The Most Common Career Mistake Teachers Make While Getting Out of Teaching… and How to Avoid It
Are you finding yourself at a crossroads in your career? Do you want to start a new career (flexible or full-time) beyond the classroom and work on getting out teaching?
Whether you're seeking change, combating burnout, wanting to make more money, or you’re craving an exciting new journey, finding your way on a new path can be both daunting and liberating.
Many educators leaving teaching and pursuing new career ventures might fall into the trap of thinking they have to "figure it all out" on their own. However, this common misconception can actually lead to unnecessary stress and hinder the progress of your career goals.
In reality, the most successful journeys involve a network of like-minded individuals, mentors, and resources. So instead of falling into the common mistake of thinking you have to navigate this path solo, know that a strategic blend of community, clarity, confidence, and commitment is what will actually propel you forward.
In this blog, you’ll get ideas for embracing collaboration and community, which can be the catalyst for a successful and fulfilling career transition. So, let’s say goodbye to the misconception of going it alone while getting out of teaching and welcome the power of support on your journey beyond the classroom.
Life After Teaching: Building Your Support System
Networking is a lifeline for educators looking to change careers. Whether you’re connecting virtually, such as on LinkedIn, or in person, it’s helpful to seek out and connect with like-minded professionals and decision-makers relevant to the ideal career you’re after.
Building relationships can open doors to new opportunities, whether you’re just starting the process of getting out of teaching or you’ve been working beyond the classroom for years.
Finding and securing your ideal career will likely involve more than just applying for jobs. Initiating conversations and expressing your career aspirations to individuals who can help your career can significantly impact your journey. This approach allows others to understand your career goals and also creates possibilities for collaboration and new opportunities to arise.
Engaging with fellow educators who are also leaving the classroom is also helpful. Attend networking events, webinars, or join online communities, like the Educator Forever Network, where experiences, insights, and opportunities are shared. You can gain guidance from those who have successfully found flexible work beyond the classroom and feel more confident about getting out of teaching.
Don't be afraid to seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or professionals who have successfully made the transition from the classroom to other educational roles. They can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you refine your approach and strategy.
When you’re starting a new chapter of your career outside of the classroom, there will likely be challenges, rejection, and moments when you feel like giving up. This is a completely normal part of the process! In those hard moments, a supportive community, coach, or mentor can provide support, advice, and encouragement.
Gaining Clarity and Confidence
Having a strong support system and community can also help you clarify your career goals, embrace your expertise, and gain confidence. Talking about your career goals not only creates opportunities but also provides clarity about life after teaching.
By communicating with others, you’ll get inspiration and ideas for your own journey. You’ll better be able to answer the question, “What do you want to achieve beyond the classroom?” Having a clear vision provides a roadmap for your transition out of teaching and makes it easier to communicate your objectives to individuals as you network and to potential employers.
By verbalizing your ambitions, you refine your ideas and gain a deeper understanding of your path forward, as well as transform a dream into a tangible goal.
Remember to surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you. Confidence is cultivated in a supportive environment, whether with family, friends, or a community. Share your aspirations, celebrate your achievements, and learn from setbacks with a community that understands your journey.
The Power of Collaboration Beyond the Classroom
Communities like the Educator Forever Network provide a wealth of resources—from job listings to skill-building and mindset-related workshops. Leverage these shared resources to streamline your job search, get in the right mindset, and enhance your professional toolkit while getting out of teaching.
Your journey is unique, and the experiences of others can offer inspiration, new perspectives, and valuable lessons. Collaborative learning within a community fosters a culture of shared insights, helping you avoid pitfalls and capitalize on opportunities. The power of a community can help you go from feeling stuck to empowered and turn the daunting into the achievable.
Looking for Support in your Journey Beyond the Classroom?
Your impact as an educator can extend far beyond the walls of a classroom, and the possibilities are truly limitless. The key is getting the support you need along the way.
As you pursue a new career journey, remember that you don’t need to do it alone. Community and collaboration can be the key difference-maker in your success.
The Educator Forever Network has helped thousands of teachers like you identify their unique skills, learn how to apply them to flexible new careers, and go after what they want… And we’re here to support you!
By joining the Educator Forever Network, you'll gain instant access to our signature Beyond the Classroom course, where, you'll discover exactly where to find flexible jobs in education, learn about your career possibilities, and receive the support you need to land those jobs.
You’ll gain valuable information and insights into how to leverage your existing skills, create compelling resumes, and navigate the job search process with confidence.
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!