10 Things You Need to Know If You Think You’re Ready for a Career Change

If you’re a teacher in your late 40s, 50s, or beyond and you're thinking about making a career change, you’re not alone and you’re certainly not too late.

Many experienced teachers start to feel a shift: the workload is overwhelming,  you’ve lost your passion or purpose, or you want more freedom, flexibility, or fulfilment in this next

chapter. But the idea of changing careers can feel daunting  especially when teaching has been your identity for so long. 

You might be asking yourself:  Can I keep teaching for another 10-20 years or is there something better out there for me?"  Or wondering  What else can I do? Will anyone hire me? Do I need to retrain? What if I make a mistake?

Take a deep breath. You can make a change, and it doesn't have to mean throwing everything away and starting from scratch.

You might be asking yourself:  Can I keep teaching for another 10-20 years or is there something better out there for me?"  Or wondering  What else can I do? Will anyone hire me? Do I need to retrain? What if I make a mistake?

Take a deep breath. You can make a change, and it doesn't have to mean throwing everything away and starting from scratch.

Here are 10 things you need to know if you're thinking about making a career change after teaching.

1. You’re Not Starting from Scratch

It might feel like you're at square one, but you're not. You’ve got decades of experience, and it counts.

Teaching is one of the most transferable professions out there. Think about the skills you've used every day:

• Communicating clearly

• Managing people and personalities

• Leading groups

• Handling conflict

• Staying organised under pressure

• Problem-solving creatively

• Adapting on the fly

  
  

These are exactly the kinds of skills employers look for across many industries. You have a professional toolkit that’s not only valuable, it’s rare. The challenge is learning how to reframe those skills so others outside of education can see their value too.

2. Your “Why” Matters

Before you leap, take a moment to ask: Why do I want to change careers?

Is it burnout? A toxic workplace? A lack of purpose? A desire to do something more aligned with who you are now?

Knowing your “why” helps you avoid jumping from one stressful job to another. It also helps you get clear on what you're looking for not just what you're running from.

When I work with teachers on career transition, we often start with a values-based reflection. If your values (like creativity, autonomy, purpose, or balance) are being ignored in your current role, it’s a strong signal that it’s time for a shift.

3. It’s Normal to Feel Fear or Doubt

Change is scary  especially when you're leaving something that has defined you for years. You might hear a voice in your head saying:

• “Who am I without teaching?”

• “What if I fail?”

• “Is it too late?”

These doubts are normal. But they don’t mean you’re not ready.  They mean you're doing something courageous. Remember: growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone.

Instead of waiting to feel 100% confident, aim to feel curious. Courage comes from taking action, even while you're still figuring things out.

4. You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Alone

You might be used to doing everything yourself (teachers are incredibly resourceful!), but you don't have to navigate career change alone.

Talking things through with someone who understands:  a career coach, a mentor or a friend who’s made a transition can be a game changer.

You don’t need all the answers right now. Sometimes you just need the next step, and someone to walk alongside you as you take it.

If you’re feeling stuck, consider joining a community of other teachers in transition, or book a career clarity session with someone who specialises in supporting educators.

5. There’s More Than One “Right” Path

Many teachers hold off on leaving because they haven’t figured out the perfect new career. The truth is  there’s no single “right” job waiting out there.

There are many paths where you can thrive,  roles that align with your skills, interests, values, and lifestyle.

Some of the roles that teachers move into are

• Learning & development

• Coaching or mentoring

• Customer success

• Educational publishing

• Community engagement

• Content writing

• Corporate training

• Online business or freelancing

  
  

There are lots of others both in educational and non-educational environments. You will find some more options in this free resource here.

Be open.  The real discovery often occurs during the journey, not merely at the destination.

6. You May Need to Upskill  But Not Necessarily Retrain

Let's challenge a common belief: you probably don't need  another degree or begin university all over again.

Yes, some roles may require you to learn new tools or systems  but in many cases, short courses, certifications, or even a bit of self-study can bridge the gap.

Before you sign up for expensive study, get clear on the role you want. Then ask:

• What do I already know?

• What’s missing?

• How can I fill that gap in a smart, affordable way?

  
  

Upskilling can be as simple as taking a short online course or attending a workshop  not going back to college or university for three years.

7. Your Network is More Powerful Than You Think

You might feel like your entire network is just other teachers but think again.

Parents, former colleagues, school suppliers, people you’ve met through PD sessions or local events, all of these are part of your extended network.

Career change often happens through conversations, not just job ads.  Reach out. Let people know you’re exploring new directions. Ask about their work. Be curious.

And yes, if you're not on LinkedIn yet, it might be time to start.  it's a  great place to connect, learn, and explore what's out there.

8. Your Teaching Experience Is a Selling Point, Not a Liability

One of the biggest mindset shifts is learning to value your teaching experience in a new way.

You’ve run a classroom. You’ve led meetings. You’ve adapted to curriculum changes and tech rollouts and parent dramas and so much more, all while staying calm and professional.

That’s gold. The key is learning how to tell your story in a way that resonates with employers in other industries.

Instead of saying, “I was just a teacher,” say: “I’ve led teams, created engaging learning experiences, managed complex schedules, and built strong relationships , often under pressure.”

9. Career Change Isn’t always a Straight Line  

You might take a sidestep. You might try something, then change your mind. You might have a part-time job while you build something else on the side. Give yourself permission to explore, test, learn, adjust.

The goal isn’t to “get it right” on the first try , it’s to move closer to work that feels good, aligns with your values and life, and makes you feel like yourself again.

10. Your Next Chapter Can Be Just as Fulfilling  or Even More So

You are not too old. You are not behind. And you absolutely have something valuable to offer.

Career change at 45, 50, or 60 isn’t just possible, it can be powerful. You’re wiser. You know what matters to you. You’re ready for something more meaningful, balanced, or joyful.

This next chapter might look different to what you imagined. It might be more flexible, more creative, more freeing. But that’s okay.

You don’t have to settle for “good enough” or “just survive till retirement.” You get to choose again,  and you’re allowed to thrive.

The next step!

Thinking about leaving teaching can stir up a mix of excitement, fear, grief, and hope. That’s all part of the process.

Start small. Reflect on your “why.” Identify your strengths. Talk to someone. Read some job descriptions just for fun. Take one course. Reach out to one contact.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next step.

And if you'd like some help figuring that out,  that’s exactly what I support teachers with.

Download my free guide, "10 Steps to Find Out What Else You Can Do With Your Teaching Skills," or book a 1:1 clarity call with me here. Let’s talk about what’s possible and what’s next  together.