27 Alternative Careers for Teachers
Teaching is a demanding job. If you’re looking for a change, we’ve got you covered with these 27 alternative careers for teachers that leverage your current skills.
Why Teachers Seek Alternative Careers
First, it’s not wrong to want a career change from teaching. Many people feel tired with their current job and want to switch. It’s important to keep an eye out for the signs it may be time for a career change.
Signs It’s Time for a Career Change from Teaching
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, think about changing jobs:
Consistent Burnout - Lots of workers feel burnout, which can cause stress. If it happens a lot, the job may do more harm than good.
Lack of Growth - If you feel stuck teaching, you may want to switch to a job with more growth options.
Misaligned Values - Your school may have different values than yours, which can make it hard to find purpose in your day-to-day work.
Common Reasons Teachers Transition to New Careers
Teachers change jobs for lots of reasons. You’re not alone in wanting a change; there is nothing wrong with you. It’s important to understand that there is no bad reason to want a new job. Here are some reasons teachers have swapped jobs.
Teacher Burnout and Emotional Exhaustion
Teaching is stressful. The American Education Resource Center says, “teachers in the U.S. are 40% more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety in comparison with healthcare workers and 20% more likely than office workers.”
Desire for Work-Life Balance
Teachers may struggle with work-life balance. They may spend a lot of time after hours helping students or dealing with paperwork. It’s a very emotionally demanding job. As such, some teachers may not feel like they have time for themselves, especially if you also have a long commute.
Limited Growth Opportunities in Teaching
Teachers usually aren’t paid well, and that salary generally doesn’t increase much per year. The National Education Association says, “Adjusted for inflation… teachers are making 5.3 percent less than they did 10 years ago.” As such, for some teachers, there’s not a straightforward progression to a higher-paying position.
Pursuing a More Fulfilling Path
Many teachers want to act as mentors, but they may find there’s a lot of administrative work and red tape that interferes with that goal. If that’s the case, it’s possible you may consider a career change from teaching.
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Schedule Your Free ConsultationIdentifying Transferable Skills for a Teacher Career Change
Core Skills Teachers Bring to New Careers
Teachers bring key skills to the classroom that make them effective communicators. Many of these skills can transition into different careers as well.
Communication and Public Speaking
You’re good at speaking in front of people. If you know how to talk to a room of students, odds are nothing scares you. Those communication skills are vital to organizations that need strong communicators.
Classroom Management and Organization
You know how to run a classroom. If you don’t stay organized, everything falls into chaos. That skill is also highly valued in most jobs.
Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution
You know how to be fair and solve problems. Whether it’s a student who has an issue with you or a conflict between students, you’re good at finding compromise. It’s a big plus to have strong soft skills.
Leadership and Team Coordination
You know how to prepare students to work as a team and how to lead a class toward academic achievement. Those skills are useful in many different jobs.
How to Highlight Teacher Transferable Skills on Resumes and in Interviews
To find highlights to put on your resume, think of moments where you achieved. What conflicts have you handled in class, in the break room, or with the higher-ups? How do you organize coursework? How do you structure your lectures? What about times you dealth with difficult parents?
Answering these questions helps you pin down moments where you used those high-value skills. If appropriate, ask your coworkers for times when you showed leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. This can help you during your teacher career change.
During interviews, aim to cite 2-3 times when you were the reason a problem got fixed. Use direct language and take ownership—without taking credit for others’ work, of course. You might format it like this: “I used [soft skill] to resolve [conflict], resulting in [positive outcome].” You only have a few minutes to make an impression on a hiring manager. Make them count!
Best Alternative Careers for Teachers
At Hidden Gem, we know how to bring out the best in people. Here are some of the best career changes for teachers that might interest you.
Careers in Education and Training
1. Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates courses and training materials. They curate accurate content, build learning modules, and analyze feedback to make courses better.
2. Corporate Trainer
A corporate trainer teaches employees. They may set up training programs, orient employees, and provide in-person guidance.
3. Educational Consultant
An educational consultant gives guidance on education. They work with students to prepare them for college. They also work with parents and schools to develop new educational strategies.
4. Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer implements educational programs. They try to make course materials effective. They set up lessons with the goal of meeting educational standards for the school or district.
Careers in Business and Corporate Roles
5. Human Resources Specialist
An HR specialist helps companies and organizations with HR functions. These may include
Recruitment
Training
Development
Compensation
Benefits
Rewards
Employee Relations
In the day-to-day, they act as an employee contact for HR.
6. Project Manager
A project manager oversees projects in a company. They make sure the projects are set up for success. That includes ensuring they are on time, on budget, and accomplish what’s intended.
7. Learning and Development Coordinator
A Learning and Development (L&D) Coordinator helps employees succeed at work. They make sure they have what they need. They also identify weak points in training programs. This is with the goal of developing employees in a company.
8. Corporate Communications Specialist
A corporate communications specialist creates internal and external communication for companies. They may manage content, media, and newsletters. This standardizes employee communications and keeps the company image polished.
Careers in Writing and Content Creation
9. Technical Writer
A technical writer translates jargon into everyday language. They make instruction manuals, guides, and training materials. This helps staff and customers when they have issues.
10. Content Strategist
A content strategist plans a company’s social media programs. They may put together campaigns to build brand image, launch new products, or create interest in the company.
11. Freelance Writer or Blogger
A freelance writer or blogger writes to inform readers on a range of subjects. They may have clients and write articles, posts, or copy for them. Many companies also hire writers in house, even in the era of generative AI.
12. Educational Content Creator
An educational content creator creates learning materials for different mediums. They may use technology in various formats to share knowledge to an audience.
Careers in Counseling and Coaching
13. Career Transition Coach
A career transition coach helps people seeking job change find their strengths. They provide support and resources to make the swap. Thats what I do and I love it!
14. Academic Advisor
An academic advisor helps students achieve standards and personal goals. They provide resources for struggling students and guidance for future life plans.
15. Life Coach
A life coach helps clients achieve their personal goals. This applies to their personal and professional life. A coach may help with relationships, work goals, or mindset toward life.
16. Mental Health Counselor
A mental health counselor provides support to individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges. They use active listening and evidence-based techniques to help clients navigate life’s difficulties. Teachers’ empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills translate well into this role. Certification or additional education may be required, but the opportunity to make a direct impact on people’s lives can be incredibly rewarding.
Careers in Technology and STEM
17. Instructional Technologist
An instructional technologist helps teachers and trainers use technology in the classroom. This is with the goal of improving instruction. They may offer tech support or give advice on incorporating technology elements into learning material.
18. Data Analyst
A data analyst finds patterns in data. Usually, this role aims to communicate data to stakeholders to inform business decisions. This is an in demand role with lots of training resources available.
19. UX/UI Designer
A UX/UI designer puts together websites, apps, and interfaces for users. This aims to make the product intuitive, accessible, and appealing.
20. Software Trainer
A software trainer helps people use a specific software tool. This can apply to a business setting or a personal setting. The tool is usually designed by a company for use by employees. In short, they help people use the tool properly.
Careers in Nonprofit and Community Work
21. Nonprofit Program Manager
A nonprofit program manager sets up programs and projects so that they meet the organization’s goals.
Program managers may work with supporters and stakeholders to put together the best programs that align with the nonprofit’s goals. They handle outreach, fundraising, and budgeting. They may also manage volunteers.
22. Community Outreach Coordinator
A community outreach coordinator finds a need in the community and sets goals to meet that need. This is in light of the organization’s mission and connecting with the community. They may find volunteers, set goals, and organize events.
23. Volunteer Coordinator
A volunteer coordinator primes volunteers to work for an organization. This includes screening, recruitment, and training. They match volunteers with jobs that best fit them and act as first contact for any needs they may have.
24. Development Specialist
A development specialist works to develop the organization and its employees. The role can vary, but they may ensure that training material for employees is effective. They may also help the company develop by planning ways to increase brand awareness and funding.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Teachers
25. Private Tutor or Online Educator
Private tutors take on clients based on their own discretion. They set their own rates, subjects, and goals. Online educators are similar to teachers, but they may have more flexibility managing an online or blended classroom. There are tons of platforms to sell courses on too!
26. Educational Consultant Business
An educational consultant helps improve the educational system. They help students and parents with academic plans and school systems with curriculums or programs. This is via highly informed, professional advice.
Independent Educational Consultants (IECs) or consultant businesses usually charge per hour for their guidance.
27. Coaching or Mentorship Programs
Coaching and mentorship programs can take different forms, but they can be tailored to any subject and any audience. Coaches help people learn how to achieve in an area, while mentorship programs offer direct guidance and support. As an entrepreneur, you can set up programs to fill needs in your community or that you see in the market.
Free Career Consultation
Feeling stuck in your career? Let our transition experts help you take the next step with a personalized strategy session.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationExploring Second Careers for Teachers
Finding a second career can be like a second wind, it can give you a whole new lease on life. You don’t need to keep feeling trapped. Career change for teachers is possible if you want it.
Leveraging Past Experience for New Careers
Your past experience is helpful in any teacher career change. As a teacher, you know how to work with students, parents, teachers, and administrators. You can quickly adapt to changes and handle a room full of rowdy students. To put it simply, you’ve got this. Your past experiences will help you more than you realize.
Examples of Teachers Who Successfully Changed Careers
Many well-known professionals had their start transitioning from teaching to another career. They swapped careers and found their true calling:
Hugh Jackman - This popular actor taught at Uppingham School in Rutland, England before changing to an acting career.
J.K. Rowling - J.K. Rowling taught English as a Second Language before writing the Harry Potter series.
Lin-Manuel Miranda - This Broadway legend taught seventh-grade English at Hunter College High School.
Barack Obama - The former president taught from 1992 to 2004 at the University of Chicago’s Law School.
How to Transition Smoothly from Teaching to Another Career
Changing careers from teaching isn’t always easy. You’ll need to commit to some research, networking, and financial planning. Here’s how to get started.
Assessing Your Interests, Values, and Passions
First, what drives you? Think about what parts of your job you do enjoy. Write a list of your values, strengths, and personality traits. You can try a few career tests, but ultimately, you decide what job best fits you.
Researching Potential Careers for Teachers
Next, do some legwork to find ideal second careers for teachers. Check out some of the careers above, as well as researching some others you find for yourself. That way, you know your options and can evaluate if your skills will transition easily to a new career.
Networking and Building Connections in Your New Industry
To build connections as you look for new careers for teachers, start by finding common ground. If your teaching circles have any overlap with people in your new target field, leverage those to start getting in touch with people in your new industry.
You may also want to follow industry news and publications to stay up to date and demonstrate to hiring managers that you know about your new target industry.
Updating Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile for a Career Change
It’s also important to update your resume with your teaching career achievements. Update your LinkedIn profile, too. That way, you have an up-to-date snapshot of your achievements that can help you land a job when opportunities arise.
Challenges Teachers Face When Changing Careers
It’s not all smooth sailing. Changing careers takes time, so you should prepare for the long haul. Here are some challenges you can expect along the way.
Overcoming Fear and Uncertainty During a Career Change
Changing jobs is stressful. You may wonder if you made the right call. You may stress about giving up a secure job for a new one. To tackle this fear, make sure you have your reasoning figured out. You should understand why you want to change careers and have good reasons to do so.
Write it down and make sure you have some potential jobs in mind. That way, you have a concrete reason and a tie to your new career that you can hold on to.
Managing Financial Impacts of a Career Switch
A career switch for teachers can have financial impact. You should aim to have at least 3-6 months’ income for the in-between time. To start saving, track your spending and put together a budget. Cut out what you don’t need to put away extra money for the transition.
Staying Motivated Throughout the Transition
To motivate yourself while you find alternative jobs for teachers, do a mix of practical and fun stuff. For example, you could do some work finding industry connections, then treat yourself to something you enjoy once thats finished successfully. If you can, have someone hold you accountable to complete that preliminary work.
Spend quality time doing what you love to keep you energetic and enthusiastic about the change, even during the uncertainty.
Tips for a Successful Teacher Career Change
The perfect career change isn’t guaranteed, but you can make it easier with these tips.
Setting Clear Goals and Expectations
First, be realistic. Set clear goals and expectations. For example, step one may start by setting up a LinkedIn profile or updating your resume. Next, maybe you take an online class about your target industry, then you may challenge yourself to find one new industry connection per week. Setting realistic goals gives you a sense of accomplishment when you succeed.
Gaining New Qualifications or Certifications
You may need new qualifications or certifications for your new career (this could be one of your goals!) Do some research in your new industry or chat with a career coach to get guidance on what you might need. Contact us for career guidance today!
Utilizing Career Coaching and Mentorship
A career coach can make everything easier. They can help you sell yourself in your resume and interviews. They can get you industry connections, and they can help you find careers that fit your skills and interests.
Ready to Make a Change? Hidden Gem Career Coaching Can Help
If you’re ready to make a change, Hidden Gem Career Coaching is here for you. Here’s how we can help.
Tailored Career Coaching for Teachers
We offer tailored career coaching to help you find alternative careers for teachers you like. That means you get personalized advice for your situation, not some generic platitudes that do you no good. Our advice meets you where you’re at so that you can feel certain about those teacher-transferable skills, make new connections, and land that dream job.
Free Career Transition Consultation
To make sure we’re a match, we offer a free career transition consultation. You can get some quick-start information to point you down the right path. If you need it, we’re here to support you the rest of the way as well.
Success Stories from Teachers Who Found New Careers
Hidden Gem has partnered with professionals from many industries, including employees who went onto Google, Amazon, HubSpot, and Verizon. One client, a high school teacher named Sheron, needed help getting up to speed for a field she hadn’t worked in for almost five years. Hidden Gem helped her prepare to put her best self forward, and she was offered the job.
Additional Resources for Teachers Transitioning to New Careers
It’s always good to have help when looking for alternative careers for teachers. Here are some additional resources for teachers who are changing careers.
Recommended Books, Websites, and Tools
One book you can consider reading is What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles and Katharine Brooks. This book addresses the job market after the pandemic and helps you identify your skills, interests, and preferences. You can also check out my book, The Hidden Gem Within!
LinkedIn is a great site for teachers looking to change careers since it gives you an easy access point to connect with new industries and industry news. You might also consider Coursera, which can help you get up to speed with certifications and qualifications you may need.
One useful tool is the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). It provides information about different careers. That includes pay, education, growth rate, and more.
Professional Networks and Organizations for Career Switchers
Finding networks and organizations can help if you’re switching careers. That’s true especially if your career change is in a similar field. To get started, consider the following:
Join online communities or Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Attend events or conferences
Showcase your work online
Seek mentorship
A great site to get started with networking is Meetup
Staying Updated with Trends in Your New Field
Stay up to date with changes in your industry. It’s helpful to have at least 1-2 of these on hand to mention during interviews. This shows you know your stuff in the industry and are committed to growing.
Ready to Start a New Chapter?
Changing careers can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to reinvent yourself. Take small, confident steps toward your future. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with Hidden Gem Career Coaching, you’ll always have a guide by your side. Contact us today for your free career strategy session!
