Perhaps the #1 question I get from friends and family is “How did you land your job?” I’ll admit that my story is unique (it involves being irate at my principal and impulsively writing a cover letter about Steve Jobs) but it can be done. So many teachers falsely assume that, because their degrees are in education and that their relevant work experience involves cutting out paper bumble bees and herding snotty 5-year-olds, they’re stuck in the school world forever. That’s simply not true. Teaching is insanely hard and it’s not the life-long career choice for everyone… and that’s OK. While you may not land your dream job right off the bat post-teaching, many, many companies love to hire former teachers that can eventually lead to your dream job.
Here I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks if you’re ready to make the switch. I hope you find it helpful and please leave and questions you have in the comments section below.
Tap in to your network.
I find it flabbergasting how few people take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that are right under their noses. Pick up your phone and start texting friends who are in the career fields you’re interested in. Many people love helping people get in to their fields and some might even have a financial incentive to get you an interview. Once you’ve made your way through your phone and email contacts, tap in to the groups you’re involved in. Are you in a philanthropic organization or alumni network? Make it known to those people that you’re on the job hunt. You never know who might be looking to hire, refer, etc. One final note I’ll add here is that perhaps the most important question to ask when tapping in to your network for career guidance is “Can you think of anyone else I should talk to about this?”
Be willing to apprentice.
This goes for career switches to more gig-based jobs like photographer, wedding planner, florist, event planner, etc. Just about all of the big names out there WELCOME non-paid volunteers to work for them and learn the trade. Rachel Hollis talks about this extensively in her book. Aside from learning great skills, you will also make great contacts. I know it might sound daunting and exhausting, but maybe even starting to moonlight a bit while you’re still teaching might not be a terrible idea!
Yes, we all love our students, but sometimes you have to think of yourself.
… And here is where I’m likely to lose people. I completely understand the desire to not burn a bridge with your school administration and you especially don’t want to put your students in a bad position for the end of the year. However, schools typically require their teachers to sign their contracts for the following school year in April and school doesn’t let out until June. There aren’t many jobs out there who would be willing to hire you in April and hold the job until June. If you’re like me, you also don’t love the idea of not having something lined up and would have stayed teaching if there were no other options (spoiler alert- there are other jobs that you’ll totally land, but no one can underestimate the importance of financial peace of mind). SO, all I’m saying here is this- don’t pass up a great opportunity just because you feel obligated to stay in a job you’re not jazzed about for a few more months. It doesn’t hurt to ask your principal if you can go part time while transitioning out or explain the situation to your new employer. At the end of the day, it’s your career and livelihood that matters. The kids might be sad to see you go earlier than expected, but they’ll recover just fine.
Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up to date.
… and get at least five people to offer you feedback. People get jobs from LinkedIn ALL the time and it’s a great way to connect professionally with people you know from your college years, etc.
Highlight the skills you gained while teaching.
Were you the faculty moderator of a club? Did you do much public speaking (answer- yes. A lot). Are you able to make complicated concepts understandable? Ah, these are all great things to mention on a resume.
Don’t get analysis paralysis.
At the end of the day, sometimes just getting out of the classroom is just what the doctor ordered. Just because ___ sales job isn’t what you always dreamed of, you might just like it a lot more than teaching because… wait for it.. you’re no longer teaching. Plus, most jobs have an upward trajectory, so you won’t be stuck there forever.
Check out businesses that work with educational institutions.
There are a bunch of vendors who sell directly to schools and they love to hire former teachers! Check out school networks’ web pages and see who their sponsors are. Google them, see if anyone in your network works for any of them, and apply away! This is one example where being a former teacher can be even more of an asset!
I loved my years of teaching and wouldn’t trade them for the world. However, when I realized that I was not where I wanted to be financially I know it was time to make a major change. I hope you find these tips helpful!