At 55, I've been teaching young children for most of my adult working life. Now I'm finding it physically demanding and less stimulating. I need to continue working for a decent salary as I'm recently divorced but staying in the classroom is unappealing. How can I get into administration or another field entirely? What type of companies might find my experience of interest? The other skill which I could emphasize would be my writing ability--used in the past to publish school newsletters and entertain people informally with my creative style. Thanks for any direction you can give me.

— teacheratheart

Dear TeacheratHeart,

 

I certainly understand your desire to transfer your skills and interests from the classroom into another career direction.  Fortunately, you seem to have some clear ideas of what you would like to do next. 

 

Have you considered having a heart to heart conversation with your principal to discuss the possibilities of staying in the school system but in another capacity?  Perhaps the school district has a need for a creative writer or a communications specialist or an administrator in their Administration building.  In that way, you'll still receive the same benefits --- and continue at the same salary level.   

 

Also, I strongly recommend you sit down with a financial planner or a trusted accountant who can review your current financial needs in relationship to your future financial and life goals.  Can you afford to make less  money?  If so, what is the lowest figure you can go to?   Since you've gone through a divorce recently, is this the right time for you to make a career change?  I'm stressing the need to think this through carefully and develop a plan before you leave teaching.  If teaching is proving so physically demanding,  are there ways to ease this problem so your role is less exhausting?

 

Once you've done your due diligence and determine to leave teaching completely, I'd start by building a strong functional resume (different from a chronological resume) that speaks more of your competencies and achievements and focuses less  on your years of teaching.  You might also want to consider hiring a career coach who will guide you through this process.   And, networking with your friends, colleagues, professionals, etc. to let them know of your career plans will help them to help you with referrals and job openings.  They may know of companies that are looking for someone just like you to fill existing as well as non-published job openings.  Your creative writing will serve you well, too. 

 

Begin to check out jobs posted on the internet or newspapers.  Read job descriptions and highlight the requirements that relate to your strengths and skills.  Are there any courses that you need to take that will equip you better for these positions?  Conduct information or networking meetings with people in positions that seem of interest to you.  This is a wonderful way for you to really understand the pluses and minuses of your target companies as well as specific careers. 

 

I also suggest you check out all the books on career transition --- you'll find some of the exercises and assessments very useful   These are just a few ideas on how to move forward in a career transition.  Hope they prove helpful.  The very best to you!