I Quit Teaching and 10 Incredible Things Happened

(The picture above is of me living my best life in the south of France without feeling guilty for taking PTO from my corporate role... I earned it AND I had the money to live it up!)

Why did I quit? Simple: I was destined for more than teaching 85 students a year every 180 days.

Yes, I loved teaching my kiddos. Yes, I believe teachers make a huge impact. No, I could not live the life I wanted and make the difference I needed to make staying in the classroom.

Was it difficult to leave? Yep. Was I nervous? You bet.

Now that I’m on the other side, I can say without any hesitation that quitting was the best thing I ever did. Did that make me a quitter? Absolutely NOT. I was able to redirect my energy in a way that created an even bigger impact and allowed me to live my best life.

While every individual's journey is unique, I share my experience to inspire hope and provide comfort if you have made the tough (and often necessary) choice to transition out of the classroom. Here are ten things that happened to me (and countless colleagues) after leaving teaching:

1. I Felt Liberated and Knew It Was Okay to Leave

   Initially, leaving teaching felt like I was abandoning my students and my passion for education.

   Teaching is a challenging profession that requires a lot of dedication and hard work, so, it was natural to feel attached to the role and to feel a sense of obligation to stay, even when it was no longer bringing me joy or fulfillment. Luckily, I had a strong support group that helped me see it was okay to prioritize my mental and physical health, personal growth, and financial stability.

   After leaving and settling into my first corporate role, it astounded me how simple the message was. It's okay to leave. I was liberated. You have the right to pursue a career that brings you fulfillment and aligns with your values and goals. Your decision to leave does not diminish your commitment or dedication to the teaching profession, nor does it reflect a lack of effort or passion for the work that you have done.
   
   In fact, leaving the classroom was an act of courage and self-care. It takes strength and bravery to recognize when something is no longer serving you, and to take action to change your situation. By leaving the classroom, I was giving myself permission to pursue new opportunities, learn new skills, and grow as a professional and as a person.

   When I began to feel guilty or uncertain about my decision to leave, I gave myself the same pep-talk: “It's normal to experience these emotions. It isn’t okay to let them stop you.” It was important to acknowledge how it felt but it certainly didn’t distract me from staying focused on my goals and motivations, and to trust that I was making the right decision for myself, my family, and my career.

2. My Transferable Skills Were Put to The Test Immediately, Especially My Top Two Skills

   I quickly discovered that the skills I had honed as a teacher were highly transferable to the corporate world. My ability to communicate effectively, organize, and adapt to different situations proved to be invaluable assets in my new endeavors. My two most important skills, however, were these: self-motivation and leadership.

   Here’s why: your new company will provide essential training but beyond that, they will expect you to perform right away. Funny thing is, it wasn’t scary at all. It was exhilarating to know I was trusted and to immediately contribute to my new company’s mission… but there was so much I didn’t know how to do yet. I researched, made allies who could answer my questions, watched every video I could find, and continuously improved my library of knowledge so that nothing could catch me off balance. I leaned heavily on my strengths and was motivated to effectively address my blind spots. The more I learned, the more I performed. The more I performed, the more responsibility I was given. The more responsibility I was given, the more opportunity I had to learn and shine. I established a reputation as a self-motivated leader. It worked and I kept getting promoted.

3. My Professional Network Exploded

   Leaving teaching exposed me to a whole new network of professionals outside of the public school system. Connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries broadened my horizons and presented exciting opportunities for collaboration and learning. I was able to spend time building my digital presence and connecting with other professionals who were kind enough to share their experiences with me. The collective knowledge that exists for those looking to break into the corporate world is staggering. I came to realize the old adage is true: ask and you shall receive. I asked for connections, knowledge, and collaboration and without fail, I got it.

4.  I Was Treated Like a Professional

    In my first corporate role, I experienced a refreshing shift in how I was perceived and treated. Colleagues and supervisors acknowledged my expertise and actively sought my input on projects. I felt empowered to share my ideas, and my perspectives were met with genuine interest and respect. I finally felt validated. Plus, I was allowed to get coffee, go to the bathroom, and leave the building for lunch without asking for permission. Life was good.
   
   

5. I Redefined My Identity

   For so long, my identity had been intertwined with being a teacher. Transitioning from a classroom teacher to a corporate leader, arts supporter, and dedicated family member allowed me to explore different aspects of my personality and passions. As a corporate leader, I leveraged my teaching skills to motivate and guide teams towards success. Simultaneously, I immersed myself in the arts, attending exhibitions and supporting local initiatives. Prioritizing a healthy family life became paramount, enabling me to create a fulfilling work-life balance. This transformative journey empowered me to embrace new roles, nurture my passions, and lead a life that reflects my authentic self.

6. My Salary Doubled... Then Tripled… Then Quadrupled

   While teaching was rewarding in its own way, it came with serious financial limitations. By approaching my transition into the corporate world strategically, I secured a significant increase in my income. In the first year, I doubled my salary. Two years later, I tripled it. Three years after that, I quadrupled it. Six-figures, outstanding benefits packages, and the resources to live the life I’ve always wanted- finally! How did I do it? I researched like crazy and identified industries and positions that aligned with my skills and offered higher earning potential. Investing in professional development and upskilling allowed me to stay competitive and enhance my market value and I always negotiated my compensation packages. Never leave free money on the table. Transitioning into my new career path provided me with the financial stability I craved allowing me to better support myself, pursue international travel to places like Paris, Rome, Monaco, Barcelona, Lisbon, Berlin, London, Milan, and Istanbul (and so many more), and provide a higher standard of living for my family.

   

7. My Work-Life Balance…Balanced

    Leaving teaching and entering the corporate world transformed my work-life balance almost overnight. Unlike the demanding nature of teaching which consumed upwards of 12-16 hours every day, I experienced a newfound flexibility in my corporate role. I was able, and encouraged, to set boundaries and allocate my time in ways that supported healthy living. After all, what good is an employee if they’re so tired that they can only provide sub-par work?! This flexibility allowed me to prioritize time for personal endeavors, hobbies, and self-care without compromising my professional commitments. This balance not only reduced stress levels but enhanced my productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction. I was more energized. I was able to be highly engaged in both my professional and personal life. Overall, I became a happier person and a better wife.

8. I Was Making a Difference in New and Exciting Ways

   Leaving teaching didn't mean abandoning my desire to make a positive impact on others. It presented opportunities to contribute to society in different capacities. Professionally, I worked to build curriculum and strategies for thousands of educators and students and eventually worked for a company that served over 12 million learners! Personally, I had the time and energy to volunteer, mentor, and serve as an advocate for causes I believe in. I started an education non-profit, joined professional networks for supporters of the United Nations, the Advancement of Science, and was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for one of my favorite performing arts organizations.

9. My Self-Confidence Skyrocketed

   In the corporate world, I faced new challenges that allowed me to really lean into my strengths and capabilities. As I tackled unfamiliar tasks, embraced leadership roles, and ventured into uncharted territories, my self-confidence soared. Each small success and accomplishment reinforced my belief in my abilities, validating the decision I made to leave teaching and explore new horizons. I found myself speaking up more confidently during meetings, contributing valuable insights, and effectively communicating my ideas. I seized opportunities to take on projects and responsibilities that aligned with my expertise and interests, demonstrating a newfound assertiveness and self-assuredness in my decision-making. This self-confidence also propelled me to seek growth and advancement, actively pursuing professional development opportunities, and taking calculated risks that paid off in terms of my career progression.

   

10. I Found a Renewed Passion for Education

    In my corporate role, I found opportunities to engage in educational initiatives and contribute to the development of others. Whether it was mentoring colleagues, designing and delivering training programs, or presenting at industry conferences, I realized that my expertise as a teacher was highly valued in the corporate environment. This newfound avenue to share my knowledge allowed me to make a meaningful impact beyond the classroom, fueling my passion for education and inspiring others in their professional growth.

    An added bonus- I discovered a passion for my own continuous learning and self-improvement. The corporate world provided tons of resources- workshops, seminars, and online courses- that allowed me to expand my knowledge and acquire new skills. Embracing these opportunities not only enhanced my expertise but ignited a sense of curiosity and excitement about everything I could learn to do. I became an advocate for lifelong learning, actively seeking new ways to grow and staying at the forefront of industry trends.

    This renewed passion for education propelled my career to new heights. By sharing my teaching knowledge, I became recognized as a subject matter expert in my field. The ability to inspire and educate others became a cornerstone of my professional success. Plus, my commitment to continuous learning and personal growth allowed me to adapt to the ever-evolving corporate landscape, positioning me as a highly valued asset to employers which continued to open doors to new opportunities for advancement.

    Leaving teaching did not mean leaving behind my passion for education. Instead, it offered a chance to explore new avenues where I could make a profound impact in so many different ways.

Overall, quitting teaching offered me a new lease on life and the chance to redefine my identity while still keeping my passion for education and transferable skills alive. Not only did I get to gain new experiences like rapid growth within my professional network, feeling like a professional in different career trajectories and making more money than before; I also gained an incredible perspective with which to pay it forward. Taking the leap of faith was scary at first but I look back on it now as one of the best decisions I ever made. Among other things, I realized that teaching isn't just a profession — it's a calling — one that you don't have to sacrifice passion when transitioning into another career.

To guide you on your own journey, check out the ElevatED Career Change Accelerator which offers dedicated support during the process of making a successful transition into any new field. With this course, you’ll have cutting edge resources at your fingertips to simplify the process so you can get into your new role faster without wasting time, money, or energy.