How to Choose Your Next Career as a Transitioning Teacher

You stare at job boards and think,
“I’ve got nothing to offer outside the classroom.”
“Everyone else seems to have a plan… what if I choose wrong?”

Yep, that's a totally normal thought.
I’ve worked with hundreds of teachers who were stuck in that swirl of doubt—unsure of what was next, just certain that this wasn’t it anymore.

Now?
They’re in roles where they feel seen, valued, and energized.
They didn’t get there by magic. They got there with a process.

Let’s walk through it.

Step 1: Ditch the “What job am I qualified for?” mindset

This is where most teachers get stuck.
They open Indeed and think:
“What could I even apply for?”
But that question traps you in your current title.

Better question: “What do I actually want to do?”

You can learn the tools. You can change industries.
Your teaching experience isn't irrelevant.

It’s just wrapped in different language.

Step 2: Identify what energizes you (and what drains you)

It’s not just about what you’re good at.
It’s about what keeps you from dreading Mondays.

Ask yourself:

• “What part of the day flew by?”

• “When did I feel like I was making a real difference?”

• “What work left me drained—even if I nailed it?”

This isn’t fluff. It’s data.
And it’ll steer you toward roles that fit you—not just ones that hire teachers.

Step 3: Run small experiments

I hear this all the time:
“How can I pick a new career if I’ve never done it?”

The answer? You don’t have to pick right away. You explore.

Try this:

• DM someone in a role you’re curious about

• Ask to shadow a friend in a new field

• Volunteer for a short-term project

• Take a free course to test your interest

You don’t need all the answers. You just need some traction.

Step 4: Map your transferable skills
Teachers are master translators. You already:

• Led meetings = Project Management

• Trained colleagues = Learning & Development

• Built systems = Operations

Think:
“What did I actually do with and for other adults—not just what was in my job title?”

When you reframe your experience, you’ll realize:
You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience.

You don’t have to guess your way into your next job.
You just need a process—and the confidence to trust it.

🎁 Want help getting started?
Download my free guide: “Classroom-to-Corporate Checklist” where you'll find the complete process for going from where you currently are to landing your next CORPORATE role. [Click Here!]

Or follow me on LinkedIn for no-fluff advice that actually works.