Why I Decided to Change Careers

From the classroom to construction — how a shift in work transformed my life.

After nine years as a teacher, I never imagined I’d be doing anything else. I loved working with kids, and I poured so much of myself into my students. But after having children of my own and returning to teaching part-time, things started to feel different.

To be completely honest, I found it incredibly hard to spend the day caring for and guiding children at school, only to come home and do the same for my own. My kids needed me—they wanted to play, connect, and have my full attention—and I was often coming home completely drained. I was overstimulated, exhausted, and struggling to be present.

I’d always been curious about doing something different, but never seriously considered it. Then one day, Luke—my husband—put the idea to me: what if we worked together in our building business?

At first, I wasn’t sure. I’d never worked in the building industry, and it felt like such a leap. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It was a chance to learn something new, to work in a space that didn’t leave me emotionally depleted, and to contribute to something we were building as a family.

So, I took the leap.

Six months later, I can honestly say I haven’t looked back.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about stepping into a new industry and discovering that you can learn, grow, and thrive. I now look forward to going to work. I feel energised, challenged, and inspired by what I’m doing—and I come home with something left to give.

Working with Luke has also been such a positive surprise. I thought we might get sick of each other (let’s be real!), but working three days a week has turned out to be the perfect balance. In fact, we get along even better now. There’s a shared sense of purpose and partnership that’s really strengthened both our work and our relationship.

Changing careers wasn’t something I planned, but it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’m learning every day, and I’m excited about the future—not just for our business, but for our family too.