I Quit Teaching… Now What?
Classroom teachers often find themselves dealing with unhealthy school environments and practices that take a toll on their well-being. This reality prompts them to imagine a different lifestyle and explore career alternatives and new ways to make an impact. But for many who quit teaching, “now what?” becomes the next question.
If you’ve left the classroom or are considering leaving teaching, you’re probably also wondering what’s next. Leaving the classroom doesn't have to mean the end of your career in education – it's a pivot to new horizons and limitless possibilities.
At Educator Forever, we help teachers reimagine their role as educators and change-makers within education. We are committed to challenging the status quo and creating positive change in education… with educators leading the way.
We've crafted a framework that guides teachers through a process of redefining and reimagining their role as an educator. We call them the four C's: Clarity, Confidence, Community, and Commitment. This framework isn't a one-time exercise, but a continuous cycle of growth and evolution.
As you consider what to do after leaving teaching, this framework can help guide and empower you along your journey.
4 Things to Consider When You Quit Teaching
Clarity
Discovering your next steps after leaving teaching starts with gaining clarity. Your story is an integral part of getting clarity – the experiences, interests, lessons, passions, and desires that have shaped your journey as an educator.
Also, allowing yourself the time and space to heal from your experiences and the challenges of working in a dysfunctional education system is important and will enable you to create a healthier professional and personal life going forward.
Take the time to reflect on your purpose and get clear about your aspirations, interests, and lifestyle preferences you envision for your next step. Tuning into your needs is key and will benefit you (and those around you).
Confidence
Embracing and stepping into your expertise as an educator is essential. As a teacher, you have developed a wide range of transferable skills, strengths, and experiences that can be applied to various career paths.
Just because you decided to quit teaching doesn’t mean those skills will become any less important. They will be integral to your success – your experience as a teacher is valuable and in demand.
By reflecting on your strengths and skills you’ll be able to leverage this expertise and own your worth. You can build your confidence by making these mindset shifts and by focusing on your wellness as you consider new possibilities.
As your physical, spiritual, and mental well-being improves, you cultivate the emotional resilience to take steps toward creating the life you dream about beyond the classroom.
Community
Leaving the classroom can be bittersweet because of the connections, relationships, and camaraderie you've formed with students, families, and colleagues. You’re more likely to thrive in your journey beyond the classroom when you have a supportive community of like-minded individuals in education.
With a strong community of educators, you gain insight, build connections, hold space for possibilities, and find the support needed to dream, explore, and create. Having a support system of educators who are creating the lives they envisioned for themselves can help you recognize that your dreams are valid and possible, too.
A powerful network like the Educator Forever Network can also lead to partnerships, collaborations, and visibility within the education sector.
Commitment
As you reimagine your role as an educator, remember that it's a journey that requires a commitment to take intentional steps toward your goals. Embracing your role as a lifelong learner is crucial, knowing that any skill you don’t have is simply something you haven't learned yet. By having a growth mindset, you'll unlock your full potential.
Decide what you need to learn, whether it's learning how to use tools like Canva, developing your skills in curriculum development, or gaining business skills. Teacher communities like the Educator Forever Network act as valuable resources for continuous growth, empowerment, and improvement.
With your commitment to growth, you can reimagine, reinvent, and revolutionize both the landscape of education and your reality!
What Do I Do If I Quit Teaching?
As you navigate your transition after quitting teaching, remember that your passion for education can shine just as brightly, if not more, in new and exciting roles. Explore the possibilities, challenge the norms, and create a path that aligns with your aspirations.
If you’re considering new opportunities (whether freelance jobs, side hustles, or full-time work), explore those that align with your purpose, values, and goals. There are so many ways to work as an educator beyond the classroom today, including many jobs you can do flexibly from home.
A few of the many alternative careers for teachers include:
Ready to take the next step in your journey and positively impact education in innovative ways? Remember you don’t have to do it alone!
The Educator Forever Network is designed for passionate educators just like you - who want to stay in education without staying in the classroom.
We've helped thousands of teachers like you embrace the 4 C’s (Clarity, Confidence, Community, and Commitment), reimagine their role as an educator, and successfully land flexible new careers. We’d love to help you do the same!
By joining the Educator Forever Network, you'll gain instant access to our signature Beyond the Classroom course, where, you'll learn exactly where to find flexible jobs in education, discover your career possibilities, and receive the support and everything you need to land those jobs.
You’ll also become part of an inspiring community of like-minded educators who are passionate about expanding their impact and income in education.
Sign up now to empower yourself and take your education career to the next level!
Have questions? Contact Educator Forever any time!