Thank you, Meagan! I’ll head over and check out the site now. Honestly, the pay is a big part considering changing things up. I work in a specialized role through a private school and service contracts all over for all populations, but the pay gap is starting to get to me. But, like you said, knowing I’m making a difference is a big part of my current (and hopefully future!) role.

Hi! Check out our careers pages, because I think there will be a number of new roles over the next few weeks. https://www.ageoflearning.com/careers/ I went from K12 education to getting a PhD to moving into the edtech industry, and I can tell you that there are pros and cons to all employment areas. BUT I can also tell you that I LOVE the people I work with, and I know we're making a difference for kiddos and families. There may be hard hours, but there is definitely reward. (And it definitely pays better...) If you're looking at more traditional instructional design, I suggest also looking at Canvas as an LMS. Many schools are moving that direction these days. As a company, they certainly seem to be staking their market claim.

Thank you for the question, Sophia and to everyone for the feedback. I think that there are many in this position right now; I certainly am. I've been in the private sector, the government, and I now teach (2 Masters degrees). I am looking at how my experience, education, and skillset will translate upon retirement, as I will be ready to leave education at age 60 but not ready to retire.

Hi, Sophia. Many of the companies that make resources for schools (like my employer, a textbook company called Macmillan Learning) like to hire experienced educators looking for a way to still have an impact on education while working a more corporate job. Good luck with your search!

After reading your other comments and post, it may be best for you to make a list of exactly what you want in your next role. Items such as, autonomy, remote work, etc. along with what truly drives you. If you don’t know yet, that’s okay! Try something that seems like a fit, such as employee development, give it a year or two. If you don’t love it. Move on. That said, I would recommend buffing up your LinkedIn and reaching out to those in the fields your interested in for an informational interview. If you’re interested in professional development, I’m in that field and wouldn’t mind being interviewed. Reach out to me on LinkedIn, in/sarahllarson. Otherwise, good luck and good job taking the time to figure out what you want/that you need a change.

I'm having the same type of question. I have a ton of unintended experience in healthcare, which I never wanted to get into. I'm still pigeon holed, and it seems as if I have to go into human services type jobs 1st, before I can get into either the legal field or anything else. At my age, time is not on my side.

Hi, Lesa. You don't mention whether your employer is an .edu-type organization or not. Just thought I'd mention that if it is, you may want to think twice before going corporate. All my friends in the public sector happily retired in their 50s with pensions. The rest of us are slugging it out still in their 60s and 70s hoping to retire some day. I started in an .edu and wish I'd stayed. I'd have been done at least 10 years ago. Two of my friends retired at 50! Of course, if you just love to work, that's another thing. :)

I have a degree in education and I’m currently a Training & Development Manager for a global manufacturing company. It’s been suggested above, but manufacturing is definitely an industry that needs education support in this business climate. Manufacturers are growing quickly and need standardized approaches to their training programs, not to mention the elevated attrition that generally occurs in our industry. Maybe consider other roles such as training coordinator or specialist. Do you have your mind set on strictly remote opportunities? It might be beneficial to open up to in person roles while you’re growing this experience, with a goal of getting into remote work. Getting exposure to content and course development (if you don’t have it already) might also give you a leg up. Depending on the company size that you’re targeting, you may have to develop the content you ultimately train from. I utilize Articulate 360 for some of my content development. They usually offer a 30 or 60 day free trial so you could get some exposure without needing to purchase a full license. I also tend to see content development roles with remote offerings. Side note: consider TD.org for roles in the talent development industry.

Following your post as I am in the same boat. Left the education field with expertise in online learning, curriculum and assessment design, etc. but cannot get a foot hold in business sector especially if you cannot afford an entry level position which many places seem to want you to start at).

Sophia - Thanks for sharing today and letting us in to your world. I'm going to take it from a different angle. Yes, it makes sense to focus in areas that align with your background. However, if you want to try something different, most manufacturers need people with your skills. I come from the foodservice industry and my previous company had a training department that trains service technicians globally. These training sessions included remote technology and curriculum based systems. If you want to go a different direction, try searching manufacturing training. I can always get you in touch with a colleague who may be able to help connect you with training associations for manufacturers. Let me know. Thanks!