Alternative Career Breaks for Teachers

Teaching is a rewarding profession, yet many teachers find that the constant challenges and the repetition of their daily routine can sometimes lead to burn out. When this happens, taking a break from teaching can lead to a new career path that offers the opportunity for personal and professional fulfillment. The skills that a teacher uses both in and out of the classroom are applicable to many different types of careers. Yet, knowing which career is best for them and how to get started is the first hurdle that teachers pursuing a break from teaching must overcome.

Consider Staying in the Field 

For some teachers, finding a different type of position within the education system can offer the break from teaching that they need. Teachers with years of experience might find that mentoring a new teacher can renew their love for teaching. Other teachers might find work in the administration department of their school district. Teachers who dream of starting their own business might find that offering a tutoring service or opening a learning center will be the right choice for a new career.

Careers Using Transferrable Skills 

Teachers use many skills everyday that can easily transfer to a different career. Many companies find that the leadership and management skills that teachers have honed over the years make them capable of taking on challenges in their new positions. Secondary teachers usually have completed an undergraduate degree within the subject that they teach. A new career can often be found within this field. For example, a mathematics teacher might decide that accounting is a great alternative career path. Some other careers that use transferrable skills include librarians, research assistants and sales consultants.

Resources to Help 

When considering a career change, teachers can rely on friends and associates for help. Networking with other teachers who have changed careers can provide teachers with insight as to the types of positions that are available for someone with an education background. Online resources can also be a source of valuable advice. Personality inventories, career assessments and job descriptions can all be found online. For teachers who would like the advice of a professional, a directory of career coaches can also be found online. Here, they can connect with people who can guide them through the process of choosing an alternative career.

For teachers wishing to take a break from working with students in the classroom, there are many different career paths that are available. They may choose to stay in the education field, or they may wish to find a completely different type of career. Whichever direction they choose, it is important for them to utilize the resources that are available to them in order to find the career path that will offer the most opportunities for success.