Hi everyone,

I am currently a primary school Headteacher, but am leaving this summer in search of a new challenge and hopefully a better work life balance! I would love to work in the charity sector but have only ever worked in education, so despite my strong CV in terms of strategic leadership, organisational management,  training and coaching staff, managing budgets and applying for alternative funding streams, working with children with complex needs and having a positive impact on families and the wider community, I have not yet managed to even get an interview for any charity job i have applied for due to no experience in the sector. 

Is it just such a competitive field that I'm unlikely to get a look in without experience? These are also jobs that are almost half the wage I was previously on, so I'm worried maybe my skills are not as transferable as I thought? It has been incredibly hard to walk away from the job that I love, (but working 80 hour weeks just was not sustainable!) so I do really want to do something that I care about and continue to have a positive impact. 

Would I have more luck applying for a different job and getting some volunteering experience first maybe? 

Any advice appreciated!