. As an experienced educator, you possess a unique skill set that can be applied to various professions. However, navigating the job market and finding the right path can be overwhelming. That's where a career coach can be an invaluable resource. Let’s explore seven compelling reasons why teachers leaving the profession and changing careers should consider working with a career coach.
1. You are unsure if career change is the right step for you.
If you find yourself consistently feeling unfulfilled, burnt out, or lacking passion for teaching, it may be a sign that it's time for a change. Changing careers isn’t the best option for everyone though. A career coach will help you decide whether a career change is your best option, or if there are other changes you can make that will help to overcome the problems you are currently facing with teaching .
2. Clarify your goals and identify transferable skills.
Leaving the teaching profession doesn't mean abandoning your passion for education; it means channelling your expertise into new avenues. A career coach can help you clarify your career goals and identify transferable skills that can be leveraged in different industries. A career coach will help you assess your strengths, values, skills, experiences, and interests to guide you in determining the most suitable career paths. By gaining a deeper understanding of your abilities and aspirations, you can make informed decisions that align with your professional objectives.
3. Explore alternative career paths.
One of the challenges teachers face when transitioning to a new career is identifying alternative paths that capitalize on their unique skill set. A career coach can introduce you to a wide range of education-related professions that value your expertise, such as instructional design, corporate training, educational consulting, curriculum development, or writing and editing in the educational sector. But there are many other non-educational careers that teachers have relevant transferable skills for such as human resources, event planning, project management and many more. A career coach can help you explore these options, providing valuable insights into the skills required, job market trends, and potential growth opportunities. With their guidance, you can make an informed choice about the career path that best suits your interests and goals.
4. Develop a customized job search strategy.
Searching for a new job can be a time-consuming and overwhelming process. A career coach can help you develop a customized job search strategy tailored to your specific career goals. They will assist you in creating an effective resume, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, and preparing for interviews. Moreover, they can guide you in leveraging your network, exploring job boards and professional communities, and accessing hidden job markets. With a well-defined plan and ongoing support, you will navigate the job search process more efficiently and increase your chances of landing the right opportunity.
5. Ineffective job search strategies and lack of progress.
If you've been applying for jobs without success or feel overwhelmed by the job search process, a career coach can help you refine your job search strategies and enhance your chances of landing interviews. They can review your resume, optimize your online presence (e.g., LinkedIn profile), and provide guidance on networking and interview techniques. By working with a coach, you can approach your job search more strategically and increase your chances of finding the right career opportunity.
6. Help with challenges and obstacles that arise. One of the biggest challenges I see in my coaching practice is the belief that teachers have about what they can and can’t do. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy and without realising it, sabotage our success.
A career coach can help you see things from a different perspective and guide you through any mindset issues that may be getting in your way.
You may have heard of imposter syndrome! It is a feeling a self-doubt or not being good enough. Imposter syndrome is quite common among teachers.
I’ve heard teachers say things such as:
“ The only thing I can do is teach, what other career can I do?”
“I’m just a teacher, I don’t have any other skills.”
“It is all I have ever done. I feel like I do not qualify for anything else.”
“I don’t seem to be qualified for anything.”
Do you relate to any of these?
Given some of the situations that teachers are finding themselves in, it’s not hard to see how as a teacher you can develop the belief that you don’t have the skills and ability to do anything else. With low self-worth, bucket loads of self-doubt and exhaustion, it’s so easy to draw the conclusion that I’m not good enough to be a teacher or anything else.
But these beliefs can easily sabotage our career change success if we don’t address them. If you don’t believe that you can do a particular job you are going to find it very difficult to convince a prospective employer that you are the best person for the job you are applying for.
A career coach can help you see things from a different perspective so that you believe that you definitely ARE good enough. You will recognise that as a teacher you have a substantial number of skills that employers in other industries will appreciate.
7. Build confidence and provide emotional support and guidance.
Transitioning from teaching to a new career can be emotionally challenging, as it involves letting go of your teacher identity and embracing new possibilities. It is common to experience doubts, fears, or lack confidence in your ability to succeed outside of teaching.
A career coach can serve as a mentor and provide valuable emotional support throughout your transition. They can help you build confidence and keep you motivated. Additionally, they can assist you in developing strategies to overcome potential obstacles, such as addressing career gaps or the need for additional training. With a supportive coach by your side, you will have the reassurance and motivation to persevere and succeed in your new career. Transitioning from teaching to a new career is a significant step that requires careful planning and support. A career coach can provide invaluable assistance during this process, helping you clarify your goals, explore alternative paths, develop a tailored job search strategy, build confidence, and access professional networks and resources.
Hiring a career coach doesn't imply weakness or incompetence but rather reflects a proactive and empowering approach to career development that will help you navigate your transition to a new career more effectively.
By investing in a career coach, you are investing in your future success and ensuring a smoother transition into a fulfilling and rewarding career outside of teaching. Remember, change can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it can also be a remarkable opportunity for growth and personal fulfillment.
If you think that having a career coach would help you to navigate the career transition process, you can book a complimentary call with me to have a chat about how I can help you.
If one-to-one coaching is not for you, the next best thing is an online course that will walk you through all the steps mentioned above. Career Change for Teachers is written specifically for transitioning teachers. It is based on good life/career coaching principles and covers the same things I cover in my face-to-face sessions. Get all the details here.