By: Ryan
My mother was a biology teacher. She was amazing at it too. Everyone thought so. She was patient, kind, very supportive, and students liked her.
Teaching is hard work though, and it's not for everyone. I'm so very thankful that people like my mother and you decide to become teachers, but I totally understand if you change your mind later.
Teaching aint easy, but it prepares you for other jobs.
The good news is that your skills as an educator are transferable, and with the right guidance and mindset, you can successfully transition into a fulfilling new career, If you decide to move. Don't worry about the kids if you do, it's best that you do what brings you joy, and if teaching doesn’t, well someone else should probably do it anyway. But what do you do then?
A. Self-Reflection: Your Why
If you're serious about a career change, then you should really figure out why: why did you go into teaching in the first place? Why would you do any other career? There is an approach called the "5 Why's" to help you get to a core underlying driver for your big decisions. It's been applied to business problems, but can also work here. Let's try an example:
Because so many interesting and awe-inspiring things about life can be experienced and not everyone gets to enjoy it. I feel privileged and special to be able to.
There you go. This fifth why can now guide you on your next career step. That final why likely doesn't change throughout your entire life, so even if you want to find a new calling, trying to be guided by that final why can help you find happiness.
B. Reaffirm what you’re good at, your skills, and what you want, your interests
It seems like teaching is so tiring that teachers often forget the amazing skills that they develop on the job: from communication and empathy to leadership and time management. My mom, for instance was excellent at those, and it's clear that her decades as a teacher helped. Additionally, her knowledge of biology would be a key skill today as there are so many jobs that value it. In your case, you probably have several skills and you would benefit from listing them out. This helps you broaden your career options and maybe even increase your confidence.
In addition to that, it can be helpful to list out what kinds of things interest you. This might help guide you in the search of vast databases on roles.
C. Scan Career Options, pick a new lane
Once you have a better understanding of your skills, interests, and your ”Why”, research potential careers that align with them. Explore industries that value strong communication, organizational, and leadership abilities. Explore roles such as corporate training, human resources, project management, or educational consulting. Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed can provide insights into various professions, helping you identify potential matches for your skill set. This process can help you refine your list of interests. Try to select one set of careers or jobs that you can focus on. You can always adjust this later.
D. Upskilling: Get career-specific certification
Keep in mind that you may need to acquire additional certification to transition smoothly into a new field. Identify the key skills required for your target career and seek opportunities to upskill. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on a wide range of topics. Whether it's learning project management software, gaining proficiency in data analysis, or acquiring marketing skills, investing in your professional development will enhance your marketability. My mother got a leadership and management certification in her 50’s! In some cases, you might even need a degree, but there may be ways around it. You should talk with those who have transitioned (see next step) to see alternatives.
E. Use your Network, be on LinkedIn
The majority of jobs are found through networking. Networking is a powerful tool in any job hunt. Reach out to professionals in your desired field and those who have transitioned from teaching for informational interviews (just to learn from them), attend industry-related events, and join online communities. Beautify your LinkedIn profile as everyone will look for you there. So ensure you have a nice profile picture, a clear work history and status. This helps.
F. Showcase Transferable Skills on Resume & Cover Letter
Crafting a compelling resume and cover letter is essential in any job search. Highlight your transferable skills, emphasizing how your teaching experience has equipped you with skills that are valuable in your new chosen field. Tailor your application materials to showcase how your expertise in communication, adaptability, and problem-solving makes you an asset to prospective employers. Note that employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes of applicants. You should design your resume to pass these systems, but again, most jobs (especially the good ones) are gotten via networking, so see the next step.
G. Network some more
Navigating a career change can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. Talk with your colleagues, family, friends, and even career advisers in making the transition. You can always benefit from more perspectives. If anyone tries to make you feel guilty for leaving teaching, try to help them understand how you feel. If they still don't have the empathy to understand, then maybe you shouldn't talk with them about it.
H. Manage your Money
A career change often involves a period of adjustment and possibly of no income, and it's essential to plan for potential financial challenges. Evaluate your current financial situation, create a budget, and set aside savings to cover living expenses during the transition. If possible, explore part-time opportunities or freelance work in your desired field before making a full-time switch.
Making a career change from teaching to less stressful and higher-paying professions is a journey that requires thoughtful planning and self-discovery, but its very doable. 200,000 - 400,000 teachers leave the profession every year in the US, with the majority not retiring. Remember that your skills and abilities are valuable and transferable, opening doors to a variety of exciting opportunities. Stay resilient, be open to new possibilities, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from professionals who have successfully made similar transitions. By knowing why you started teaching in the first place, your skills and interests, and by upskilling, and talking with your network, you can find a really rewarding career elsewhere. Embrace the journey, and trust that your experience as a teacher has equipped you with the tools to excel in any professional arena. It certainly had for my mother.
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