Hi FGB Friends,

Ana Bailey

October 20,2021 at 7:37PM UTC

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Hi FGB Friends,

I’m reaching out to you all to hear your experiences in career changes. I’m mostly speaking for my sister who’s been a teacher for about 15 years. She’s having so much fun with the children in teaching but the hardship falls heavily on excessive documentation and the minimal education resources to support troubled children who need help. She’s ready to call it quits, but she’s unsure of what she can do next in today’s changes in careers.

Has anyone experienced this situation? How did you get into a different career? Your support/comments are greatly appreciated!

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AnonymousOctober 20,2021 at 8:12PM UTC
Personally, I haven't experienced this but I know of three people who have.
My Mom just recently resigned from her position due to lack of administrative support on top of other things you mentioned. She specifically pivoted to use her History degree and now works at a Museum.
I had a friend who was a Physical Education teacher that resigned last year and got his Personal Training certification and now does that.
Other than education what was her Minor or if she is high school Major and Minor. Those areas would be a great place to start IMO if she is interested in them. See if she can find jobs of interest that way. If you have access to different types of Museums those are always a great place to start for History, Science, Art. English she may try writing, editing, libraries. Part of it though is what is gonna make her happy as well and that may not come from her degree at all.
The two examples I gave relate to their degrees but my mom loves history a museum makes sense for her. Friend loves fitness and physical education, personal training was logical. Her logical choice is whatever gives her passion without sacrificing her mental and emotional wellbeing.
Crystal RhinebergerOctober 20,2021 at 8:33PM UTC
I jumped ship into a career with jewelry. I uave used my arts degree and experience with sales to help guide this.
It was a hesistant but excellent transition for me
Goalsetter244228October 20,2021 at 8:41PM UTC
There are many companies looking for people with diverse background; she needs to be able to sell herself during the interview . She needs to learn how her experiences complement the job she is applying for... such as organization and planning which can be aligned in project management and any others jobs. She may need a coach to help her through this transition.
Trie AngelevaOctober 20,2021 at 10:02PM UTC
Changing careers literally is a process starting with mindset and self-discovery; sounds like your sister knows that she enjoys teaching but not the heavy administrative tasks and lack of support. She might explore part-time or substitute teaching, which tend to have fewer admin tasks. She might look into tutoring and teaching online too. I'd encourage her to work her way through the full process though in case there are some other wonderful fits for her talents and goals.
AnonymousOctober 21,2021 at 3:39AM UTC
She could possibly look into edtech companies like Paper.co or Varsity Tutors.
Ana BaileyOctober 21,2021 at 11:49PM UTC
You all have valuable perspectives and much is truly appreciated.
I will share this information with my sister hoping she doesn’t feel lost in contemplating a career change.
Again, I appreciate you all!
AnonymousOctober 22,2021 at 3:45PM UTC
As a Headteacher, I would encourage her by saying not all the schools are the same- and it may be the school- not teaching that is making her feel this way. There are lots of teaching related roles: working in care homes; youth justice; advocacy; writing examination materials etc and it maybe that a slightly sideways move may be easier to make. Or potentially, she could explore retraining whilst doing some supply work to fund further study?