Teachers (and other professionals) often find themselves at a crossroads, contemplating a change in careers. Whether driven by burnout, a desire for new challenges, or a shift in personal interests, the decision to step out of the classroom can be daunting. Success, however, begins with a simple step: a decision to look inwards before looking outwards. This inward reflection is the foundation upon which a successful career decision can be built.
The Power Self-Reflection
Before jumping to a decision to change careers and diving into job searches, it is crucial to engage in self-reflection. Understanding your values, purpose and key motivators can provide clarity and direction. Why do you want to change careers? What aspects of your teaching career do you love? What do you find challenging? Identifying these elements can help you pinpoint whether you truly want to leave teaching; what you are looking for in a new career and what you want to avoid. I’ve found with some of my clients that they fall back in love with teaching at this point and gain a new perspective. Either way, starting the process this way is powerful.
Inner Work also involves you identifying your transferable skills and unique abilities. Teaching is a profession that cultivates a wide range of skills, from communication and organisation to problem-solving and empathy. Acknowledging these skills boosts your confidence and paves the way for you to see how they can be applied in other fields.
Knowing your unique abilities (perhaps best described as being where your talent meets your passion) takes you to a whole new level of self-reflection. Your unique abilities make you stand out as an individual and it’s not uncommon for my clients to have no idea they have such a thing!
Exploring New Avenues
Once you have a clearer understanding of your values, unique abilities and purpose, it’s time to explore potential career paths. Research the industries that align with your interests, skills and values. For instance, if you enjoyed mentoring and coaching students, a career in human resources or corporate training might be fulfilling. If you loved creating lesson plans and educational materials, instructional design or educational consulting could be a perfect fit.
Consider taking courses or earning certifications that can bridge any knowledge gaps between teaching and your new desired field. Online platforms like FutureLearn, Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX offer a variety of courses that can help you gain new skills and make you more competitive in the job market.
Networking and Building Connections
Networking is a powerful tool in any career transition. Connect with professionals in your desired field to gain insights and advice. Attend industry conferences, join relevant social media groups, and participate in local networking events. These connections can provide valuable information about industry trends, job openings, and the skills needed to succeed.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to former colleagues, friends, and family for support and guidance. They can offer encouragement, share job leads, and even introduce you to potential employers. Your network is an invaluable resource during your career-change process.
Embracing Change with Confidence
Changing careers is a significant step that can be both exciting and intimidating (outright terrifying for some). Embrace the uncertainty and view it as an opportunity for growth. It’s natural to feel apprehensive, but trust in your abilities and the value you bring to a new field. Maintain a positive mindset and stay open to learning and adapting. Make a decision to live life from a place of purpose rather from a place of fear.
Keep in mind that success doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way. Each step you take, whether it’s a light bulb moment about what you want to do, updating your CV, completing a certification, or landing an informational interview, brings you closer to your new career.
Conclusion
As a teacher contemplating a career change, remember that success begins with a decision to look inwards before looking outwards. By engaging in self-reflection, exploring new avenues, networking, and embracing change with confidence, you can navigate your career-change successfully. Your skills and experiences as an educator are valuable assets that can open doors to new and rewarding opportunities. Trust in yourself and enjoy the journey.
For more guidance on career transitions and personal growth, please reach out to me for help. I have a wide range of resources and support available, and lots of stories to share which will help you make informed decisions and help you to achieve your career aspirations. Further details: liz@liztaplin.com
Photo credit: Andrea Giardini on Unsplash