Can’t Find a Job Outside of Teaching? What to Do When You Hear “No” in Your Job Search Beyond the Classroom
Trying to find jobs outside of teaching can feel like a rollercoaster at times. One moment you’re filled with hope, thinking you’ve found the perfect opportunity, and the next you’re staring at a rejection email. It can be gut-wrenching, especially if you’re ready to leave teaching.
You might feel like giving up. Thoughts like “Why even bother?” or “I’ll never get a job outside of teaching” might creep in. If any of this resonates with you, this blog post is for you.
Rejection is a natural, inevitable part of the process, but it doesn’t have to derail your confidence or progress. Each “no” along the way can help you grow and improve. Here are ways you can turn rejection into an opportunity for growth and use it to fuel your journey toward careers outside of teaching:
6 Tips for When You Hear “No” and Can’t Find a Job Outside of Teaching
Use these strategies to help make finding a job after teaching less stressful:
Shift Your Mindset
Rejection can feel personal, but remember: It’s not a reflection of your worth. Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing, fit, or circumstances beyond your control (like internal hiring or job postings being pulled/removed).
Try to shift your perspective. Think of this rejection or “no” as redirection – leading you toward something even better. While it didn’t work out right now for this particular opportunity, you’re moving closer to the right opportunity. Changing how you view this helps keep your confidence intact.
Action tip: Place motivational and inspirational quotes or reminders around your workspace, on your computer, etc. Choose uplifting words of encouragement that fire you up and keep you positive on your journey.
Reflect and Learn from the Experience
After you hear a “no,” reflect on why the outcome might have been what it was (with the circumstances that were in your control). Perhaps you were nervous in the interview and didn’t express yourself the way you wish you had, or maybe you weren’t the right fit because you didn’t have certain skills.
Reflect on the interview or application process and ask yourself:
Did I prepare enough?
Did I express my qualifications clearly?
What would I do differently next time?
By thinking about what you can improve on when applying for jobs outside of teaching, you can make adjustments and approach things even better next time. Perhaps you rework your resume, practice your interviewing skills with an accountability partner or friend, ground yourself before the interview, or rework your resume and cover letter to ensure they clearly highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Action tip: Create a note-taking space for your reflections during the job search/application process, whether in a notebook or in a Word doc or spreadsheet on your computer. This will help you with creating a game plan for improvement and preparing for the next application.
Keep Learning and Growing
Every “no” is a chance to start fresh on a new path. It’s important to keep trying, even when it feels hard. Continue to strengthen your position as a candidate. This might mean gaining new skills.
If you’re feeling stuck, consider what training or class/program you can pursue to make you more competitive in careers outside of teaching. Could you benefit from enrolling in a curriculum development course like the Curriculum Development Foundations Program? Or maybe you want to be able to tell your story more effectively and you enroll in the Education Writing Foundations Program.
Action tip: Identify one area where you can grow – whether it’s improving on a skill, gaining certification, or becoming more comfortable with interviews. Invest the time and energy in this area for yourself.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reapply
Your passion can go a long way. Remember that “no” doesn’t mean “No, not ever,” it just means “Not right now.” If you’re truly excited about a particular position or organization, don’t hesitate to reapply when another opportunity comes up. Employers might remember your name/details and admire your perseverance.
But make sure you’re not just resubmitting the same resume and cover letter. Come back stronger with new skills, qualifications, or experiences that make you an even better fit. Show them that you’ve grown since you last applied.
Action tip: When facing rejection from an organization you’re excited about, reflect on skills or areas you could strengthen. Focus on growth between now and the next time you apply.
Take Care of Yourself
Rejection can take an emotional toll at times, so remember to take care of yourself along the way. Sometimes the best thing to do is step away and recharge. Process your feelings by going for a walk, listening to music, exercising, doing something creative or spending time with friends.
The more balanced you are emotionally, the easier it will be to tackle the next opportunity with renewed energy and confidence.
Action tip: Build self-care into your routine. After a rejection, make a point to do something that brings you joy and helps you relax.
Redirect Your Energy for Another Purpose
Sometimes a rejection actually clears the path and opens doors to other opportunities. If for instance, you get rejected before the interview process, you can use the energy you would have spent preparing for the interview on another application or on a passion project of yours.
This could lead to unexpected opportunities that are actually even more aligned for you. There are so many types of jobs outside of teaching. You might pivot in a new direction, create something that catches the attention of future employers, gain new skills, etc.
Action tip: Channel your rejection into something productive – rather than let it weigh you down. Use it as an opportunity to be authentic and share your story. For instance, if you have a personal brand, you could write a blog post. Use it to share what you’re after in a non-teaching career path, what you’ve learned from your experience applying for positions, how it’s helped you become more resilient, or how it’s shaping your approach to future opportunities.
This shows you’re someone who embraces challenges, and your authenticity and perseverance can resonate with and even inspire others.
Get More Support in Your Search for Jobs Outside of Teaching
Job searching is a journey filled with ups and downs. But each “no” can help you refine your approach, learn about yourself, and get closer to finding the right fit.
Embrace the process, keep learning, and remind yourself that the right opportunity is out there.
You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Educator Forever has helped thousands of teachers like you build resilience, identify their unique skills, learn how to apply them to flexible new careers, and get the clarity and confidence to go after what they want. We’re here to support you, too!
The Beyond the Classroom Starter Kit offers you instant access to all of the support and guidance you need to discover the right career for you.
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