Career Change for Teachers
Schools and teaching have changed forever, and for some teachers now is the time to look at another career.
Teaching Isn't the Same
With schools moving classes online, teaching is just not the same. It has become harder to interact and meaningfully engage with students. While classes may be back to in-person in the near future, the impact on teachers is indelible.
This has been a tipping point for teachers to reimagine their careers and look at other ways they can positively impact the world.
Many teachers have realized their skillset easily translates to other fields such as school administration, private tutoring, and corporate training.
Some are changing careers to entirely different fields.
How do I get out of teaching and into another career?
Focus on Your Job, Not the Company
Most people decide on what company they want to work for before thinking about what they want to do. It's important to focus on what kind of work you want to be doing. Asking yourself questions about what kind of work gives you meaning, and makes you feel like you're contributing. Do you want to interact with people, work in sales, accounting, or IT? When you're interviewing for a job, they are interested in your skills, not a generic interest in the company.
Learn New Skills
Most likely your new career choice will require you to attain some new skills. Sometimes this is easy such as getting certified a a personal trainer, other routes may require years of education at university. It is important to balance what career you want with how long it will take to start working in that field.
Finding a New Career
Now that you know what you want to do and have the skills to apply for jobs, it's time to stand out from the crowd. Interview prep courses can help you identify your weak points, and help you sell yourself as better than your competition.
What is the best career change for a teacher?
Here are some of the jobs that are growing and may be worth considering for a career change. It's important to choose something you're interested in and try it out on your own time before making any changes.
Financial Managers
Financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization. If you enjoy math and organization this may be a good fit for you.
2022 Median Pay | $139,790 per year |
Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor's degree |
Work Experience in a Related Occupation | 5 years or more |
On-the-job Training | None |
Number of Jobs, 2019 | 697,900 |
Job Outlook, 2019-29 | 15% (Much faster than average) |
Employment Change, 2019-29 | 108,100 |
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. If you enjoy spending time with other people and are sociable.
2022 Median Pay | $125,900 per year |
Typical Entry-Level Education | Master's degree |
Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
On-the-job Training | None |
Number of Jobs, 2019 | 263,400 |
Job Outlook, 2019-29 | 45% (Much faster than average) |
Employment Change, 2019-29 | 117,700 |
Software Developer
Software developers create the applications or systems that run on a computer or another device. If you enjoy logic problems and have a high attention to detail this may be for you.
2022 Median Pay | $124,000 per year |
Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor's degree |
Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
On-the-job Training | None |
Number of Jobs, 2019 | 1,469,200 |
Job Outlook, 2019-29 | 22% (Much faster than average) |
Employment Change, 2019-29 | 316,000 |
Which one is for me?
As a teacher looking for a new career it's hard to pick a completely new field to jump in to. We recommend trying out free online resources to see what career path is the best fit. If you are interested in logic problems, have high attention to detail, and enjoy technology. Programming might be for you.
Think you have what it takes to be a programmer? Take our free quiz to find out!