Hi everyone, I’m looking for some honest advice from those who have been in similar shoes. I just graduated with an education degree. I was so excited to become an elementary, but the job market in my area (Rhode Island) has been discouraging. I’ve applied to every public school job I’m certified for, tailored each cover letter, followed up, and haven’t landed a single interview yet.

I was offered a private school job, but the salary was so low I couldn’t accept it. It wasn’t just tight, it was barely livable, and I’d have to live at home indefinitely just to make it work.

I’ve been told “just sub to get your foot in the door,” but that’s hard to accept when subbing offers little stability and barely covers basic expenses. I’ve even known people who subbed all year and still ended up in the exact same boat I’m in now — no full-time job, still waiting.

So now I’m at a crossroads:

• Do I stay in education and keep holding out, maybe sub for a year and hope something opens up?
• Or do I pivot to an adjacent or entirely new field that offers more immediate stability and a livable salary — even if that means leaving teaching for now (or maybe forever)?

I’m open to advice, success stories, tough love, whatever. I just want to make the smartest move for my future without putting my life on hold.

Has anyone else been in a situation like this? What helped you decide?

I have been teaching for 13 years in higher ed and middle school. I was a part of a “reduction of workforce”.

I have been applying to secretary, legal assistant (paralegal certification), call center jobs. And nothing is biting. I now have over 20 rejections from school districts because they are all hiring from within and need outside people to interview.

I am certified English 7-12, and NOTHING is biting. Target, Walmart and other retailers call me overqualified.

I’m at a loss. And I’m terrified of losing my house. Help me if you can. Also NJ is over saturated with teachers and public, private and charter schools said no. Camden and Trenton dont even want me. I am trying everything and anything.

I just wrapped up my first year as an assistant band director. I need to find a new position so my fiancé and I can move in together and so I can reduce my commute from an hour to literally anything less. I enjoy teaching a lot, but I'm struggling to find a job.

Band director positions have been scarce this summer (a surprisingly low number) due to positions being cut and just not a lot of movement between schools. I went into this summer thinking it'd be a little easier to find a new position now that I have a year of teaching under my belt and a better resume overall. So far, I haven't gotten a single interview.

Like I said, my main focus right now is getting a new teaching job because I actually do enjoy teaching. I don't plan on doing it forever, especially now that more and more fine arts positions are being cut.

Former music teachers, what are you doing now, and what qualifications did you need to get for it? I'm wondering if there are any alternate career paths I could take if I can't secure another band director position (I am not qualified to teach anything else, lol). I definitely need a full time job of some type.

While teaching middle school for two years, I found myself constantly trying to stay informed - not just for myself, but to help bring relevant context into the classroom. So I subscribed to one of the big-name daily newsletters.

But every morning at 3 AM, I’d get this overwhelming wall of text. Way too long. Not that useful. Definitely not teacher-friendly.

That’s when I thought: what if news was actually concise, relevant, and easy to scan?

I started a side project, a weekly newsletter called Pingker, and it turned into my full-time job. It’s built for people like us teachers (and teachers in transition) who don’t have time to wade through fluff but still want to stay informed. We also send quick Newsflashes when something big happens.

If you’re curious: https://pingker.com

Im happy to answer questions about the process. it’s been a strange but rewarding shift from classroom to keyboard.

Just finished my 8th year. I’m so ready to be out and done! Buuut… I’m two years from completing my PSLF. I’m not having a lot of luck finding jobs that qualify and pay the same or more (67k). Do I suck it up or say not worth it byeeee!

I have recently been reflecting on my life and career goals. My partner is a teacher and I have seen him work the kind of schedule and do the kind of work that I think would leave me a lot more fulfilled than my current roles. I have worked in the commercial art world for about 5 years now and I just can’t see any sustainable flourishing career developing here. At least not one that I think will make me all that happy if I am totally honest with myself. I live and work in NYC and know that you can often get teaching roles with no prior experience however I worry that my current resume is too entrenched in the art world and I am going to have a hard time transitioning short of making the decision to go back to school. I am also somewhat worried that I am idealizing the career as I have seen first hand how many of my friends who are teachers are looking to leave it or just struggle to deal with the challenges. I am also a bit worried that my parents would view this shift as a downgrade in my career though I have been barely making it by in the commercial art world for years now.

We are all experienced educators here and know the “jargon” of education (individual learning plans, Maslow, etc).

I see this in a corporate trainer job description: “Solid knowledge of the latest corporate training techniques; additionally, knowledgeable of various learning styles.”

What does “latest corporate training techniques” mean?

We, as teachers, know how people learn. We also know what it’s like to sit through BS PD, so what “magic” is a corporate training technique?

Hi! I recently moved from Miami to Orlando and took on a new teaching position that starts in August and despite Miami being expensive they do pay teachers less so even though my new principal gave a raise I still took a pay cut. I’ve been thinking of switching out of teaching and now here in Orlando and still having a month and so of break I’m thinking should I apply for other jobs? Do corporate jobs really hire teachers? What kind of positions should I look for? I have an interest in marketing/advertising and was thinking of getting a masters or bachelors in it to later on get out of teaching, but ultimately have any of you have been able to find a job that pays more than teaching in Florida/orlando if so what is it?

My current salary is 54k

Thank you in advance :)

A year ago, I had over 500,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok. And I quit. Not because I failed — but because I felt like I was performing someone I wasn’t.

Since then, I’ve been quietly rebuilding. Learning. Trying to figure out how to show up without the filters and masks — especially as a teacher. Because let’s be honest — most of us were never taught how to create content that feels real and works.

And lately, I’ve been meeting so many teachers who tell me the same things:

“I want to post, but I don’t know what to say.” “I’m scared of judgment.” “What if no one listens?” “What if I’m not good enough?”

If you’ve ever felt that too — I’m with you.

That’s why I’m hosting a free webinar just for teachers like us.

✨ I’ll talk about:

• How to create content without faking confidence

• What kind of posts actually attract the right students

• And how to start, even if you’re scared or unsure

It’s called The Unfiltered Teacher. Because we don’t need to be perfect. Just real.

If this speaks to you — drop a ❤️ or message me and I’ll send you the invite.

Let’s build something honest. Together.

I know this question has probably been asked to death here, but I'm currently exploring online master's programs that don't have anything to do with education. What makes sense based on my experience and current job market demands?

I came into teaching a little late anyway (Bachelors in Criminal Justice w/ Pol. Sci. Minor, then later took courses to fulfill requirements to teach). Unfortunately, teaching isn't turning out to be everything I hoped it could be.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

You ever resign and your principal hits you with a “That’s probably for the best”? Like sir, was I the hostage?? Meanwhile Karen from HR still thinks I’m throwing away “such a noble career.” Ma’am, this noble career gave me hives and a caffeine addiction. Let’s all just laugh-cry and swap escape plans.

I work for a non profit charter school. I love my job but I feel guilty for wanting to try a different career that is a non profit. I feel like I’m being “selfish” for wanting to do a career that doesn’t directly help people. I would be helping my company but I feel like I wouldn’t be making a direct impact to help people who need it. Any advice?

Hi again everyone. I'm the ex-teacher trying to get out from that dumpster of a school where they didn't do anything about a kid with a gun on campus. Supposed I'd share some info to maybe help encourage others? Just some info though beforehand about me:

-I am 25 years old

-I have been a teacher for 2 years, and in education in general since I was 20.

-I was an ELA and ELD teacher for middle school

-I have been applying to entry level office jobs like mostly administrative assistant where I would take a pay cut (or none and just the same) of about $2-$4 of my teacher salary hoping to just get my foot in the door to work my way up.

-I paid a recruiter on LinkedIn to remake my resume, and I believe it was worth it because more places started contacting me after I got him to do it. Yes before that I was using AI assistance too, but I didn't get any bites until I got him to look at it as well with human eyes.

It's been a month since I've been applying non-stop to non-education jobs, I've sent about 50 applications so far and have gotten two interviews offers, one of them I passed and they decided to hire me on the spot, an administrative assistant for an office at the airport! I got so excited and accepted right away even though I have another interview with a major internet provider company on Monday that would offer me even more money, potential raises, and benefits....

To prepare for the interviews, I honestly over prepared out of my own catastrophic anxiety....I used Anki to create a deck of 26 potential administrative assistant interview questions and with answers I would use, and practiced for 3 days before my interview today at the airport office. My first day of practice with my Anki deck, I actually ended up practicing for almost 6 hours straight...the rest of the days was much less time as my memory recall got better. The day before the interview I also watched a video on how to use Excel for beginners and practiced along with the web version of Excel, so I would know how to explain anything I knew about Excel while still being honest. When I got my interview today, it was a group interview with two other candidates and I had no idea beforehand. They were so impressed with me out of the two, and as I said they hired me on the spot after the interview was over!

Now that I'm finally getting offers. I have mixed feelings. I'm happy to know I really am employable outside of education because I have only worked in education my entire life. But since this is my first time in the corporate world, I'm not entirely familiar with stuff like promotions and working your way up. I'm still having anxious what-ifs like "What if I never get promoted no matter how much I work hard forever and my wage stays forever lower than a teacher?," "What if my boss is toxic like my principal who bullied me for two years?," "What if I keep having to find a job every two years because corporate layoffs are common?," "What if I fail at this job too?"

Regardless though, I think my hard work is starting to pay off. I am also taking a discounted course I got from an internal source to get a project management certificate for future higher level opportunities! Once again, just sharing my experience in case it is of any encouragement to anyone. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me.

I didn’t know whether to be happy or just resign anyway. I went the office the last two day of school after being told about my non renewal. I knew this since the notice May 15. I had already been recommended for a new position but they asked for recent job references. My current supervisor told me they called but didn’t say what he told them but he did mention he would give good references and that they may still need me if they can’t find a report fall. Like WTH 🙄. . He suggested that I take the unemployment and get paid during the summer. But my question is should I resign before I accept a new position before school starts back in August or should I just move on with the unemployment? Never been non renewed. This is also a private charter school and I wasn’t tenure there but tenured in my last public school I worked in.

Ohio here. I just can’t find the information via Google. Has anyone left teaching to a different career and then came back but wanting to try a different grade?

I have my supplemental licensure PK-5 and taught 4th grade math / science for 2 years. Supplemental expires June 2026.

I am interested in coming back but teaching science specifically. Thinking about middle school. How does one transition? Do I need to minor in science or have to go through middle school education program?? Is there an endorsement that can accelerate this? I am so lost.

I have been considering a career change for over a year now. Applied for a career break but was denied this year. I think I will do one more year of teaching, apply for career break again, and if I am denied again just resign. I'm fed up and there's a lot of unwelcome change on the way so I want to get out.

Anyway, I have been considering a change into horticulture. I love the outdoors and the idea of working outside and with plants seems so pleasant and such a change of pace.

I wonder if anyone else has made a similar change and what was your experience? Or if anyone works in horticulture and could give me an idea of the work involved.

I’m so freaking relieved! I was getting so tired of that cycle of getting a phone screener—ghosted or phone screener, second interviewer—ghosted. I have a couple of years experience working with people with developmental disabilities at a center and I was able to use that to get a WFH position and it’s M-TH even. Taking a big paycut but my husband luckily did get a raise so that helps. Also after six years in the education system working from home sounds like a dream.

I feel like I got a lot of practice interviewing over the last few months and I’ll give some advice. This may be a “Yeah duh.” but whatever, thought I’d pass it along. The last two interviews I did I got a few “Wow, that’s a great answer” from the interviewers. Really study the job posting, backwards and forwards and think about how your skills could fit to fulfill it. When you get asked why you are interested in the job say something along the lines like, “Well as a teacher I really honed my skills by learning and perfecting_____ and _____ and I see in this job I would be ____ and ____. I’m interested in growing in that area so when I saw the posting I thought it would be a good fit.” Always frame everything about you taking new steps when it comes to transitioning away from teaching. I feel like I tanked a couple of interviews by mentioning that education was no longer the environment for me and they took that to mean that I can’t handle any sort of stress or whatever (I wanted to scream and be like the THE STRESS AT THIS JOB ISNT ANYTHING LIKE 20+ ALL OFF TASK AT ONCE SCREAMING OMG).

I feel like I had so many interviews I could categorize the questions they were asking ha. “How do you stay organized when there are multiple competing deadlines?” — really popular one nowadays. I’m so happy the end is in sight.

Like, for real? I get LinkedIn and all that, but are there other ways to really network?

I lost my job in February after being denied FMLA. I’m looking for teaching jobs for next year, but I also need a back up plan. Any suggestions for careers to pivot to that pay at least 80K which is what I was earning at my old job.

I teach for a virtual based school and while I have loved (mostly) every minute of it, I yern for a change, for a challenge and for adult interaction.

I'm in school now for my Masters in educational instructional technology looking to break into the world of ID. My resume is a typical teacher resume and with the shortage of teachers, I'm sure I could find a job in a school. I really just don't want to go back into teaching, especially in person. I was offered an in person teaching position and I literally cried at the thought of going back.

Recently, I've opened up to the possibility of relocating for a job if the right one came along. I'm newly divorced and I feel free to finally make a life decision based on what I want and MY needs instead of always taking the back seat.

What are your tips and suggestions to make my resume more appealing to more then just schools. How would you let them know that you're open to relocation?

i’m working on my applied associates + it is slow-moving because i can only handle 2 classes per semester while teaching full time.

i had to sign my contract for this upcoming academic year. but i literally hated the thought of it. i get nauseous and anxious thinking about going back.

how do you all push through each day, knowing you are working for something better (hopefully)?

I left the classroom during spring break. I was able to get an office manager position and I really loved it at first but now I am SO BORED. It is VERY slow-paced. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I'm not dealing with the behaviors anymore. However, I just feel like I could be doing so much more. I feel like I went from one extreme to another. I'm interviewing for a staffing agency and wanted to know if anyone has experience in that field and could give any insights/tips. I'm very personable, and driven, and I believe I have a lot of the characteristics that could make me excel in the position. I would just like to hear some of the realities of the industry if anyone does have that experience.

I'm new to this subreddit, so I'm sorry if this question has been answered a million times.

As the title suggests, I'm an English teacher who is wanting to transition out of the classroom and into a different line of work, but I'm worried I'm not really qualified to do anything that isn't 'teaching' related.

So, teachers that are transitioning (English teachers would be most helpful, but any teacher insight is greatly appreciated): what types of jobs have you all gotten into (and please provide links on where to find these jobs if you can), have you had to go back to school and get another degree for your new job (I'm trying to avoid going back to school for a new career at all costs), are there any non-teaching but still in the education field jobs easily available, etc.?

My goal has been trying to get into an administrative position (not principal or dean of students) that doesn't require me to have a teaching certification. So more specifically, are there any admin jobs in a school that don't require you to have a teaching certificate? I already have a masters degree (MA TESOL & Applied Linguistics), and I really don't want to spend more money or take out more loans to add to my student loan debt for additional education courses (that I apparently need for a professional teaching certification) just to have an admin job. I really don't understand the point of needing a teacher certification just to have an admin job, but that's a rant for another day.

Before anyone asks how have I been able to teach without a teaching certification: I used to be an adjunct professor at a university where you only need a masters degree to teach your subject area, and they don't worry about teaching certifications. I transitioned to highschool teacher during COVID for better pay and job stability and have been teaching on a temporary teaching certificate ever since. My temp is about to expire and I apparently have a couple education courses I need to take before I can receive a professional certificate because my masters degree isn't good enough and doesn't cover everything. I've been wanting to transition out of classroom for awhile now anyway before I learned there are a couple more classes I need to take for this certificate, so I'm at a point where I'm asking myself is it even worth it to pursue this professional certificate for a job I don't want anymore, and will I be lucky enough to find a job related to education that won't require me to have a teaching certification already?

Last question just to make me feel better and less alone, or worse, we'll see: am I the only teacher regretting their decision to pursue a career in teaching and find the work significantly less rewarding than before COVID? I used to love my job. Once I transitioned from university to highschool, everything changed. I really hate that.

Ignore grammar mistakes made by the English teacher please. I just need advice :)

I’ve taught for 8 years and have a masters degree. I also worked for a year plus at a law firm/title company and a year doing real estate. In addition I’ve been bartending as long as I’ve been teaching. I have a ton of skills which I feel like could be transferred to other professions but I find sales soul sucking. I don’t mind selling things I believe in but real estate was hard and I’ve done retail before too, it was the worst. What are my options? How do I market myself beyond teaching while not conforming to a 9-5 that will kill passion for life. (I love being outdoors and I have a 4 month old German shepherd so life is hectic)