How Do I Leave Teaching? A Step-by-Step Guide to a Successful Career Transition

Are you a teacher contemplating a career change? You’re not alone. Thousands of educators ask themselves, “How do I leave teaching?” every year, seeking new opportunities that align with their passions, values, and desired lifestyle.

Leaving the classroom can feel overwhelming, especially when teaching has been a significant part of your identity. But transitioning to a new career doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Your skills are valuable, and with the right guidance, you can find a fulfilling path outside of education.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from identifying why you want to leave to landing your next role. Whether you’re feeling burned out, looking for better work-life balance, or simply ready for something new, this guide will help you confidently navigate your career change.

Why Consider Leaving the Teaching Profession?

Deciding to leave teaching is a deeply personal choice, often influenced by a combination of professional and personal factors. Here are some common reasons educators decide to make a change:

1. Burnout and Stress: The emotional labor, long hours, and increasing demands of teaching can lead to chronic stress and burnout. Many teachers feel overworked and underappreciated, which impacts their mental health.
2. Work-Life Balance: Teaching often requires work beyond school hours—grading, lesson planning, and administrative tasks can spill into evenings and weekends, leaving little time for personal life.
3. Desire for Growth: Some educators feel stagnant in their roles, craving new challenges, learning opportunities, or career advancement that may not be available within the school system.
4. Financial Considerations: Teachers frequently face salary limitations, making it difficult to achieve financial goals or keep up with the cost of living.
5. Changing Interests: As people grow, their interests evolve. What once felt like a calling might no longer align with your passions or long-term goals.

No matter your reason, it’s valid. Acknowledging why you want to leave is the first step toward finding a career that fulfills you.

For more on identifying signs of burnout, read our blog on teacher burnout.

Step 1: Assess Your Skills and Interests

Before jumping into job applications, take time to reflect on your strengths and interests. Teachers possess a wide range of transferable skills that are highly valued in other industries. Consider the following:

Transferable Skills You Already Have:

• Communication: Public speaking, writing, and presenting are second nature to teachers.
• Project Management: Lesson planning, curriculum development, and managing classroom activities are forms of project management.
• Problem-Solving: Teachers adapt to challenges daily, from managing classroom dynamics to adjusting lesson plans on the fly.
• Leadership: Whether leading a classroom, mentoring colleagues, or heading committees, teachers are natural leaders.
• Data Analysis: Using assessment data to inform instruction is a valuable skill in data-driven roles.

Identify Your Interests:

Ask yourself:

• What parts of teaching did I enjoy the most?
• What activities energize me outside of work?
• If money weren’t a factor, what would I love to do every day?

Consider using self-assessment tools to guide this process:

• Teacher Career Coach Course – Offers assessments to help identify your transferable skills and potential career paths.
• Free career quizzes like the Teacher Career Quiz to explore career options based on your personality.

Step 2: Research Alternative Career Options

With a clearer understanding of your skills and interests, it’s time to explore potential career paths. The good news? Former teachers thrive in a wide range of industries.

Popular Career Paths for Former Teachers:

1. Corporate Training and Development: Use your teaching expertise to design and deliver employee training programs.
2. Instructional Design: Create educational materials and e-learning courses for organizations.
3. Project Management: Manage projects, coordinate teams, and ensure tasks are completed on time.
4. Sales (EdTech, SaaS): Leverage your communication skills in consultative sales roles, especially in education technology.
5. Human Resources: Facilitate employee relations, onboarding, and professional development.
6. Marketing and Content Creation: Write, strategize, and manage content for brands, especially those related to education.
7. Nonprofit Roles: Work in program management, advocacy, or community outreach.

How to Research:

• Read blog posts like Best Jobs for Former Teachers.
• Join LinkedIn groups for career changers.
• Conduct informational interviews with professionals in roles that interest you.

Tip: Make a list of 3–5 roles that align with your skills and interests. This will help you focus your job search later.

Step 3: Build a Transition Plan

Changing careers requires a strategic plan. Here’s how to create one:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what success looks like. Is it landing a remote role? Increasing your salary? Having a flexible schedule?
2. Break It Down: Outline actionable steps, such as:
   • Updating your resume
   • Networking with professionals in your target industry
   • Learning new skills through online courses or certifications
3. Create a Timeline: Set realistic deadlines to stay motivated. For example, “I’ll apply to five jobs per week” or “Complete an online certification by [specific date].”
4. Track Your Progress: Use a spreadsheet to monitor job applications, networking contacts, and interview follow-ups.

Related Resource: How to Make a Career Change from Teaching: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 4: Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Your resume and LinkedIn are your marketing tools. Here’s how to make them stand out:

For Your Resume:

• Focus on Transferable Skills: Use bullet points that highlight accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to show results (e.g., “Improved student engagement by 20% through interactive lesson plans”).
• Tailor for Each Role: Customize your resume for every application using keywords from the job description.

For LinkedIn:

• Revamp Your Headline: Instead of “Former Teacher,” write something like “Aspiring Project Manager | Skilled in Communication & Team Leadership.”
• Update Your Summary: Share your career story, why you’re transitioning, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for.
• Engage with Content: Follow companies and thought leaders in your desired industry, comment on posts, and share articles to build visibility.

Helpful Read: How to Write a Resume When Leaving Teaching

Step 5: Network Outside of Education

Networking isn’t just for extroverts, it’s for everyone looking to make a career change.

Where to Start:

• Reach Out to Your Existing Network: Let friends, family, and former colleagues know you’re exploring new opportunities.
• Attend Virtual Events: Look for webinars, workshops, and industry meetups in your target field.
• Join Professional Groups: Both online (LinkedIn, Facebook) and local organizations can connect you with industry professionals.

Pro Tip: Don’t just ask for a job, ask for advice. People love sharing their experiences, and these conversations often lead to job leads.

Further Reading: LinkedIn networking tips for teachers

Step 6: Consider Further Education or Certifications (If Needed)

You may not need additional education to land your next role, but in some industries, certifications can boost your credibility.

Popular Certifications for Career Changers:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): Great for those interested in project management.
• Google Project Management Certificate: Affordable and flexible online certification.
• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification: Perfect for aspiring marketers.
• HR Certification (PHR or SHRM): Ideal for transitioning into human resources.

Bonus: Practical experience is equally valuable. Seek internships, volunteer positions, or part-time roles to gain hands-on experience. Discover certifications that help teachers transition to new careers.

Step 7: Prepare for the Job Search

The job search process can be challenging, but these strategies will set you up for success:

• Tailor Every Application: Avoid generic cover letters. Personalize each one to the role and company.
• Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering common career change questions like, “Why are you leaving teaching?” and “How does your background make you a good fit for this role?”
• Stay Organized: Keep track of applications, follow-ups, and networking contacts in a job search spreadsheet.

Job Search Resource: Explore our job search strategies for teachers leaving education.

Managing the Emotional Side of Leaving Teaching

Leaving teaching isn’t just a career change, it’s an emotional journey. It’s okay to feel a mix of excitement, fear, and even grief.

How to Cope:

• Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s normal to feel loss when leaving a profession that’s been part of your identity.
• Find Support: Connect with other former teachers through online communities, like the Teacher Career Coach Facebook Group.
• Focus on the Future: Instead of dwelling on what you’re leaving behind, concentrate on the opportunities ahead.

Embrace personal and professional growth, and remind yourself that change can lead to new beginnings.

Our blog on managing emotions during career transitions offers helpful tips.

How do I leave teaching? It’s time to embrace Your New Career Path

You’re not “just” a teacher, you’re a skilled professional ready to make an impact beyond the classroom. By following this guide, you’ll gain clarity, build confidence, and take actionable steps toward a career that aligns with your goals.

Ready to get started? Explore the Teacher Career Coach Course for expert guidance, resume templates, job search strategies, and a supportive community of career-changing educators.

For continued support, once you join the Teacher Career Coach community, you’ll find resources, mentorship, and encouragement from others who have successfully navigated this journey.