Move it or Lose it supports a network of licensed instructors. They help set up successful classes that promote healthy aging and well-being.

Through Move it or Lose it, Julie has worked hard to improve life for older adults. She also helps instructors find a fulfilling and flexible career.

“Experienced teachers possess invaluable transferable skills.Their teaching experience can be applied to alternative careers within the education sector. Becoming an instructor allows you to develop new skills, while continuing to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.” – Julie Robinson

Exploring New Career Paths After Teaching

If you’re thinking about leaving teaching, researching alternative careers is a smart first step. Many former teachers find success in fields like fitness instruction, coaching, tutoring, and learning and development.

Your teaching skills, like communication, organisation and leadership, are useful in many different jobs.

Exploring different career options can help you. It can lead to a better work-life balance. You may also find financial freedom and personal satisfaction. Take time to assess your strengths and interests to find a career that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

Why so many teachers are leaving to start their own business

Teaching is a rewarding job, but it often comes with overwhelming workloads, long hours, and increasing pressure. That’s why many professionals are seeking jobs teachers do after teaching that offer:

• Better Work-Life Balance – No more marking late into the night or planning lessons over weekends.
• Higher Earning Potential – You can earn beyond the limits of pay scales.
• More Control – You choose your schedule, your clients, and your growth.
• A New Challenge – Many teachers still want to help others but in a fresh, engaging way.

Self-employment offers an exciting opportunity to use the skills developed in teaching—communication, organisation, leadership, and motivation—to build something meaningful and sustainable.

How you can start your own business after teaching

If you are thinking about jobs for after teaching, consider the following steps:

1. Identify Your Strengths – Do you love working with people?
2. Find a Business That Aligns With Your Skills – Many teachers move into tutoring, coaching, public speaking, or health and wellness roles.
3. Get the right training. Like Cat, you may need some initial training, but many careers provide full support to help you get started.
4. Market Yourself Effectively – Use a mix of online and offline marketing. Facebook, community noticeboards, flyers, and local networking can be powerful.
5. Stay Committed – Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with persistence, you can grow a sustainable and rewarding business.

A Career You Can Enjoy for Decades

Leaving teaching doesn’t mean giving up the joy of helping others. Many former teachers find their new careers just as rewarding, with the added benefits of financial independence and flexibility.

Cat’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when you step out of the traditional path and create something of your own.

Most classes run between 10 am and 3 pm, making it easy to fit around family or other commitments. This flexible schedule allows you to maintain a great work-life balance while earning more than many other part-time roles.

This career choice can help you grow your business and increase your income. It is rewarding and sustainable as you gain experience.

The instructor training programme

The FABS Training Programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to lead fun and effective fitness classes for older adults. You don’t need to be a gym bunny to run these classes. You’ll be teaching chair-based and standing exercises to 60+ individuals.

The training teaches age-appropriate exercises. We ensure instructors can cater to the specific needs of older participants.

Upon completion, you will be able to confidently lead classes that promote mobility, balance and strength. The classes help people age well while staying active and independent.

When you become a licensee of Move It or Lose It, you gain access to ongoing support to ensure your success as an instructor.

From comprehensive training to marketing materials, we provide the resources you need to set up and grow your classes. Our dedicated team offers guidance, advice, and regular updates to keep you motivated and on track.

Cat, who has been with us for 9 years, is a testament to the power of this support. She started as a new instructor and is now running a thriving business that impacts over 150 older adults each week.

If you want a stable job after teaching, now is a good time to start a new career. A job that offers good pay and personal satisfaction is possible.

Whether you’re interested in fitness instruction, coaching, or another self-employed role, your teaching skills will set you up for unexpected success.

If you used to be a teacher or love helping others, this programme lets you serve the community in a meaningful way.

Conclusion: a career you can enjoy for decades

Leaving teaching doesn’t mean giving up on your passion for helping others. Many teachers find that self-employment offers them a chance to build a more sustainable, rewarding career that provides financial freedom, flexibility, and job satisfaction. By applying your teaching skills in new ways, you can make a meaningful impact on others while enjoying the benefits of working on your own terms.

If you’re ready to explore new opportunities, now is the perfect time to take the leap. Whether you choose fitness instruction, coaching, tutoring, or starting your own business, there is a wealth of career paths waiting for you. Your journey might be challenging at first, but with the right mindset, training, and support, you can build a career that you will enjoy for decades to come.

Launching a new career as a former teacher

If you’re interested in becoming a Move It or Lose It instructor, request a free info pack. It gives all the details about the FABS Training Programme. This includes what is involved, the benefits, and how it can help you build a successful career.

If you want to talk to someone directly, you can schedule a call with our friendly team. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you with the next steps. We hope you’ve found this jobs after teaching uk article inspiring!