5 Things to Think About Before Leaving Teaching
Leaving teaching is a big decision. You know that. But are you putting on your thinking cap for this one?
According to Forbes, 48% of teachers have thought about leaving teaching in the last 30 days, and 34% of those teachers said they were considering leaving the profession entirely. If you're one of those teachers who is ready to make a change, there are some important things to consider before you make the leap.
Give yourself permission to leave
Leaving teaching is hard, especially if it's something you've always dreamed of doing. I played teacher until I was in eighth grade, waiting for the day I had my own classroom. Never did I imagine not wanting to be a teacher, let alone helping others leave as a career coach and recruiter.
Take the time to reflect and journal about your decision, and talk to your friends and family about it. Once you've made the decision to leave, write yourself a permission slip and sign it confidently. This permission slip should give you permission to take control of your career and do what really makes you happy.
Accept this new path and welcome it wholeheartedly.
Look hard and long at your finances
This career change may require an investment in your transition, such as hiring a coach or joining a program to learn all you need to land a job in EdTech and be successful in it.
You may also need to pay for services such as cover letter and resume assistance, and you may need to take courses to upskill. It's important to make sure you're financially in a place to make this move. If you're in a lot of financial debt, consider coming up with a plan to pay it off before you leave teaching.
Create a LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is the platform for professionals, and it's where you should be if you're serious about making a name for yourself and getting a job at an education or EdTech company.
Create a professional profile and start connecting with other educators, friends, and acquaintances. My best tip for former teachers on LinkedIn is to follow industry leaders and engage with their content. I don’t remember those who have sent me an InMail message, but I do remember those who leave meaningful comments on my posts.
Connect with teachers who have made the transition
Find teachers who have successfully made the transition out of the classroom and into education or EdTech and learn from them. I share out my students’ success stories because they know what you need to hear and what advice you need to successfully make this transition.
Connect with these former teachers on LinkedIn, engage with their content, and ask them questions. They can be a great source of inspiration and advice.
Find a community
It's important to have a community of people who are going through the same thing as you.
Find a community that’s more than a chat room. Find one that will help you upskill, one that will inspire you, and and one that has a leader who has been through the transition before. Whether you join a Community like Classroom to Boardroom or find another, make sure it aligns with your values and has the support you need to make a successful transition.
Remember, leaving teaching is life-changing, and it's important to take the time to think through all the factors before making the leap. Consider your skills, lifestyle, values, finances, preferences, and so much more before committing to this career change. For many, there’s no going back, and you can’t keep one foot out the door for long.
