Re-educated: Why it’s never too late to change your life

by Lucy Kellaway

'A beautifully told story of courage, determination and, above all, magnificent defiance' Alan Johnson

'Bracing and inspirational' Nigella Lawson

'A wonderful writer... life-affirming' Jon Snow

'There are lots of reasons to read this book, which has the fineness of detail, sharpness of humour and grace of a novel by Penelope Lively. But it's this business of changing one's mind - the thing most of us least like to do - that I admired the most' Observer

'I am immersed in a new world that feels a long way from my old one. Though I've not been re-invented, what has happened is just as radical and a lot more I am being re-educated.'

Lucy Kellaway had a comfortable life. For years she had the same prestigious job, the same husband, and the same home. To the casual observer, she was both happy and successful. But one day, Lucy began to realise that the life she had built for herself no longer suited her. Was it too late to start again?

The answer was no - so she proceeded to tear down both marriage and career, and went back to school. Retraining as a teacher, Lucy discovers there is a world of new possibilities awaiting her - and learns that you can teach an old dog new tricks (providing they are willing to un-learn a few old ones along the way).

A witty and moving story of one woman's pursuit of a new life, Re-educated is a celebration of education's power to transform our lives at any age, and an essential companion for anyone facing the joy - and pain - of starting again.

256 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2022

About the author

Lucy Kellaway is the management columnist at the Financial Times. Her column is syndicated in The Irish Times. In addition she has worked as energy correspondent, Brussels correspondent, a Lex writer, and interviewer of business people and celebrities, all with the FT. She has become best known for her satirical commentaries on the limitations of modern corporate culture. She is a regular commentator on the BBC World Service daily business programme Business Daily. At the British Press Awards 2006 she was named Columnist of the Year.

Reviews

[Mehmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a book. Truthful, inspiring and scary, too.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok, it was reasonably interesting about a lady who has a career change in middle age to become a teacher. Some thought provoking and interesting points but overall just ok.

[Luë · Rating 5 out of 5]

...und eis jahr spöter bini lehrperson worde