Introduction:

Teaching is a noble profession that shapes future generations and leaves an indelible mark on society. 

However, it’s important to recognise that transitioning to a different career path isn’t quitting teaching; it’s about embracing new opportunities and personal growth.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the positive aspects of changing careers after teaching, backed by insights and quotes from reputable sources. Quitting teaching is not a phrase we use, you are a teacher and these skills have prepared you for a new challenge.

1. Broadening Your Horizons

Transitioning to a new career allows you to explore different industries and expand your horizons.

As The Guardian mentions in their article, “Career Change: It’s Never Too Late,” changing careers can be a fulfilling experience that opens doors to exciting possibilities.

“Changing careers can be an exciting journey of personal and professional growth, leading to a more fulfilling life.”

David Thomas was a teacher for 19 years and has had 2 major career changes: ‘For most people, a major career change is a very positive experience and nearly always a success story. If you can find a role that you love, the change will be totally invigorating.’

David talks about how people feel that they are giving up. Lots of conversations we have with teachers reflect this mindset, they feel like a failure for wanting to change careers.

We would argue that you are incredible for undertaking a career in teaching in the first place. The skills you have acquired from the classroom are highly desirable to organisations.

David also asks you to think about ‘what’s important for you before you decide to move. Spend some time thinking about what you require from a job – in other words, get to know yourself better.’

It can be hard when teaching to have the headspace for other ventures, hobbies and interests but taking a moment to reflect on what makes you happy can open up a myriad of opportunities that potentially you may have overlooked.

2. Transferable Skills

Teaching equips you with a diverse skill set that is valuable in various professions.

The National Careers Service emphasises that educators possess skills such as communication, organisation, and adaptability that are highly transferable.

“Teachers possess a treasure trove of transferable skills that make them well-suited for a wide range of careers.”

As we discussed in an earlier blog ‘5 Key Skills That Make Teachers Highly Employable’ Teachers possess a unique set of skills that extend beyond the classroom, making them highly sought after and employable in various industries. 

Understanding your transferable skills allows you to identify and assess your expertise and capabilities, to discover potential knowledge gaps or growth opportunities.

3. Lifelong Learning

The education sector is constantly evolving, and a career change can be an opportunity to engage in lifelong learning. 

As the BBC suggests in their article ‘The amazing fertility of the older mind’

“Your brain still has an astonishing ability to learn and master many new skills, whatever your age. And the effort to master a new discipline may be more than repaid in maintaining and enhancing your overall cognitive health.”

Continuing to learn and adapt is essential in today’s job market, as a teacher you are very used to upskilling with each new school initiative and the new cohort of students. 

You shouldn’t be afraid of upskilling, as a career change can be an exciting chance to acquire new skills and knowledge, ensuring your professional growth never stagnates.

In our blog ‘How Using Other Career Pathways Can Enrich Your Teaching’, we discuss the importance of upskilling:

‘As we move into the ‘future of work’ with increasingly non-linear careers, upskilling and reinvention will become necessities. You must not get left behind whilst your counterparts in other fields work for organisations with cultures that actively encourage new ideas and capabilities.’

Lifelong learning has become the paradigm of today’s education policy.

4. Pursuing Passion

Some educators discover new passions or long-held interests during their teaching careers.

Pursuing these passions can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying career path, as mentioned in a blog post by Forbes “Follow Your Passion Really Is Good Advice: 3 Ways To Fuel Your Career”

“Passion turns out to be a great accelerant for your career. Evidence published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, by a  11-year longitudinal study suggests when you tap into your passion, you’re more likely to take actions which drive your growth and success.”

We have worked with many teachers who have monetised their hobbies like the teacher who is now running a successful cycling, trail and mountain bike events business on the South Downs.

Or, the former Head Teacher whose passion for education has inspired her to create her own coaching company, now advises schools on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Staying true to yourself is the best way to find fulfilment in your career after teaching.

5. Positive Impact Continues

While you may leave the classroom, your positive impact on students and colleagues remains. TES, the Times Educational Supplement, highlights how former teachers often inspire those they’ve taught, leaving a lasting legacy.

“Your influence as a teacher extends far beyond the classroom, and your impact continues to shape lives long after you’ve moved on.”

If you chose a career in the not-for-profit, charities, public sector/Government, healthcare, environment and sustainability, education, advocacy etc. you are continuing a career with social impact.

A Head Teacher was asked by one of our workshop attendees “Do you feel guilty about leaving?”, she replied, “In my current role I can help hundreds of children, in my next role I want to help thousands”.

If your next career is outside of the education sector, that’s okay, give yourself a break, you have earned it after dedicating time to teaching. Remember, you will always have this qualification and you can always return.

Conclusion

Changing careers after teaching is not quitting; it’s about embracing change and personal growth. Your skills, experiences, and passions can lead you to new and exciting opportunities.

As you navigate this transition, remember that your impact as an educator extends beyond the classroom, and your journey towards a new career is a testament to your resilience and determination.

Embrace the change, and seize the chance to create a brighter future for yourself and those around you.

Finding a new career can be a daunting prospect for some, especially if all you have known is the education sector. This is why Did Teach exists. Visit our other Career Advice blogs for practical tips and direction.

If you would like more support on career direction, CV writing and interviews, please visit our Courses Page or send us an email to arrange a call.