Hello everyone, I am having a hard time.

Leah M

January 2,2024 at 2:13PM UTC

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Hello everyone, I am having a hard time.

kind of a short story about me, I have been in education for 8 years. I was a early education assistant teacher for four years, and than a paraprofessional for an other four years. In 2023 I was so mentally exhausted I quit my job and I was grateful enough for my husband too support us till now. Everywhere I look for jobs I feel lost, all I have on my resume is education, and when I look on local jobs around me I keep going back to education, and that is NOT what I want anymore. I need some tips and tricks, or even some job recommendations that can get me out of education and into a new journey for myself.

thank you so much for letting me express my thoughts ✨

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Shelly EdwardsJanuary 2,2024 at 2:36PM UTC
What kind of positions are you interested in outside of education? The first step would be to determine what you want to do and then work toward that. If it is an option, take courses or get training in a different industry. If not, find an entry level role in the field you want to do and then work your way up. Good luck!!
Trie AngelevaJanuary 2,2024 at 3:38PM UTC
Hi Leah! That's my sister's name too, and it's a great one! I can only imagine how many transferable skills you've got from all of this experience, so once you gain some clarity on what you're after, reshaping your resume to pursue it won't be too big a challenge. I'm a coach, so I have a lot of resources that could be helpful to you; if you'd like to check out my blog you'll see several articles that highlight the steps to take when pursuing a career change. Feel free to reach out with any questions too. My blog is called Reimagine and this is the link to the Career section: https://www.reimaginemonday.com/blog/categories/career. Best wishes! Trie
Melina MarieJanuary 2,2024 at 4:56PM UTC
I second the temp agency idea if you're feeling lost in what to even pursue. A lot of their roles are pretty entry-level, but even if you don't love a role, it's often a great foot in the door to good companies, and at the very least, you could get some recommendation letters from various employers. Highlighting transferrable skills on your resume is helpful, but having a connection/referral or writing a personalized note to hiring managers is best to stand out from the sea of other job seekers. Good luck!
Leah MJanuary 2,2024 at 5:22PM UTC
WOW! Thank you so much everyone!
Sadly I am not sure what I want to do, I know I want to take a step back from education. But I feel that is all I know, I’m nervous about trying something new. Feel a little discouraged because I went to school for education and found the love I thought I had for education too no love at all for that passion I felt I had. I appreciate so much for the advice, and honestly being so kind.
Jackie RukaJanuary 2,2024 at 5:39PM UTC
Have you thought about tutoring as a part time job? Away from the school where you can create your work and who you can help?
AnonymousJanuary 2,2024 at 6:13PM UTC
With your teaching background have you considered Corporate Training? There are do many avenues of training inside companies.
Mika AraiJanuary 2,2024 at 6:24PM UTC
Try UX designer with focus on educational technology
Melina MarieJanuary 4,2024 at 7:47PM UTC
Hi Mika! I've considered transitioning from Talent Acquisition to UX Design and am curious, from your perspective, is an online bootcamp for UX received well from hiring managers/recruiters?
Hilda GarciaJanuary 2,2024 at 7:09PM UTC
Admin assistant or any hr related activities may suit your skills as well. In the meantime, maybe brushing up on some tech skills may also lead you away from your former profession since online paltforms in the virtual world is out in the market. Good luck!
Gouri ShuklaJanuary 2,2024 at 7:19PM UTC
I hear you!! I don’t know if I have any valuable input to share but transitioning to a new sector/ industry is not easy and we do get pigeon-holed so to say. But I have seen it happen to people when they keep trying and networking… sending positive vibes for your next role and hope it happens soon.
Gouri ShuklaJanuary 2,2024 at 7:20PM UTC
Also, I wonder if you’d like to try a project management certification … I know of an artist who was able to shift to a new management role at her art gallery and other jobs, after her PMP certification…
Gillian ThackrayJanuary 3,2024 at 3:32PM UTC
It's a great certification that one can get with some online or community college courses (may only need a 4 week part time course, depending on how much similar things you have done before). Project management is an in-demand skill that I see being requested in many areas (i.e. it's not limited to one career path). Also, sometimes learning something like this gives us a way to focus our energy, feel a sense of achievement, and interact with others outside our own background/career area, that helps to sharpen our sense of what to pursue and/or open new opportunities in unexpected ways.
AnonymousJanuary 2,2024 at 9:36PM UTC
I completely empathize but hang in there - I was laid off in 2022. I am now in my middle fifties and a healthcare professional and always worked remotely!! It was very challenging getting the right fit and I also turned down some other job offers but I finally found a company that welcomed my experience and education and what I bring to my current role and it was the right fit - I must say I had take a salary offer a bit lower than my previous roles as well , but the benefits are great !! I had to make that choice !! Yes it took me so much longer about 6 months! Please do not give up !! On this platform I took some advise from folks in their fifties and sixties and took off dates off my resume and dates off the years of education!! Yes some companies will not allow but I put 9999 at the end dates! Hope this helps and good luck and all the best- please hang in there !!!
Archana AgarwalJanuary 3,2024 at 6:36AM UTC
You will have to first assess that if not teaching what is it that you would like to do and what are the skills you have to offer. You could also consult a career counsellor if you are unable to figure it yourself. Nowadays there are so many options available where you could do something independently apart from a regular 9 to 5 job.
AnonymousJanuary 3,2024 at 1:20PM UTC
How about Training and Development? You'd be using your education to teach adults instead of children. This would also bring you into a corporate setting, rather than a school atmosphere.
AnonymousJanuary 3,2024 at 1:23PM UTC
What type of jobs are you looking for?
Are you qualified for these jobs?
Do you need additional education?
I would review the job descriptions for the jobs you are looking at and tailor your resume to that.
AnonymousJanuary 3,2024 at 2:26PM UTC
Look into nonprofits and/or customer service roles.
AnonymousJanuary 3,2024 at 2:51PM UTC
Try your local utilities.
AnonymousJanuary 5,2024 at 5:40PM UTC
Take some time to think about what you want to or would rather be doing. Then network or reach out to other individuals in those career paths. This may be a great opportunity for change and future happiness. Good luck!