How to Layer Flexible Careers for Teachers to Work Full-Time Online
If you’re looking to work beyond the classroom full-time, flexible careers for teachers can be key in helping you achieve this goal. At Educator Forever, we’ve seen firsthand that layering flexible work empowers educators to reimagine their careers and find success beyond the classroom.
Layering flexible education jobs is a strategic way for teachers to achieve their full-time career goals, and it’s a way to rethink how you approach your career. Whether you’re making a career transition, returning to education after a break, or you’re looking for alternate careers for teachers besides classroom teaching, this strategy can offer you the flexibility and freedom you desire.
There are many ways to increase your income and impact by working flexibly in education (rather than taking on a random side job like driving for Uber or bartending). In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of layering flexible jobs for teachers, as well as offer tips and advice for you to make this transition and thrive.
What Does Layering Flexible Careers for Teachers Look Like?
From part-time jobs and contract positions to freelancing and entrepreneurship, there are so many alternative careers for teachers that are much more flexible than classroom teaching.
For teachers, layering flexible work often means combining a variety of these roles. This approach allows educators to diversify their income streams, build their skills, and explore what they enjoy beyond the classroom.
There are ample remote part-time, contract, and freelance positions for educators with education organizations and companies. Flexible work opportunities for educators can be found in curriculum development, education consulting, instructional coaching, education writing, online tutoring, education content creation, etc.
It’s all about leveraging your teaching expertise in education in different ways beyond the classroom.
Benefits of Layering Flexible Careers for Teachers
By combining flexible work opportunities, you can ensure a steady income and even achieve full-time work beyond the classroom. (You can also start out working flexibly on the side while full-time teaching, which can provide a pathway to eventually find and achieve a flexible full-time job if that’s your goal.)
One of the greatest benefits of layering flexible education jobs is the freedom to choose roles that align with your intentions and goals. Not every role has to fulfill the same purpose. Some contracts might be primarily to boost your income. Others might use your passion and allow you to work on projects you love.
We recommend using a simple “litmus test” to evaluate potential opportunities and decide which ones to pursue (and prioritize). For a role to make “the cut,” it should have at least two of the four criteria:
It pays well. The income meets or exceeds what you are after.
It doesn’t take too much of your time. The tasks can be done efficiently, leaving you time and energy for other projects.
It’s easy or comes naturally to you. The work aligns with your strengths, and while you might learn new things, the work isn’t so complex that it creates excess stress.
You love it. The project excites and motivates you because it aligns with your passion and interests.
By using this “litmus test” as your guide, you can ensure that you’re saying “yes” to rewarding opportunities. You may not know if the opportunity meets the criteria until you try it out, so this test can remind you to stay on the lookout for opportunities that meet even more of your criteria… The goal is to ensure your work contributes to both your short and long-term success.
How to Layer Flexible Education Jobs Effectively
Taking on different types of jobs for teachers can be overwhelming if you don’t approach it strategically. Here are some tips to make the process easier:
Define Your Career Goals
Clarity is crucial. Think about what success might look like for you. Are you aiming to make a certain amount of money per hour? Develop a new skill? Have a better work-life balance? Let your goals (and the “litmus test” above) guide your work choices.
Start Small
Test the waters by taking on a single side gig. You might freelance for an education company or tutor students virtually on the side. Gradually layer additional roles as you gain more clarity on what you want to do.
Utilize Tools for Time Management
If you’re juggling multiple roles, you’ll benefit from a routine. Try out productivity tools like Trello and Asana, which can help you manage multiple projects and deadlines seamlessly.
Regularly Check-In with Yourself
Periodically evaluate your workload, budget, and long-term goals. Make adjustments as needed. Are the roles still aligned with your goals? Are you achieving the financial goals you desire? Do you have the work-life balance you need? What next step could you take to meet your long-term goals?
Stay Connected and Join Professional Networks
Working across multiple flexible education roles is different than working with the same team of teachers all day every day. Join relevant communities and coworking spaces to stay connected.
The Educator Forever Network provides resources, job leads, and support to help educators make the leap and succeed beyond the classroom. Our community is comprised of supportive, inspiring educators who are actively working in flexible education careers, and coworking sessions are one of the favorite ways educators connect.
Layering flexible work isn’t just about piecing together part-time opportunities — it’s about designing a career that aligns with your lifestyle and goals. By trying this approach, you can achieve full-time success while enjoying the freedom and flexibility to live the life you desire.
Ready to get started working flexibly in education?
At Educator Forever, we’ve helped thousands of educators reimagine alternative teaching careers.
Join the Educator Forever Network to get the resources, support, and connections to thrive while working flexibly. You’ll enjoy:
✅ Step-by-step guidance as you discover your career possibilities, gain clarity, and learn exactly how to find and land flexible jobs in education
✅ Instant access to exciting, flexible job leads on our private jobs board (updated daily!), along with expert support at your fingertips
✅ Empowering live group calls (every week!) for career guidance and job search support
✅ Exclusive access to ongoing wellness, creativity, skill growth, and co-working sessions, along with special career-related workshops designed for transitioning teachers
✅ An incredible, supportive community of like-minded educators cheering you on as you expand your impact and income in education
Sign up now to empower yourself and start creating the career and life you deserve!