7 Ways to Overcome Your Fears of Leaving Teaching
Jun 21, 2023
Are you considering leaving the teaching, but feeling uncertain and fearful about the prospect of making such a big change? Don't worry! It's a common experience! The truth is, leaving teaching can be a daunting decision, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding one. By choosing to move on, you’re allowing yourself to pursue a new role that aligns with your strengths and interests.
In this article, we'll share seven tips to help you overcome your fears and happily pursue your new career path. So, whether you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or simply ready for a new challenge, read on to discover how you can make a successful transition out of the classroom.
1: Recognize the Source of Your Fear
Before you can overcome your fears, it is essential to understand what is causing them. Is it the fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, or the fear of losing your identity as a teacher? Understanding the source of your fear can help you identify strategies to overcome it.
I have seen many teachers experience moments of doubt and fear when it comes to their role in the classroom and even more from those considering leaving the classroom. The decision to leave the classroom is not an easy one, but it is important to remember that you are not alone in feeling this way. Many teachers struggle with the demands of the job, especially in today's fast-paced and ever-changing educational landscape. Whether it's dealing with challenging students, navigating difficult administrative policies, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the workload, it is understandable to feel stressed and burnt out.
Perhaps you are worried about the impact your leaving may have on your students or concerned about the financial implications of changing careers. Maybe you feel guilty for wanting to leave a profession that you once felt passionate about.
If you do choose to move on, remember that you are not giving up on education or your students. You have already made a positive impact on countless young lives, and you can continue to do so in other ways. Your skills and expertise as a teacher are highly valued in many fields, so don't be afraid to explore new opportunities and find a path that feels right for you.
2: Seek Support
When considering leaving the classroom, it is important to remember that seeking support can make all the difference. This decision can be a difficult one, and it is natural to feel conflicted and uncertain about what steps to take. Before you make any decisions, it is essential to reach out for support from trusted colleagues, mentors, friends, or family members.
Talking to someone you trust about your struggles can provide much-needed perspective, advice, and support. They may be able to offer you insights into your situation that you hadn't considered or share their own experiences and coping strategies that could help you navigate your challenges. Additionally, seeking support from professional resources can also be incredibly helpful. Consider reaching out to a counselor, psychologist, or therapist to discuss your feelings and work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to your fear of leaving the classroom.
There are also many resources available online - teacher support groups, forums, and social media communities - where you can connect with other teachers who are facing similar challenges. These resources can provide valuable insights and support, as well as a sense of community and belonging.
3: Research New Career Options
Many of the skills that you have developed as a teacher -- communication, leadership, problem-solving, and time-management -- are highly transferable to a huge range of professions. Consider exploring industries such as training and development, human resources, project management, or even entrepreneurship. You’ll be shocked to discover just how many options are available to you!
Researching potential career paths can also help you identify the skills you might need to develop or improve upon, as well as the types of qualifications and certifications that would be valuable to employers. There are countless courses, workshops, and online resources, many of them free, that can help you gain the necessary skills to transition into your new career.
Pro tip: DO NOT enroll in any skills-based courses until you absolutely need to.
4: Take Small Steps
You already know that leaving teaching can be a major life change, and it's important to approach the transition with patience and care. Rather than feeling like you need to make a dramatic change all at once, focus on taking small steps towards your goal.
Start by identifying the reasons why you want to leave teaching and consider what steps you can take to address those issues. For example, if you are feeling burnt out, you might start by taking small steps to prioritize self-care, such as scheduling regular exercise, meditation, or time with loved ones. Then, once in a healthier headspace, consider your career goals and priorities. You can start exploring new opportunities that align with your skills and interests. This might involve researching new career paths, taking courses or workshops to develop new skills, or reaching out to professionals in your desired field for advice and support.
Remember that small steps can add up over time, and that it's okay to take things at your own pace. Don't feel like you need to rush into a new career or make a drastic change all at once. Instead, focus on making small, incremental changes that help you move towards your goals.
Remember that transitioning to a new career can take time and effort, so be patient and persistent. It may take some time to find the right opportunity, but the effort will be worth it in the end.
5: Identify Transferable Skills
Some of the most valuable transferable skills for teachers include communication, organization, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, and empathy. These are skills that can be applied to a wide range of professions and industries, including healthcare, marketing, human resources, and project management.
Once you have identified your transferable skills, consider how they might be applied in a new career path. For example, if you have strong communication skills, you might consider a career in public relations or marketing. If you have strong leadership skills, you might consider a career in management or entrepreneurship.
Do you have strong writing skills? Many transitioned educators have found new careers in content creation, marketing, or public relations. Those with a passion for technology should consider positions in instructional technology, software development, or data analysis.
Bonus! Want to know how these skills are used in the classroom and how they DIRECTLY TRANSLATE to the corporate world? Click here to get the 33 Most In-Demand Transferrable Skills For Teachers.
6: Embrace a Growth Mindset
I mean really embrace it. This journey is going to be challenging. Embracing a growth mindset will help you approach your career change with a positive and proactive attitude. Instead of feeling limited by your current skills and experience, you can focus on developing new skills and building on your existing strengths.
One way to do this is to focus on learning and growth opportunities. This might involve taking courses or workshops to develop new skills, seeking out mentorship or guidance from professionals in your desired field, or networking with others in your future industry. It could also take the form of taking on additional responsibilities at your school while you are working to build your resume and apply to corporate roles.
I cannot stress how important it is to also approach challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Rather than feeling discouraged by rejection or obstacles, view them as opportunities to learn and improve your skills.
Finally, it is imperative to celebrate your successes along the way, no matter how small they may be. Recognize the effort and hard work that you are putting into your career change and acknowledge the progress that you are making towards your career and life goals.
7: Focus on Your Why
Maybe you are ready for a new challenge or a change of pace. You could be driven by a need for more flexibility or a better work-life balance. Whatever your reason may be, it's important to clarify your motivation and purpose for wanting to make this career change.
To clarify your "why," take some time to reflect on your values, goals, and priorities. What motivates and energizes you? What gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment? To help you uncover your why, consider journaling, talking with trusted friends or colleagues, or working with a career coach.
Once you have a clear sense of your "why," use it to guide your decision-making and actions. Set goals that align with your purpose and motivation and develop a plan to achieve those goals. Stay focused on your purpose and motivation and use them as a source of inspiration and energy as you navigate your career change.
Leaving the teaching profession can be a difficult decision, and it's okay to feel uncertain and fearful about the unknown. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are strategies you can use to overcome your fears and confidently pursue your new career path.
Don't be afraid to take a chance on yourself – remember, it's never too late to start living your best life!
