You’re More Qualified Than You Think

“I’d leave teaching… but I’ve no idea what else I’m qualified to do.”

If we had £1 for every time I’ve heard that from a teacher, we’d be writing this from a hammock in Bali.

It’s one of the most common fears we hear from the brilliant educators who follow Those Who Can. And we get it, it was one of the reasons we created our website in the first place. 

Teaching isn’t just a job, it’s an identity. It’s all-consuming. For years, you’ve lived the rhythm of the school calendar, led classes like clockwork, and poured energy into everyone else. The thought of stepping outside that world feels scary, especially when you’re not sure where you’d even begin.

But here’s the truth we’ve learned after speaking to thousands of teachers considering a change:

You’re already more qualified than you think.

And this blog is going to show you why.

Why So Many Teachers Feel ‘Unqualified’ (When You’re Actually the Opposite)

Let’s name the elephant in the room: teaching isn’t always great at helping you see your own skills. You’re so used to spinning plates, behaviour management, lesson planning, assessments, parents, staff meetings, Ofsted preparation, that it just feels like part of the job. Nothing special.

But to people outside education? The work you do every day is impressive, rare, and deeply transferable.

In fact, many companies wish they could hire people with your resilience, time management, emotional intelligence, and communication skills. You’ve just never had to speak about them in that way.

Transferable Skills Teachers Already Have (& Employers Love)

Let’s break it down. These are the core strengths that teachers bring to the table in any industry:

• People Skills – You know how to communicate, manage tricky conversations, and build rapport across generations.
  
• Presentation & Public Speaking – Teaching is performance. You hold attention, explain clearly, and adapt in real time.
  
• Time Management – Planning lessons, marking work, running after-school clubs… your diary is a masterclass in efficiency.
  
• Data & Progress Tracking – Whether it’s attainment gaps or SEN targets, you already know how to analyse and act.
  
• Adaptability – You’ve survived endless policy changes, tech rollouts, and last-minute cover. You are flexible and you keep going.
  
• Training & Mentoring – Whether it’s student teachers or new staff as well as countless students, you’ve supported others to grow and thrive.
  

And guess what? That’s exactly what roles in project management, training, recruitment, writing, customer support, and business ownership are built on.

So… What Jobs Can Teachers Do?

The short answer: Loads.

Here are just some of the realistic, teacher-friendly career paths I’ve seen people transition into, many of whom came through our community:

🔸 Education Consultant

Help schools, training providers, or education companies improve what they do, often project-based or freelance.

🔸 Instructional Designer

Design courses and digital learning content. A perfect match if you love planning lessons and resources.

🔸 Corporate Trainer

Swap the classroom for workshops in businesses. Teach adults, often on communication, compliance, or onboarding.

🔸 Content Writer / Editor

Got a knack for words? Write for curriculum companies, blogs, educational publishers, or brands.

🔸 Recruitment Consultant

Especially in education recruitment, your insight is gold here.

🔸 Pastoral or Wellbeing Roles

If you care deeply about people, explore work in safeguarding, coaching, counselling (with training), or youth support.

🔸 Sales or Customer Success (Especially in EdTech)

Many education companies actively recruit ex-teachers. You get their customers better than anyone else.

🔸 Franchise Owner / Self-Employed Tutor / Entrepreneur

Want to work for yourself? Many teachers thrive in tutoring, launching their own education ventures, or running a franchise.

What If You’re Not Ready To Leave Just Yet?

That’s okay too. Career change doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Here’s how to test the waters:

• Do a key skills audit: Write down what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and what people come to you for.
  
• Start networking: Follow ex-teachers on LinkedIn or join an online community, you’ll be amazed at what’s out there.
  
• Try a side hustle: Tutoring, writing, running workshops — small steps build confidence.
  
• Rewrite or write your CV: Not as a teacher, but as a professional with leadership, communication, and project experience.
  
• Be kind to yourself: This stuff takes time. You don’t have to know the destination to take the first step.
  

But Am I Really Qualified Enough?

Yes. You are.

The idea that you’re “only a teacher” is a lie (a phrase we hear too often), and you don’t have to keep believing it. The classroom may be where you started, but it doesn’t have to be where you stay.

You’ve managed chaos with calm. You’ve changed lives. You’ve juggled demands most people would find overwhelming.

Whether you want more flexibility, more money, more creativity, or more freedom, the skills you’ve built already qualify you to pursue it.

You just need the right lens to see it.

Want To Explore Your Options Further?

We’re here to help. At Those Who Can, we connect teachers with real opportunities outside the classroom, from career coaching and job posts to self-employment ideas and inspiring stories.

Download our free “STAR Method Starter Kit” Guide (PDF)
And remember:
If you can teach, you can do almost anything. You just need to give yourself permission to try.