After a decade as a dedicated middle school teacher, Ryan Hennessey realized something wasn’t right. Burnout had crept in slowly, and despite still loving his students, the system no longer supported who he was becoming. A moment of clarity at a heart-led retreat changed everything — and gave him the courage to walk away.
In this candid conversation on The Life Shift Podcast, Ryan shares how he left behind a job that once defined him to create a life built on purpose, presence, and power. This episode is for anyone who has wondered, “Is this really the life I want to keep living?”
Ryan Hennessey is a former beloved science teacher who walked away from the classroom after a decade to pursue a life aligned with purpose, freedom, and impact. After a powerful realization at a heart-led business retreat, Ryan made the courageous decision to leave a career that once defined him to create a life that truly fulfilled him. Now, he hosts adventure-based wellness retreats, coaches others through major life transitions, and helps people reconnect with what sets their soul on fire. His story is one of integrity, reinvention, and what it really means to take back your power.
Connect with Ryan:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IamRyanHennessey
Substack: https://substack.com/@iamryanhennessey
Website: https://www.ryan-hennessey.com/
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
01:45 – Ryan’s journey into teaching
08:30 – Early signs of burnout
14:22 – The retreat moment that shifted everything
26:10 – Grieving the career he loved
31:05 – Building a new life aligned with purpose
39:48 – How he defines abundance now
47:22 – Advice to anyone afraid to make a change
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