Over the last few years, teachers have been at the center of one of the most Covid complicated careers in the world, from dealing with virtual learning to parents with opinions all over the map. If handling a classroom full of kids wasn’t enough, teachers have more reasons than ever to consider a career change.
Whether you’re feeling underpaid, unappreciated, or overworked, rest assured there are other careers out there to explore.
Depending on the amount of time you are willing to devote to education, you can literally become anything you want. Some people may decide to become doctors or lawyers. Others may choose to become engineers or scientists. Still, others may find a way to repurpose their education degree and put it to use outside of the classroom.
If you’re a teacher thinking about changing careers, you should consider a few things. First, what are you looking for in a new career? Do you want something that pays better? Do you want something that is more challenging? Or do you simply want a change of pace?
Once you’ve decided what you’re looking for, it’s time to do some research. What are your options? What are the salaries like in these new careers? What are the hours like? What is the job market like?
You should also consider whether or not you’re qualified for the new career you’re interested in. Do you need to go back to school? Do you need to get more experience? What are the requirements for this new career?
Making a career change can be a big decision, but it can also be a great opportunity. Make every attempt to find a new career that you will be happy with for the rest of your life.
Steps to career change for teachers
1. Research other careers that you may be interested in.
2. Talk to people who are in those careers and ask them about their work experience and what they like/dislike about the job.
3. Consider getting a graduate degree or taking additional courses to increase your qualifications for other careers.
4. Update your resume and start applying for jobs in other fields.
5. Network with people in other industries to learn more about potential opportunities.
6. Stay motivated and don’t give up if you don’t find a job right away – it may take time to make the transition out of teaching.
Use your teaching degree for something other than teaching
There are many things that teachers can do with their teaching degrees besides teaching in a traditional setting. Think about things like becoming a guidance counselor, an educational consultant, or an instructional coordinator.
You can also use your degree to do things a little further outside the industry, like a corporate trainer, a human resources specialist, or even an entrepreneur. If you have a passion for education but don’t want to work in a traditional classroom setting, many options are available. Here are a few ideas:
Corporate trainers
Corporate trainers typically work for companies and help employees learn new skills or improve upon existing ones. They may design and deliver training programs, assess employee needs, and develop training materials. To become a corporate trainer, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree, although some jobs may require a master’s degree.
Writers or editors
Writers and editors use their writing and editing skills to create content for books, magazines, websites, and more. They may also work as ghostwriters or copywriters. To become a writer or editor, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field.
Counselors
School counselors typically work in elementary, middle, and high schools. They help students with academic planning, social and emotional development, and college and career readiness. To become a school counselor, you need at least a master’s degree in counseling, education, or a related field.
Administrators
School administrators typically work in elementary, middle, and high schools. They are responsible for managing the school’s day-to-day operations, including hiring and supervising staff, developing budgets, and creating schedules. To become a school administrator, you usually need at least a master’s degree in education or a related field.
Nonprofit organizations
Nonprofit organizations typically work to promote a cause or advance a mission. They may provide services, such as education or social services. You usually need at least a bachelor’s degree to work for a nonprofit organization.
Common careers for teachers considering a change
If you want out of the teaching industry altogether, consider some of the most in-demand career paths today. Many of those will land you in the technology and healthcare services industries, so if those are of interest, you’ll have many options.
Computer Programmer
A computer programmer is someone who writes code for software applications. They may also be responsible for testing and debugging software. To become a computer programmer, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
According to Payscale.com, Computer programmers typically earn an average salary of $66,000 per year.
Web Developer
A web developer is someone who creates websites. They may also be responsible for coding, designing, and maintaining websites. To become a web developer, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
According to Indeed, Web developers typically earn a average salary of $66,000 per year.
Business Analyst
Business analysts typically work for companies and help employees learn new skills or improve upon existing ones. They may design and deliver training programs, assess employee needs, and develop training materials. To become a business analyst, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree, although some jobs may require a master’s degree.
Business analysts typically earn a median salary of $72,000 per year.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants typically work in clinics and doctor’s offices. They are responsible for providing patient care, preparing patients for exams, and assisting the doctor during appointments. To become a medical assistant, you usually need at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Medical assistants typically earn a median salary of $31,000 per year.
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists typically work in dental offices. They help patients maintain their oral health by cleaning their teeth and gums, teaching them how to brush and floss properly, and recommending dental care products. To become a dental hygienist, you usually need at least an associate’s degree in dental hygiene.
Dental hygienists typically earn a median salary of $72,000 per year.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists typically work in pharmacies and drug stores. They dispense prescription medications to patients and advise them on the correct usage of their medications. To become a pharmacist, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.
Pharmacists typically earn a median salary of $122,000 per year.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients who have been injured or are ill regain movement and manage pain. They may also work with people who have disabilities to improve their quality of life. To become a physical therapist, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy.
Physical therapists typically earn a median salary of $85,000 per year.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses typically work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They help patients with their medical needs and provide education and support to patients and their families. To become a registered nurse, you usually need at least an associate’s degree in nursing.
Registered nurses typically earn a median salary of $70,000 per year.
Salesperson
Salespeople work in a variety of industries and sell a variety of products and services. They may be responsible for developing new business, maintaining relationships with existing customers, or both. To become a salesperson, you usually need at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Salespeople typically earn a median salary of $62,000 per year.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager is a professional who oversees the company’s social media accounts. They create and manage content, engage with customers, and track performance metrics. To become a social media manager, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in marketing or communications.
Social media managers typically earn a median salary of $62,000 per year.
Options for getting a new degree
If you’re considering changing your career, then be prepared to invest in your education. A higher-paying job may require a new degree or certification. Make sure you have the financial resources to cover the cost of tuition and other associated expenses.
You have more options now than ever to get training for a new career that is also cost-effective:
Technology Bootcamp
If you’re interested in a career in technology, consider attending a technology bootcamp. Bootcamps offer short-term, intensive training in a variety of technologies. They are often less expensive than traditional degree programs, and many bootcamps offer job placement assistance.
The most popular types of BootCamps include:
-Web Development BootCamps
-Mobile Development BootCamps
-UX Design BootCamps
-Digital Marketing BootCamps
Trade school
A trade school may be a better option than a traditional degree program if you’re interested in a career in technology. Trade schools offer short-term, intensive training in a variety of technologies. They are often less expensive than traditional degree programs, and many trade schools offer job placement assistance.
Online degrees
Online degrees can be a great option if you want to change careers but don’t have the time or money to invest in a traditional degree program. Online degrees are offered by colleges and universities all over the world.
The most popular types of online degrees include:
-Career Certifications
-Associate’s Degrees
-Bachelor’s Degrees
-Master’s Degrees
-Doctoral Degrees
When choosing an online degree program, make sure the school is accredited. Accreditation is a process that ensures the quality of a school’s academic programs. Only accredited schools can offer federal financial aid.
University
If you have more time to invest in your education, consider getting a degree from a university. A university degree can open doors to many high-paying careers. This is also the most expensive option, so make sure you’re paying attention to the ROI. Universities can have very high price tags these days, and you want to avoid high levels of debt while transitioning careers.
Start a business
When changing careers, don’t forget to consider the option of going into business for yourself. If you have a special skill or service to offer, you can be your own boss and set your own hours. This option is not for everyone, but it can be a great way to get started in a new career.
Here are a few ideas for starting your own business without huge expense:
Buy a franchise
Buying a franchise is one of the most popular ways of becoming a business owner. It offers many advantages, including instant name recognition, a proven business model, and support from the franchisor. The downside is that it can be expensive to buy a franchise, and you may have less control over your business than if you started from scratch.
The good news is there are thousands of franchises across almost every industry. If you’re serious about franchising, consider finding a franchise consultant who will help you find the right opportunity. The consultant is typically free to use, as they are paid by the franchisor when you make the purchase.
Freelance writing or editing
Freelance writing or editing can be a great way to get started in a new career. If you have writing or editing experience, you can start your own business and offer your services to clients. There are many online marketplaces like Fiverr where you can find clients and many resources available to help you start and grow your business.
Start an Etsy business
If you’re interested in starting your own business, consider starting an Etsy business. Etsy is a website where artists and crafters can sell their products.
To start an Etsy shop, you’ll need to create a profile and list your products. You’ll also need to pay a fee to list your products. There are many resources available to help you start and grow your Etsy shop, including online courses and ebooks.
Ecommerce business
If you’re interested in starting your own business, consider starting an eCommerce business. E-commerce businesses are businesses that sell products online. There are many eCommerce businesses across every industry in the world, so it’s a great place to start if you’re interested in starting your own business.
Consider selling on a third party site like Amazon to get started. They allow you to setup shops quickly, and minimize the risk of investing too much time in your own e-commerce shop which can be tricky to get started.
To start an your own eCommerce site, you’ll need to create a website and list your products. Consider Shopify if you decide to go this direction.
Become an Amazon seller
Similar to starting your own e-commerce business, but using the Amazon platform, you can source products and sell them on the Amazon marketplace. You can also sell the same products on marketplaces like eBay, and any other that allows merchants to list products.
Start a blog and monetize it with ads or affiliate marketing
If you’re interested in starting a blog, consider monetizing it with ads or affiliate marketing. Ads are a great way to make money from your blog, and affiliate marketing is a great way to promote products and services.
To start a blog, you’ll need to create a website and choose a blogging platform. You’ll also need to choose a domain name and hosting plan. Once your website is set up, you can start blogging!
To monetize your blog with ads, you’ll need to add an advertising plugin to your website. There are many plugins available, so choose one that fits your needs. Once the plugin is installed, you can add your ad codes and start making money.
You’ll need to join an affiliate program to monetize your blog with affiliate marketing. Many affiliate programs are available, so find one that fits your niche. Once you’re enrolled in an affiliate program, you can add links and banners to your blog and start making money.
The bottom line
So, if you’re a teacher looking to make a career change, don’t worry – you have plenty of options. The careers we’ve listed here require different levels of education and experience, so there’s something for everyone.
Consider the time and resources you have to put into the effort and make sure you set realistic goals. Understand if you will need to work while you go back to school or if you have the financial ability to take some time off.
And make sure to do your homework on any school you decide to attend. Ensure they have the correct certifications and have good reviews from current and former students for placing their graduates in high-paying positions.
Remember, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. With the right planning and preparation, you can make the transition out of teaching and into a new career that’s perfect for you.