After more than two decades as a school principal across three educational jurisdictions and two states in Australia, I’ve reached a personal and professional crossroads.
For the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of leading a thriving school on the beautiful Mid North Coast of New South Wales. It’s a place I’ve poured my energy into, a place that has shaped me as much as I’ve shaped it.
The Plateau of Leadership
There’s a moment many leaders encounter: the plateau. When you’ve led long enough to know every corner of the school and every nuance of the community, routine can settle in. For some, it’s a signal to step aside and leave on a high before comfort replaces challenge.
For others, it’s a prompt to grow again.
The Personal Side of the Decision
As a lifelong learner, I’ve come to recognise a deeper need for challenge. That realisation hasn’t been easy. Like many who wrestle with major career decisions, my choice isn’t just about me. There’s a family to consider including children, mortgages, a spouse’s career, ageing parents, extended family, and friendships that anchor daily life.
When a school principal announces they’re leaving, people see only the surface. They ask, “What does this mean for us?” Fair question. But what often goes unseen are the long conversations, the weighing of costs and benefits, the hopes, fears, and practicalities that sit just below the surface like the iceberg beneath the waterline.
The Purpose of This Blog
With the full support of my family, I’ve decided to resign from my current principalship to take up an international leadership role in Dubai.
This blog will chronicle that transition, initially for my family, who will remain in Australia until our youngest completes the HSC in 2015. But it will also serve as a reflective outlet, a space to document the challenges, discoveries, and growth that come with stepping into the unknown.
Looking Ahead
I hope this space becomes more than a personal journal. Like other expat blogs I’ve followed, I hope it offers useful insight for educators, leaders, and anyone considering a leap into the next chapter.
Change is never simple. But growth rarely is.
What would it take for you to leave something successful in pursuit of something unknown? And if not now, when?
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Absolutely with our blessing. Looking forward to being kept posted from afar. So proud of you.❤️
All the best Jake. Look forward to hearing how life and work OS is going. I’m sure it will be a great adventure for you, Annie and your family. Take care.
Thanks Tracey, appreciate the comment. It’s been a whirlwind preparing to leave but am looking forward to the move.
Congratulations Jake we are all proud of you and your wonderful family! As a leader you are an inspiration, demonstrating what is possible with vision, high expectations, commitment and true grit!
Thanks Lesleigh, Have appreciated your support this year, particularly around supporting our staff. Keep smiling.
Congratulations on your new position. The few times I visited your school in Coffs, I was impressed by your commitment and dedication. I have no doubt that your commitment and dedication will see your success in this next chapter of your life. Good Luck and Best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks Kevin, Learning is all about meeting new challenges. Visitation is a powerful professional development activity. When you are passing Dubai please call in for a school visit.
How inspirational it will be to follow your blog from Dubai, Jake. The wonder of IT allows you to share with us the educational setting in another part of the world. Maybe later through your role there, we may be able to have some IT interactions for students. Best of Luck. Robyn Lockwood SFX
Thanks Robyn, Look forward to the opportunity to connect with you, staff and your classroom. Love to share the story.