
If you’re a teacher who feels stuck, overwhelmed and burnt out, or uninspired in your current role, you’re not alone. Many educators reach a point where they question if they can keep going in a career that no longer fulfils them. But the idea of leaving teaching and starting something new? That’s downright terrifying.
Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of regret—it’s a lot to process. But here’s the thing: fear doesn’t have to be the enemy. In fact, it can be the sign that you’re on the brink of something transformative. Let’s explore how to acknowledge your fear, move past it, and take the first steps toward the career change you deserve.
The Reality of Fear
First, let’s clear something up: fear is normal. And fear can be good or bad!
Some types of fear are useful and help us to avoid dangerous situations. But fear that occurs when we are facing non life-threatening events can be paralysing. So, while fear might keep you “safe,” it also keeps you stuck.
Think about it. What’s scarier: staying in a job that drains your energy every day or taking a chance on a career that could reignite your passion? The truth is, both paths carry risks. The difference is that one offers the possibility of growth and fulfillment, while the other guarantees more of the same.
The good news? Fear isn’t a stop sign. It’s a green light telling you to slow down, assess the situation, and proceed with caution—not to turn around and give up.
Facing your Fears
In her book ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway *’ Susan Jeffers urges you to do just that – face the fear! She says that facing your fears will result in improved self esteem as you realise you can do whatever you were fearful of, and this will diminish the power of the fear.
She also suggests that if you are stuck you make a list of the pay offs of remaining stuck. What don’t you have to face or do by remaining stuck in your comfort zone?
Steps to Take Action Despite Fear
1. Start Small
The idea of leaving teaching and jumping into an entirely new career can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start with small, manageable steps:
Update your resume to highlight your transferable skills.
Research industries or roles that interest you.
Spend an hour exploring job boards for inspiration.
Small actions build momentum. Each step you take makes the next one easier.
2. Challenge Your Mindset
In ‘The Big Leap’ Gay Hendricks * tells us to acknowledge and feel our fears and move on.
Remember that no outcome is 100% certain. Everyone fails and that is how we learn. If you recognise how your fear is holding back and change your mindset around fear, you will make it easier to move forward.
3. Challenge your limiting beliefs
“I’m too old to change careers.”
“I don’t have the right skills.”
“What if I fail?”
These are all limiting beliefs—and they’re holding you back. Instead of focusing on what you lack, highlight what you bring to the table. As a teacher, you’ve mastered skills like communication, organization, and problem-solving. These are valuable in virtually any career.
Whenever self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself: you’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. If you think that limiting beliefs are preventing you from moving forward, find out how to overcome them here
4. Invest in Yourself
Transitioning to a new career might require learning new skills or brushing up on old ones. Consider it an investment in your future.
Take an online course or attend a workshop in an area that interests you.
Start a side project or freelance gig to test the waters.
Attend networking events to connect with people in your desired field.
These small investments of time and energy can help you gain confidence and clarity about your next step
5. Create a Safety Net
One of the biggest fears about career change is financial insecurity. You can ease this fear by creating a safety net:
Set aside savings to support you during the transition.
Consider part-time or freelance work while exploring new opportunities.
Create a timeline with specific milestones to track your progress.
Having a plan can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed by the process.
6. Seek Support
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to people who’ve successfully transitioned out of teaching. Their insights and encouragement can help you see what’s possible.
Join online communities or forums for transitioning or former teachers.
Seek out a mentor or career coach who specializes in transitions.
Lean on friends and family for emotional support during this process.
Take an online course to walk through the process.
The Cost of Inaction
It’s easy to let fear convince you to stay where you are. But what’s the cost of staying stuck?
Years from now, will you look back and regret not pursuing a career that aligns with your passions and values? Studies show that one of the biggest regrets people have in later life is not taking chances when they had the opportunity.
Yes, change is hard. But so is staying in a role that drains your energy and leaves you unfulfilled. The question is: which hard are you willing to choose?
Next Steps
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process—and it starts with one small step.
So here’s your challenge: take that step today. Update your resume, jot down a list of potential career paths, enrol in an online course or reach out to someone who’s transitioned out of teaching. Whatever it is, do something that moves you closer to the career and life you want.
Remember: courage isn’t about not feeling fear. It’s about acting despite it. Feel the fear, take that first step, and watch how your confidence grows with each new action. Your next chapter is waiting. All you have to do is take the first step..
Need some help with this? If you don’t know how to get started or what you need to do, I have the perfect first step for you. Getting Started with Career Change for Teachers is an introductory online course which will help get started. By following some easy steps the course will help you understand your interests, values, strengths and transferable skills. Get all the details here.
Note Items marked * are affiliate links. If you purchase anything I get a teeny tiny commission, the cost to you is the same.
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