Understanding the Stages of Your Education Career Path

A woman smiles into the distance thinking about her education career path

Leaving the classroom (or even just considering it) is one of the most exciting (and overwhelming) stages of an education career path.

In helping thousands of educators reimagine their careers (and lives) at Educator Forever, we’ve found that while everyone’s career journey is unique, educators go through common stages on the path to alternative teaching careers.

Whether you're just starting to think about expanding your impact or you're actively pursuing new opportunities, understanding where you are on your education career path can help you move forward with intention and confidence. 

A Typical Education Career Path: From Passion to Reality Check

Let's explore these stages together and uncover practical next steps for each one…. Recognizing where you’re at will make for a smoother, more intentional (and successful!) career transition.

Stage 1: Becoming an Educator 

Most of us enter education with passion, enthusiasm, and a deep desire to make a difference. You might be thinking, "This is my calling!" or "I can't imagine doing anything else." This passion is beautiful and valuable—and it can evolve into an even greater, wider impact. 

You might be happy where you’re at, and not really considering other education career options. But there are still steps you can take in this early stage to set yourself up for success further along your education career path.

If you're in this stage:

  • Explore ways to amplify your impact while teaching. Consider sharing your expertise through speaking/presenting, education writing, etc. 

  • Check out this blog post on How You Can Make an Impact Beyond the Classroom and this podcast episode on New Career Pathways for Teachers.

  • Start documenting your successes and innovative teaching approaches. Begin to consider how your skills and interests might apply to opportunities beyond the classroom if you’re interested in this path.

Stage 2: Burnout/Exhaustion

This is one of the toughest parts of a typical education career path. The teacher burnout stage often catches us by surprise. Despite our dedication, systemic challenges, limited support, and overwhelming workloads can lead to exhaustion. You might find yourself thinking, "I still love teaching, but this isn't sustainable." You might be feeling some hopelessness, wondering “I don’t know what else I can do.”

If you're in this stage:

Stage 3: Finding Community 

This stage is where transformation begins. Connecting with educators who understand your burnout and talking with those who have successfully left the classroom can open your eyes to new education career opportunities. In the Educator Forever Network, we’ve watched countless educators transform as they find clarity, confidence, validation, and guidance. 

If you're in this stage:

Stage 4: Seeing New Education Career Pathways

This is an exciting stage! You begin to see there are many opportunities available to educators beyond the classroom. From edtech and curriculum development to education consulting, instructional coaching, and entrepreneurship (just to name a few!), you realize your skills are incredibly valuable beyond the classroom. You can see new possibilities and start envisioning your next steps on your education career path. 

If you're in this stage:

Stage 5: Overwhelm

As new education career opportunities appear, it’s natural to experience some overwhelm. Many educators we work with are multi-passionate, making it challenging to choose just one path. Remember: you don't have to figure everything out at once or worry about making the “wrong” choice.

If you're in this stage:

Stage 6: Imposter Syndrome as an Educator

On this step of your education career path, self-doubt and imposter syndrome may surface as you navigate new roles. You might question whether you have the skills, knowledge, or experience to succeed in a different role. It’s important to recognize that these feelings are completely normal and work through them with self-compassion and support. 

In this stage, you might be thinking, “I didn’t get the first jobs I applied for. I’m not sure I can do this” or “Transitioning out of the classroom is harder than I thought.” Keep in mind that most successful, accomplished professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point!

If you're in this stage:

Stage 7: Growth Mindset for Educators

This is where the magic happens. As you push past self-doubt, you start seeing challenges (including rejection and other setbacks) as opportunities to grow and realize that progress happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Every imperfect step forward brings you closer to your goals.

If you're in this stage:

Stage 8: Imperfect Success

Whether you've landed your first role beyond the classroom or started your own education business, you recognize that growth is ongoing. You’ve come so far and you’re creating a sustainable career that aligns with your values. Success rarely looks exactly as we imagined—and that's okay! 

Even though you’ve grown in many ways and learned more about yourself, it’s still important to take the time to reflect on your ongoing needs and aspirations moving forward. This isn’t necessarily the end of your education career path!

If you're in this stage:

  • Regularly reassess your goals. Jot down the roles you’ve held and what you enjoyed, as well as reflect on the challenges and learning curves.

  • Stay open to new opportunities.

  • Think about how your current position aligns with your values – are you driving change in education? 

  • Share your journey with others and continue building your professional network.

  • Check out this blog post on How to Get in the Right Mindset for Success and this podcast episode on Turning Setbacks into Success.

Your Next Education Career Step

No matter what stage you’re in, know that you’re not alone. Transitioning beyond the classroom is a journey, and each step you take brings you closer to a career that aligns with your values, skills, and goals. The key is to acknowledge where you are, embrace the process, and take intentional steps forward.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Educator Forever, we've built a supportive community and comprehensive resources to help you navigate each stage of your education career with confidence.

Ready for personalized support? Join the Educator Forever Network for:

  • Step-by-step career guidance in our signature course, where you'll discover your career possibilities, get clarity, and learn exactly how to find and land flexible jobs in education

  • Coaching, skills growth, creativity, co-working, and wellness sessions each week, along with special virtual workshops

  • Exclusive job opportunities on our private jobs board (updated daily!)

  • An incredible, supportive community of like-minded educators cheering you on as you expand your impact and income in education

Your skills and experience are valuable, and there are countless ways to make an impact in education… while enjoying a rewarding, sustainable career. 

Let's explore them together… Sign up now to get started!

Danielle Gagnon