PGCE Secondary Music with QTS student James took the leap to change careers from nursing to teaching. Find out why, and how he has found the change so far.
Why did you decide to change careers?
I spent 15 years as a trauma nurse in the NHS culminating with running music therapy and wanted a change. Having achieved an MA in Music Production, I wanted to go on to share my knowledge, and teaching was something I always wanted to do. It was now or never!
What have been the main differences so far?
While many of the communication and people skills are transferable/adaptable, it is very clear that this is a new and unique profession, which requires independent and constant research. In teaching, you can’t leave the day at the door when you leave, it is a constant responsibility.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day at university for me involves stimulating and inclusive training, and practical/participatory activity related to my teacher training. I have a range of guest lectures from individuals holding important positions in the field of teaching, which I have found really helpful.
My university experience has been a varied and highly informative/stimulating experience!
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What challenges have you faced so far?
The challenge has been great and has required lots of work and planning to get here, but the reward was even greater.
Working with children requires lots of care and attention to detail, especially the responsibilities around safeguarding - which is not unlike nursing. However, the application of attention is very different in a classroom compared to a ward, for example, and requires a whole new set of skills and knowledge base and this is where the main challenge lies.
Do you have any standout moments from your placement?
Playing guitar on stage in the Burton Borough School production of Bugsy Malone - it was a tremendous experience to support such youth talent!
Have you managed to secure a role for once you have graduated?
Yes - I'm happy to say I've secured a job working full-time as a Music teacher in a school not far from where I live.
Do you have any advice for anybody looking to change careers?
My advice is don’t wait to change career if you have an opportunity to do so. I identified a point in my life where it could be possible financially and went for it and have no regrets. I love teaching now as much as I loved nursing, so if you seek job satisfaction, I implore you to be brave and make the change if you can foresee success and happiness in a new field.
