Former South African teachers share life after resigning

Discover the transformative journeys of South African teachers who left the profession. From starting businesses to pursuing healthcare, learn how they have found happiness beyond the classroom.

Discover the transformative journeys of South African teachers who left the profession. From starting businesses to pursuing healthcare, learn how they have found happiness beyond the classroom.

Published Oct 14, 2024

Share

Durban — A tired South African teacher, tempted to leave the profession, asked for feedback from teachers who have resigned and they did not hold back.

The teachers, who opted to be anonymous, took to social media and asked: “Teachers who have resigned, how is life going, what are you now doing with your lives? I am tempted to leave this profession. My tired is tired.”

The question received more than 100 comments and over 90 reactions.

The former teachers will not be named to protect their identity.

The first teacher said they bought a bakkie and started selling vegetables and eggs. “I am in peace.”

A second teacher said she moved to the UK in 2022 and was now in healthcare and looking into doing nursing in the UK. “A whole 360 change in career.”

The third teacher said: “Doing e-hailing and I have never been happier with my life, I look younger now and (am) not always stressed.”

A fourth teacher said: “I am planning on starting a digital print and events company...from parties to funerals. There was a real need for it in my area. With time I can sit back and see how it grows.”

The fifth teacher said she got a job in Taiwan in 2018. “I am sound and vibrant. Salary is much better than in SA.”

The sixth teacher said: “Resigned in 2019. Took up farming. Doing chickens, eggs, sheep, crops. I have not bought veggies, eggs or chicken in the last 4 years. I have never been this happy. No marking, meetings, etc.”

The penultimate teacher said: “Doing just fine. I have managed to increase my earning potential and I love the flexibility with my time, I have more time to travel, make new friends and business partners. It obviously comes with its own challenges but I would not trade the freedom for anything.”

The last teacher said she is starting two businesses. Money is tight at the moment but she is so much happier.

WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995.

Daily News