Well the first thing is if you’re mad, you’re not the only one. More and more people I meet are moving from the private sector into teaching. As a science graduate you’re in luck. Science teachers are in massive demand particularly in the areas of Physics and Chemistry so you shouldn’t find it too difficult in getting a job.

A client of mine who worked as a financial advisor left one of the major banks to go and teach business and maths. He found teaching much more rewarding, enjoyable and challenging. He enjoyed watching his students develop, learn and discover new things with his help. And what with the shorter hours and the three month summer holidays it also gave him more freedom to do the things he wanted to and spend more time with his family.

One thing though, it did give him less money to spend. But a number of studies have proven that once you have ‘disposable’ income, increases in salary have a limited effect on happiness. So if you’re earning a packet making drugs for people with rheumatoid arthritis but are feeling unfulfilled, don’t procrastinate, take a chance, crab a bit of chalk and get teaching.

Eoghan McDermott is Director of Careers, The Communication Clinic . www.communicationsclinic.ie