Many teachers consider career changes for a variety of reasons.
For some, the desire to escape the long hours and mounting administrative tasks takes time away from teaching itself.
Others feel limited by salary progression, especially as living costs rise. Burnout also plays a significant role, with a 2022 survey from Education Support reporting that 75% of UK teachers had considered leaving the profession due to stress. At the same time, teachers possess a versatile skill set—communication, organisation, problem-solving, and adaptability—that makes them well-suited to many alternative careers.
Former teachers excel as personal trainers due to their motivational and communication skills. This role involves creating tailored fitness plans, monitoring client progress, and demonstrating exercises safely. Accreditation from UK bodies such as CIMSPA or Active IQ is typically required, with Level 3 being the standard qualification. Entry-level personal trainers in the UK earn around £20,000 per year, but experienced trainers working independently or in high-demand areas can make over £50,000. Flexible hours and the option to run a private business add to the appeal.
To get started, consider Future Fit Training’s personal training courses, which are flexible and designed for people entering the field from various backgrounds and worried about making a career change later in life.
Check out our article, “Am I too old to be a personal trainer?” for reassurance and advice.
A nutrition coach guides clients toward healthier eating habits, making it an ideal role for ex-teachers skilled in goal setting and fostering positive change. Certification from organisations like the AFN (Association for Nutrition) or a Level 4 Nutrition qualification ensures credibility. UK nutrition coaches earn an average of £30,000 annually, though private practitioners or specialists in fields like sports nutrition can command salaries exceeding £45,000. This role offers the freedom to work one-on-one or lead group workshops.
Former teachers interested in this path can explore Future Fit’s Nutrition Coach course to gain the required skills and credentials.
Sports massage therapy requires precision and a deep understanding of anatomy, skills that teachers with a science or physical education background can quickly adapt to. A Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy, accredited by organisations like VTCT, is needed to practise in the UK. Starting salaries range from £18,000 to £25,000 annually, while experienced therapists can earn over £40,000, especially when working with sports teams or as freelancers. Opportunities include working in physiotherapy clinics, gyms, or private practices.
For teachers transitioning into this career, the Sports Massage Therapist training at Future Fit offers a structured pathway to certification and practice.
Pilates teaching offers a rewarding blend of movement and instruction. Teachers familiar with lesson planning can transfer those skills into designing Pilates classes for individuals or groups. To qualify, aspiring instructors typically take a Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates, accredited by organisations like Active IQ. Entry-level instructors earn around £25 per hour, equating to annual earnings of £20,000–£30,000 depending on hours worked. Many Pilates teachers run independent classes, providing flexibility and autonomy.
For individuals exploring careers in fitness without formal qualifications, Future Fit’s guide to jobs without a degree offers useful insights.
Tutoring leverages a teacher’s expertise to deliver tailored instruction to students outside of traditional classrooms. Tutors in the UK typically charge £20–£40 per hour, with specialists in high-demand subjects like maths or sciences earning more. This flexibility allows former teachers to set their schedules and focus on one-on-one or small-group instruction. Popular platforms such as Tutorful and MyTutor offer an easy way to find clients. Some tutors make upwards of £50,000 annually by building a strong client base.
Education consultants work with schools, organisations, or families to improve educational outcomes or implement strategies. Former teachers bring valuable classroom insights to this role. Most consultants in the UK earn between £30,000 and £50,000 annually, depending on their expertise and scope of work. For those specialising in curriculum design or teacher training, earnings can exceed £60,000. Freelance opportunities also allow for more control over projects and schedules.
Human Resources requires excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, making it a natural fit for ex-teachers. HR specialists handle recruitment, employee training, and workplace policies. CIPD qualifications (Level 3–7) are often necessary and can be completed while working. Starting salaries average £25,000 annually in the UK, with experienced HR professionals earning £40,000–£50,000. HR roles offer career growth opportunities in both public and private sectors.
Corporate trainers design and deliver professional development programmes for employees. Teachers skilled in presenting and simplifying complex topics thrive in this role. Trainers in the UK earn an average of £30,000–£45,000 annually, though those specialising in leadership training or working for multinational firms can earn over £60,000. This career often includes travel and collaboration with various departments, making it dynamic and engaging.
Customer Success Managers (CSMs) focus on building and maintaining client relationships, ensuring customers achieve their goals using a company’s products or services. Former teachers excel in this role due to their communication and problem-solving skills. UK salaries for CSMs typically start at £25,000–£30,000 but can rise to £50,000 or more with experience, particularly in the tech industry. Many positions offer hybrid or remote work options.
Non-profit organisations value the dedication and organisational skills that teachers bring. Roles vary widely, from fundraising and event coordination to project management and advocacy. UK salaries in the non-profit sector range from £22,000 for entry-level positions to £40,000 for experienced managers. This path offers meaningful work aligned with personal values, often within flexible and collaborative environments.
Student coordinators oversee student welfare and extracurricular activities in educational or community settings. Responsibilities often include organising events, mentoring, and liaising with staff and parents. Salaries in the UK typically range from £20,000 to £30,000, with opportunities to progress into leadership roles. This job suits individuals who want to continue working directly with young people outside of teaching.
School leadership requires strong organisational, communication, and decision-making skills. Former teachers often step into this role after gaining senior leadership experience. In the UK, school principals (also referred to as headteachers) earn between £47,000 and £117,000 annually, depending on the size and type of school. This career demands dedication and strategic vision but offers the opportunity to shape a school’s culture and impact student outcomes.
For those exploring alternative careers in fitness or wellness, Future Fit Training provides several additional options for making a successful career change.