The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching (Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The Pit Pony Podcast - Life After Teaching
| Date | Titre | Durée | |
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| 23 Oct 2024 | 001 - The Life After Teaching Facebook Group Explained | 00:22:33 | |
Welcome to the very first episode of the Pit Pony Podcast with us, Sharon Cawley and Sarah Dunwood. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our Facebook group Life After Teaching – a space for teachers who’ve said "enough is enough" and are ready to thrive outside the classroom. What We Chat About:
If you’re a teacher thinking about making an exit, or just want to hear what life after the classroom could look like, come join the Life After Teaching Facebook group. We promise it’s a place where you’ll feel understood, supported, and maybe have a few laughs along the way. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 23 Oct 2024 | 002 - The Life After Teaching Pit Pony YouTube Video Explained | 00:43:51 | |
Hello again! It’s Sharon and Sarah, back with another episode of the Pit Pony Podcast. Today, we’re sharing the behind-the-scenes story of the Pit Pony YouTube video, which somehow got over 100,000 views – despite a few technical hiccups (thanks, tech gods). Spoiler alert: it was almost a total disaster, but we made it through! What We Chat About:
Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 23 Oct 2024 | 003 - The Pit Pony Teaching Video: Where it all began (FULL Original Audio) | 00:44:45 | |
Hello and welcome back to the Pit Pony Podcast! In this episode, we’re bringing you the original audio from the Pit Pony YouTube video recorded back in April 2021. It’s the video that started it all – showing teachers how to break free from the financial and mental traps of teaching. While some things may have aged a bit, the principles still stand strong. What We Talk About:
Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 23 Oct 2024 | 004 - Pit Pony Sharon Cawley: From Teacher to CEO | 01:35:46 | |
In this episode, we’re thrilled to share Sharon's incredible journey from teacher to seven-figure business owner! 🎉 Sharon opens up about her transition from the classroom, where she once felt trapped as a “pit pony,” to building Conexus Tuition, a thriving business helping students and franchisees all across the UK. We dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between – from those early days of driving around in her Ford Mondeo for tutoring sessions to scaling her business into a national success. Along the way, Sharon drops absolute golden nuggets on mindset, resilience, and how to move from survival mode to thriving. If you’re a teacher thinking about stepping out of the classroom or just someone looking for inspiration to grow your business, this episode is packed with practical advice (and a few laughs) to get you thinking bigger! Grab a cuppa ☕ and enjoy this one – we had so much fun recording it, and we know you’re going to love it too! Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 23 Oct 2024 | 005 - Pit Pony Sarah Dunwood: From Teacher to COO | 01:23:46 | |
In this episode, we flip the script as Sharon interviews Sarah about her own pit pony journey! Sarah takes us back to her 24-year teaching career, all the ‘heads’ she’s held (literally all of them, except her own sometimes), and what it felt like when that life came to a sudden, brutal stop. We dive into the messy aftermath, from grappling with the financial fallout to Sarah’s "Netflix, crisps, and sofa phase." And yes, her son had to adult her for a bit. Spoiler: it involves writing lists and a lot of tea. We also get into the highs and lows of finding herself on the other side of the classroom and landing the role of Chief Operations Officer at Conexus Tuition (spoiler: Sharon might’ve had something to do with that). Tune in to hear about Sarah’s surprising path from the world of teaching to business, and how she discovered a huge part of herself along the way, including her realization of being neurodivergent. Full of laughter, deep dives into identity, and a few emotional moments, this episode is a celebration of Sarah’s resilience, the power of saying ‘no,’ and how sometimes life’s biggest curveballs can lead to the best opportunities. Grab a cuppa and join us for a heartwarming chat! Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 26 Oct 2024 | 006 - Bonus Episode - Facebook Jail Edition | 00:13:25 | |
Hey everyone! Welcome to our pre, pre, pre-episode of the Pit Pony Podcast! We're sat here, Sunday 20th of October, 2024. So, why are we here today? Well, we’ve been planning The Pit Pony Podcast! We're talking to members of our Life After Teaching group about their incredible journeys out of the classroom, and we were all geared up to post about it... until Facebook threw us in jail. Yep, we’ve been “restricted” and can’t even post in our own group! But here’s the thing – we’re launching our podcast this week anyway. Jail or no jail, we’ve got five amazing episodes lined up, EARLY for those who subscribe. So, consider this your sneak peek and get ready to hear all about life beyond the classroom, straight from those who’ve lived it. Sign up for early access HERE Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 29 Oct 2024 | 008 - Pit Pony Vicky Thurkettle - Classroom to Chocolatier | 00:48:44 | |
In this compelling episode, we meet Vicky Thurkettle, a teacher who found more than a career in the classroom - she found purpose, family, and what she believed was her path for life. Known for her unwavering dedication, Vicky poured her heart into her work, shaping young lives and embracing each day as part of her own. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 27 Oct 2024 | 007 - Egg Rolls and Near-Misses - A Bonus Whatsapp Message Special | 00:06:23 | |
In this unexpected, laugh-out-loud bonus episode, we bring you a real-life message exchange from a loyal Pit Pony podcast listener who found herself in the most ridiculous situation - sitting at school pickup, having a peaceful moment with her egg roll, and then—bam!—hit by a car. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 12 Nov 2024 | 010 - Pit Pony Helen Taylor - Classroom to Cabin Crew | 00:56:23 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Helen Taylor, a former history teacher whose dedication to education was undeniable. Helen spent 18 years in teaching, finding joy in her students and a deep sense of purpose in the classroom. For years, she believed teaching was her lifelong path, pouring her energy and resources into her role. But after a gruelling stint with new pressures, overwhelming workloads, and the unrelenting demands of a system that left her burned out, Helen made the life-changing decision to leave the profession she loved.
Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 05 Nov 2024 | 009 - Pit Pony James Terry - Classroom to Civil Celebrant | 01:03:10 | |
In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we speak to the inspirational James Terry. James describes himself as “born to teach.” From his first work experience as a teacher in school, he knew it was his calling. For six years, he found joy and purpose in the classroom, creating an environment that felt like home. But after moving to a new school, James lasted only four terms before he handed his resignation to the head’s PA, never looking back. Join us as we follow James’s journey through the next eight years, facing life outside the familiar grounds of teaching. He speaks openly about the challenges, the loss of direction, and ultimately, the resilience that guided him through until he found a surprising new role that has brought him a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 19 Nov 2024 | 011 - Pit Pony Rowena Hicks - Classroom to Author | 00:49:11 | |
Today, we’re joined by Rowena Hicks, who dedicated over 30 years to her role as a Deputy Head Teacher and SENCO in the London-Kent area. Teaching was Rowena's life - it was her passion, her calling, and she gave it her all, right up until the moment her own health signalled it was time to step back. Rowena opens up about the physical and emotional toll of being a people-pleaser in the world of education. From pushing through chronic stress to the realisation that her relentless work ethic was costing her health, Rowena shares her journey of self-discovery and recovery. Tune in to hear Rowena’s inspiring path from burnout to balance, her take on the importance of self-worth, and the small, daily steps she’s taken to rebuild her life with intention and joy. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 26 Nov 2024 | 012 - Pit Pony Amy Meade - Classroom to Learning & Development Manager | 01:10:41 | |
After 14 years in teaching, from secondary English to primary leadership roles, Amy Meade’s journey out of the classroom is remarkable. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 10 Dec 2024 | 014 - Pit Pony Rae Dillon - Classroom to Copywriter | 00:35:56 | |
After 17 years in education, Rae Dillon made a bold decision to leave the classroom and step into a whole new world. In this episode, Rae shares her fascinating journey from teaching in the UK and China to becoming a successful copywriter, editor, and proofreader with her own business. Discover how teaching abroad gave Rae a unique perspective on education, why two and a half days of supply teaching confirmed her decision to leave the UK system, and how she transformed her love of writing into a thriving career. Plus, Rae reveals how she built resilience through rejection, tailored her CV for a new industry, and found her niche in a competitive market. Tune in for practical tips, motivational insights, and the proof that life outside of teaching can be as fulfilling as it is exciting! Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 03 Dec 2024 | 013 - Pit Pony Nicole Bateman - Classroom to SEND Advisor & Sensory Expert | 01:01:10 | |
After 11 years in the classroom, Nicole Bateman left teaching in 2021, seeking a new way to align her career with her family's needs and her personal passions. Today, she’s thriving as the Friendly SEND Advisor, making children’s activities more inclusive for those with special educational needs. Nicole shares her powerful journey, including the life-altering incident that shook her confidence, her struggles with balancing work and family, and how she transformed adversity into opportunity. Discover how Nicole used her experience as a teacher and a parent of a neurodivergent child to forge a new path—one where she champions children with SEND and equips activity providers and tutors to create truly inclusive environments. Nicole's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rediscovering purpose. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 17 Dec 2024 | 015 - Hannah Jones - Classroom to Head of Prison Education England & Wales | 01:20:18 | |
In this heart-wrenching yet uplifting episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Hannah Jones, a former teacher whose passion for education carried her from the classroom to an extraordinary role as Head of Prison Education for England and Wales. Hannah’s story is one of resilience, determination, and transformation. With a family background rooted in education and years of teaching both abroad and in the UK, Hannah believed her future lay firmly in the classroom. However, a series of personal and professional challenges - ranging from teaching in a windowless classroom to facing heartbreaking obstacles as a parent of a child with cerebral palsy - led her to reassess her path. Hannah shares:
This episode is a powerful reminder that life after teaching isn’t just possible - it can be transformative. Hannah’s journey proves that even in the darkest moments, there’s hope, opportunity, and a chance to thrive. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 24 Dec 2024 | 016 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 1 - The Teacher Who Dreamed Big | 00:26:12 | |
Welcome to a very special Christmas special 5 part episode of the Pit Pony Podcast. Through this introduction to Jonny’s career, we uncover the early years of his teaching path, his rise within the classroom, and the cracks that began to form. A single incident with a faulty laptop cable would soon become the catalyst for a life-altering decision, one that would ultimately lead him to a completely different path. As Jonny opens up about his struggles, this chapter sets the stage for the deeper complexities of his journey in the chapters to come. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 24 Dec 2024 | 017 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 2 - A Rapid Decline | 00:25:20 | |
In Chapter 2 of Jonny Millard's story, we follow his move to a new school with high hopes and ambition. However, unforeseen changes in leadership and department dynamics quickly create a challenging environment. Jonny shares how the arrival of a new head of history marked the beginning of a steady decline in his motivation and mental health. Through microaggressions, a lack of support, and poor management, his workplace became increasingly toxic, leaving him questioning his abilities and self-worth. As he begins to open up about his struggles, we see a vulnerable and deeply personal account of how unchecked behaviours in schools can have a profound impact on teachers. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 24 Dec 2024 | 018 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 3 - Reaching Out For Help | 00:21:38 | |
In Chapter 3, Jonny Millard takes a courageous step as he reaches out for help, sharing his growing struggles with colleagues and leadership. Determined to salvage the passion he once had for teaching, Jonny recounts his desperate attempts to address the toxic environment that was taking a toll on his mental health. As the story unfolds, Jonny paints a vivid picture of his internal battle, the systemic issues within his school, and the harsh realities of a profession that often fails to support its own. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 24 Dec 2024 | 019 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 4 - Breaking Free, The Struggle for a New Beginning | 00:18:48 | |
In Chapter 4 of Jonny Millard’s story, we delve into one of the most harrowing aspects of his teaching career: the systemic barriers preventing him from leaving a toxic work environment. As Jonny recounts, the reliance on references and the coercive control exerted by his academy left him feeling trapped, unable to secure a fresh start despite his best efforts. With incredible vulnerability, Jonny shares the devastating loss of his grandfather and the emotional turmoil of navigating a job interview just one day later. His resilience shines through as he reveals the profound challenges of balancing personal grief with professional struggles. This chapter explores the deeper parallels between toxic work environments and abusive relationships, shedding light on the courage required to break free and start anew. Continue to Chapter 5 to hear the conclusion of Jonny’s incredible journey. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 24 Dec 2024 | 020 - Pit Pony Jonny Millard - Chapter 5 - From The Shadows To Success | 00:51:51 | |
In this final chapter of Jonny Millard’s gripping story, we witness his extraordinary transformation from being trapped in a toxic work environment to thriving as a successful entrepreneur. Jonny shares how he found freedom after leaving teaching, rediscovering his purpose and channeling his drive into building a thriving business. Through sheer determination and resilience, Jonny turned his skills as a teacher and leader into the foundation of a highly profitable and impactful fire safety company. Now, as a managing director on track to expand his business internationally, Jonny reflects on the lessons learned and the remarkable opportunities that awaited him on the other side of adversity. This chapter is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential for anyone to turn their life around, no matter how dark the situation may seem. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 31 Dec 2024 | 021 - Pit Pony Jane Lloyd - Classroom to Artist | 00:43:26 | |
In this final episode of 2024, we welcome Jane Lloyd—a former teacher of 14 years who traded in the classroom for a paintbrush and a new lease on life. Jane’s story is a perfect way to close out the year: a tale of transformation, resilience, and the power of pursuing what truly lights you up. After years of dedicating herself to teaching art in schools, Jane decided she was done with the stress and exhaustion that teaching brought into her life. In July 2024, she stepped away from her vocation to embrace her passion as a full-time artist—and hasn’t looked back since. In this episode, Jane shares: Whether you’re a teacher looking for inspiration, an artist seeking courage, or someone considering a career change, Jane’s story will leave you feeling empowered and ready to tackle your dreams in the year ahead. Tune in to hear how Jane rediscovered her passion, reclaimed her mental well-being, and built a life she truly loves—all in less than six months. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 07 Jan 2025 | 022 - Pit Pony Gareth Isaac - Classroom to Mindfulness Teacher | 01:03:27 | |
In this deeply introspective episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, Sharon and Sarah sit down with Gareth Isaac, a former sociology teacher who left the classroom after 4 years - overwhelmed by exhaustion, stress, and a profound sense of disconnection. Gareth candidly shares how he navigated the physical and emotional toll of burnout, his struggle to recognise what was happening to him, and the journey that followed his decision to leave teaching. Now a mindfulness teacher, Gareth explains how mindfulness became his anchor, helping him reconnect with himself and redefine what it means to live in the present. From coaching young football players to facilitating men’s mental health groups, Gareth is using his experiences to empower others. Expect honest reflections on:
This episode is for anyone grappling with stress, change, or a sense of being “stuck.” Gareth’s story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the healing that comes from reconnecting with yourself. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 14 Jan 2025 | 023 - Pit Pony Lee Springett - Classroom to Barnardos Project Manager | 01:08:42 | |
In todays episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Lee Springett, a former secondary school teacher who made the leap from the classroom into the charity sector. After 12 years in teaching, Lee didn’t leave because of burnout or a critical incident - he left because of a gut feeling and a reflective process that changed his perspective on what the next 20 years could look like. Lee takes us through the creation of his “list of non-negotiables,” his year-long exit strategy, and the 75 applications that ultimately landed him a fulfilling role as a Project Manager for Barnardo’s. We explore the challenges of leadership in education, the disconnect between training and real-world application, and the pivotal moments that inspired Lee to prioritise family and work-life balance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone contemplating a career change, searching for purpose, or wondering if the grass really is greener on the other side. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 17 Jan 2025 | 024 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 1 | 00:09:24 | |
Sliding Doors Moments: From Chocolate to Celebrancy and Safari Dreams 🎙️ Welcome to our first special bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible "sliding doors" moments from our guests - those life-defining events that remind us why stepping out of the classroom can lead to extraordinary experiences. This week, we revisit the heartfelt stories of:
Every week, we will bring you more past 'sliding doors' inspiring moments and let them remind you of the magic waiting just beyond the classroom door. 🎧 Subscribe now and don’t miss the next episode! Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 21 Jan 2025 | 025 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 1 | 00:49:35 | |
In the first part of this fantastic two-part episode, we introduce Leanne Herring, a passionate teacher whose love for education began as a six-year-old teaching her teddies. Spanning a decade-long teaching career across four schools, Leanne’s story unfolds with both moments of joy and deep challenges. Leanne reflects on her first school, where creativity flourished and she thrived, only to move to a second school where a toxic "mean girl" culture took its toll. From being excluded in staffrooms to enduring relentless microaggressions, Leanne recounts the pivotal moment when a confidential grievance letter she submitted was dismissed – and later shared with colleagues behind her back. Through her experiences at her final school – a new academy rife with micromanagement and extreme scrutiny – Leanne paints a vivid picture of her fight to maintain her integrity and creativity amidst an oppressive system. This episode explores:
Don’t forget to tune in for Part 2, where Leanne shares how she rebuilt her life and discovered joy in a new career. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 21 Jan 2025 | 026 - Pit Pony Leanne Herring - Classroom to Voice Artist and Content Creator - PART 2 | 00:41:53 | |
In the second part of Leanne Herring’s inspiring story, we delve into her journey beyond the classroom and explore the incredible life she’s built since leaving teaching. From pursuing a master's degree in psycholinguistics to discovering her passion for voiceover artistry, Leanne shares how she turned creativity and resilience into a thriving career. Hear about the challenges she overcame, including financial worries and post-teaching anxieties, and how she embraced opportunities in content creation and freelancing. Discover how her passion for phonics led her to develop an exciting new project and how leaving the profession allowed her to support her family in ways she couldn’t have imagined. Leanne’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and finding joy in a life that’s true to her passions. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 24 Jan 2025 | 027 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 2 | 00:06:13 | |
We’re excited to share the second in our series of brand-new bonus episodes of the Pit Pony Podcast - a heartfelt collection of our guests’ incredible sliding doors moments. These powerful and inspiring stories celebrate the magic of life after teaching and the joy that comes from embracing new opportunities. In this episode, you'll hear from: ✨ Rowena Hicks: From Classroom to Author
✨ Amy Meade: From Classroom to Learning & Development Manager
✨ Nicole Bateman: From Classroom to SEND Advisor and Sensory Expert
These moments are proof that stepping out of the classroom can lead to life-changing opportunities. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 04 Feb 2025 | 030 - Pit Pony Amy MacDonald - From Classroom to Forest School Leader and Curriculum Writer | 01:08:05 | |
This week, we welcome Amy MacDonald, a former primary school teacher who transformed her love for teaching outdoors into a fulfilling new career. Amy’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and inspiration, showing us that life after teaching can be rich with opportunities. In this episode, Amy shares: Amy’s story will inspire anyone considering a new chapter or looking to align their work with their passions. As always, thank you for being part of our amazing Pit Pony community. Your support helps us share these transformative stories every week. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 28 Jan 2025 | 028 - Pit Pony Mark Thompson - Classroom to TV & Film Chaperone | 00:39:43 | |
Mark Thompson is a former computing and business studies teacher with over 18 years of experience in education. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 31 Jan 2025 | 029 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 3 | 00:19:37 | |
We’re thrilled to bring you another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode! This special collection features incredible moments from our guests that truly capture the magic of life after teaching. In this episode, we revisit the inspiring reflections of: ✨ Rae Dillon – From classroom teacher to copywriter. Celebrating her dream wedding in Bora Bora - something teaching would never have allowed.
Sharing an emotional and deeply personal story about resilience, family, and how leaving teaching saved her future.
Taking control of his success, enjoying financial freedom, a dream trip, and making memories. Thank you for being part of our Pit Pony community - we couldn’t do this without you! Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 07 Feb 2025 | 031 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 4 | 00:07:02 | |
We’re back with another special bonus episode of The Pit Pony Podcast - Sliding Doors Stories, Part 4! In this episode, we revisit those powerful moments when our guests reflect on the incredible experiences they’ve had since leaving the classroom. This week, we hear from: 🎨 Jane Lloyd – From classroom teacher to artist, embracing a life filled with creativity, fresh air, and even a pet sheep!
As always, if you love what we do, make sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review! If you've been enjoying the podcast, laughing with us, and feeling inspired by the incredible stories we share, we’d love your support! We've set up a Buy Me a Coffee link, so if you're loving what we do and want to help us keep the episodes coming, you can now make a small donation. See you on the other side. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 11 Feb 2025 | 032 - Pit Pony Katie Stone - Classroom to Virtual Assistant Agency Owner | 01:06:20 | |
Today, we sit down with Katie Stone, a former primary school teacher who left the classroom after facing work-related stress and the pressures of an informal support plan. Katie opens up about the emotional toll of teaching, the challenges of leaving, and how she found a new path that gave her both freedom and fulfilment. Now the owner of a successful virtual assistant agency, Katie shares how she turned her organisational skills, multitasking abilities, and work ethic - honed in teaching - into a thriving business supporting education professionals. From dealing with rejection sensitivity to embracing entrepreneurship, this is a powerful story about resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming control over your career and life. We also discuss the controversial role of "support plans" in education, their impact on teachers, and why so many educators are forced to exit instead of being truly supported. 🎙️ Listen now and discover how Katie built a career on her own terms—one that allows her to attend school nativities, travel the world, and support her family while doing work she loves. 📌 Resources & Links: 🔗 Visit Katie's Website Here Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 18 Feb 2025 | 034 - Pit Pony Sarah Cowen - Classroom to Head of Domestic Abuse Services | 01:11:03 | |
This week’s episode is a powerful one. We sit down with Sarah Cowen, a former drama teacher who never planned to teach—until she fell in love with the profession. But after 18 years, she faced the realisation that her boundaries, well-being, and identity had been eroded over time. Sarah’s story is one of deep reflection, empowerment, and transition. Now working as Head of Domestic Abuse Services, she shares: ✨ How she went from ‘accidental teacher’ to Mary Poppins of education, parachuting into struggling departments and making them thrive.
✨ The exact moment she decided to leave—triggered by the now-famous Pit Pony video. ⏳ Why she once fantasised about being hospitalised for six months just to escape work. This conversation is raw, honest, and so relatable for anyone who has ever normalised the unacceptable in teaching. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 14 Feb 2025 | 033 - Sliding Doors Stories - Part 5 | 00:08:18 | |
Welcome to another Sliding Doors Stories bonus episode, where we celebrate the incredible transformations our guests have experienced since leaving the classroom. In this episode, we hear from: ✨ Leanne Herring – from teacher to voice artist & content creator. ✨ Mark Thompson – from teacher to TV & film chaperone. ✨ Amy MacDonald – from teacher to forest school leader & content creator. Each of these stories is a powerful reminder that life after teaching can be filled with joy, fulfillment, and unexpected opportunities. ☕ Support the podcast! If you love these stories, help keep them coming by buying us a coffee. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 25 Feb 2025 | 035 - Pit Pony Ruth O'Neill - Classroom to SEND Consultant and Tutor | 01:02:46 | |
In today's episode of The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Ruth O’Neill, an educator who spent over 20 years in the classroom before stepping into a new role as a SEND consultant and English tutor. Ruth’s journey took her from teaching in the UK to classrooms in Cairo and Costa Rica, before returning home to take on a challenging SENCO role. Over time, the pressures of the role, increasing workload, and systemic challenges pushed her to breaking point. Ruth opens up about the realities of working in SEND, the emotional and professional toll of the job, and how she ultimately found a new, fulfilling way to use her expertise outside of traditional education. Now, she supports families navigating the SEND system, helps children access the right support, and provides English tuition—all on her own terms. If you’ve ever wondered what life after teaching could look like, or if you’re a SENCO questioning your next steps, this episode is for you. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 04 Mar 2025 | 036 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 1 | 01:03:33 | |
In this powerful two-part episode, we sit down with Hollie Jones, a former teacher turned neurodiversity practitioner, whose journey out of the classroom is one of resilience, advocacy, and hard-won justice. Hollie always believed teaching was her lifelong career - until she faced systemic barriers, discrimination, and a lack of understanding about neurodivergent needs in the workplace. What started as a request for simple, reasonable adjustments quickly spiralled into a legal battle for her rights. In this first part of her story, Hollie opens up about:
Hollie's journey is one about standing up, speaking out, and setting a precedent for others facing similar challenges. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 04 Mar 2025 | 037 - Pit Pony Hollie Jones - Classroom to Neurodivergent Educator - Part 2 | 01:34:22 | |
In this second part to Hollie Jones’ story, we dive deeper into her legal battle for workplace justice, the emotional toll of discrimination, and the life-changing shift that followed. After an appalling "well-being" call that questioned her ADHD diagnosis, Hollie knew she was facing more than ignorance - she was up against systemic failure. With unwavering determination, she documented every step, stood her ground, and ultimately forced those in power to reckon with their treatment of neurodivergent staff. In this episode, Hollie shares:
Hollie's is a story of demanding change, knowing your worth, and proving that neurodivergent professionals belong in every workplace. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 11 Mar 2025 | 038 - Pit Pony Paul Lennon - Classroom to NHS Health Adviser | 01:25:29 | |
In this episode of the Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with Paul Lennon, a former teacher with 28 years of experience in secondary schools across the UK and around the world. Paul started his career as a PE teacher, eventually working his way up to head of department, assistant principal, and IB Diploma Coordinator. But his journey took an unexpected and deeply challenging turn when he found himself in a toxic school environment that left him battling anxiety, self-doubt, and ultimately a panic attack that forced him to walk away. Paul shares:
· The power struggles and bullying culture that made his final school unbearable · The moment he physically couldn’t enter the building—and the turning point that followed · How leaving education led him to a new career in the NHS, where he’s found professional fulfilment and purpose This is an eye-opening conversation about resilience, leadership, and what happens when great teachers are pushed out by toxic cultures. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job that no longer aligns with your values, Paul’s story will resonate deeply. 🎧 Listen now and discover how he rebuilt his life after teaching. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 18 Mar 2025 | 039 - Pit Pony Grant Decker - Classroom to Record Store Owner | 01:10:40 | |
This week on The Pit Pony Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Grant Decker – a former teacher whose love for music led him to open his own record shop. After years in the classroom, supporting students with complex needs, Grant realised it was time for a change. In this episode, he shares his inspiring journey from education to entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing work and family, and how he built a thriving business from his passion for vinyl. Thinking about your own exit strategy? Grant’s story is proof that it can be done! Useful links : https://linktr.ee/vinylshakedownrecords https://www.facebook.com/vinylshakedown https://www.instagram.com/vinylshakedown _ _ _ _ _ _ _ P.S. Big shoutout to our sponsors, the National Teaching & Advisory Service (NT&AS), who do incredible work supporting children who aren't in mainstream education. They provide one-to-one teaching, working with young people who need that extra bit of care, whether they're in foster care, have additional needs, or just need help getting back on track. If you're a teacher looking for a change but still want to make a difference, they are always on the lookout for passionate educators. Check out ntas.org.uk and see how you can get involved! Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 25 Mar 2025 | 040 - Pit Pony Rachael Daniel - Classroom to Development Officer | 01:10:51 | |
What happens when a dedicated teacher realises that the career she once loved is no longer the right fit? In this episode, we sit down with Rachael Daniel, who made the bold decision to step away from teaching and carve out a new path. Rachael takes us through the highs and lows of her transition - from the moment she knew she had to leave, to the doubts that nearly held her back, and the surprising opportunities that opened up once she took the leap. She shares how she navigated financial fears, rediscovered her confidence, and built a career that aligns with her values and passions. Expect raw honesty, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration for anyone considering a major career shift. If you’re feeling stuck in a job that no longer serves you, Rachael’s story might just be the nudge you need. 🎧 Listen now and get ready to rethink what’s possible. A big shout-out to our sponsor, Full of Beans! Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 01 Apr 2025 | 041 - Pit Pony Kitty White - Classroom to Holiday Cottages Business Manager | 00:55:49 | |
Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? Kitty White never imagined she’d leave teaching - she was in it for life. But after years of battling anxiety, disillusionment, and a crushing sense of being lost, she made a brave leap out of the classroom and into something completely different. In this powerful episode, Kitty reflects on the emotional toll teaching took on her, how she slowly rebuilt herself, and how she found new purpose (and peace) as the Business Development Manager of Cozy Holiday Cottages in the Yorkshire Dales. Her story is full of raw honesty, gentle humour, and hope - and reminds us that it’s never too late to choose yourself. Useful links : Website - https://cozyholidaycottages.co.uk/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cozyholidaycottages/ - - - - - - 💚 This episode is proudly sponsored by the National Teaching and Advisory Service (NTAS) a brilliant organisation supporting children and young people not in mainstream education through one-to-one teaching. If you’re a teacher looking for a more flexible, meaningful way to use your skills outside the classroom, NTAS are always looking for passionate professionals to join them. Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 08 Apr 2025 | 042 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 1 | 00:51:54 | |
In the first of this two-part special, we meet Rob Newlands, a former headteacher who climbed the leadership ladder quickly - only to face a stark and painful reality at the top. At just 30 years old, Rob stepped into a headship in Cornwall, full of energy, purpose, and a belief that he could make a difference. But what awaited him was far from the job he signed up for. From day one, Rob was met with missing policies, no induction, and the expectation to lead full-time while also teaching full-time… and that was just the start. In Part 1, Rob walks us through the impossible conditions he faced - covering everything from safeguarding and site maintenance to the challenges of running a school with rising SEND needs and no structural support. His story is a raw and powerful account of what happens when passionate leaders are left to sink or swim with no safety net. This episode shines a light on systemic failings, the mental toll of unsupported leadership, and the unravelling that can occur when cries for help go unanswered. Rob’s honesty and humility make this an unforgettable listen. Rob's links : Facebook: Rob Newlands- Financial Planner | Falmouth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robnewlands.dswm/ Dean Stevens Wealth Management: https://www.deanstevenswm.co.uk/ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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| 08 Apr 2025 | 043 - Pit Pony Rob Newlands - Classroom to Financial Planner - Part 2 | 01:29:35 | |
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Rob Newlands takes us through the devastating fallout of his time in headship - and the turning point that changed everything. After months of isolation, impossible expectations, and systemic failure, Rob faced a brutal mocksted that delivered the final blow. What followed was a silent breakdown behind closed doors, a desperate call to his GP, and the realisation that he had to leave the profession to survive. Rob shares the raw truth about what it feels like to hit rock bottom - the shame, the self-doubt, and the guilt so many teachers carry when they can no longer keep going. But this is also a story of recovery, purpose, and the surprising path he found on the other side of education. This episode is a lifeline for anyone who’s been made to feel they’re “not enough,” despite giving everything they had. If you've ever questioned your worth, your resilience, or your ability to start again - Rob’s story is for you. Useful links : Facebook: Rob Newlands- Financial Planner | Falmouth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robnewlands.dswm/ Dean Stevens Wealth Management: https://www.deanstevenswm.co.uk/ Loving the Pit Pony Podcast? If our episodes have inspired, supported, or entertained you, we’d be so grateful for your support! We’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page where you can make a small donation to help keep the podcast running. Every contribution goes toward production costs, ensuring we can continue sharing these powerful stories. https://buymeacoffee.com/thepitponyclub Voice Message Us:
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