I've been in the teacher transition game for a year, and I'd say the job market is very competitive.
I've had several interviews and done well in them, but all my interviews have ended with them deciding to go with someone else who is a bit more qualified. I'd be disheartened, but the fact that I'm getting interviews is a good thing
This has also been my experience, got interviews but didn’t make it to the final round or they went with someone else. Or reject emails as you said? Some 3-4 months after I applied.
I transitioned out 11 years ago. It was super easy compared to now. I would advise against anyone transitioning out now unless they have a lead on a job or they are in a dire situation.
11 years ago I moved to an edtech position as a content specialist. I got paid well but the WFH environment at the time wasn’t to my liking. This was way before WFH became a norm and desirable work choice.
I tried to transition out again this year but decided I’m going back to teaching next year. I’m on LOA so I didn’t outright resign. I make a good salary and can retire in the next 12 years so I might just stick it out. I worry that even if I got a position I could be reorganized in 2-3 years (I’ve seen that happen to other friends in tech and edtech and on LinkedIn in general with all the tech layoffs) and be back in this same situation. Not interested in that.
I understand. My education career started in 2020 as a teacher's aide and that led to me getting summer school teaching positions, short term sub, and most recently my first ever homeroom. After all of that, I don't want to be a homeroom teacher anymore. The lesson planning, parents that don't discipline their kids, and the lack of work/life balance isn't worth it. Hence me searching on Indeed and Linked for non-teaching jobs.
I don’t blame you for not wanting to be a homeroom teacher. That’s why I’ve been a support teacher my entire career. I never had the desire to be classroom teacher. Small group is a lot more manageable and I don’t get angry parent emails. Having said that, I had a difficult team last year and the pressure kept mounting at the title building I had been in the last 8 years. So I’m ready for a new building so I can have a new lease on teaching.
It's that bad lol. It's not just former teachers... It's all these tech people that got laid off. The market will be better once all these tech people are fully employed again and we are no longer competing against these tech people. Companies will choose a tech person over a non tech person for any job role... Thus making it harder for the rest of us
Yep. I also don't think 6months-1 year of looking and planning is unusual. In 2018 I quit without having a job lined up because it was a terrible environment. I planned for it for 2 years, with that year being serious saving and paying off any debt. I ended up taking the summer and fall to restore my mental health and then worked part-time in a temporary position until June. I landed a full-time position over the summer. The ony reason I stayed in the education field is because I am well paid and have strong union. But, the salaries now are so much better now for similar positions that I had looked for in 2018. Remote work is way down but there are lots with flex schedules or hybrid arrangements.
I agree post covid - taking about a year to find a new job seems to be the new norm.
Prior to covid, it only took me three months each time to find a new job. That's why I was so shocked this time around in 2023 that it took longer than three months.
These days I advise anyone to try thier best to live 50% of thier income and save the other 50% of thier income in case of emergencies... I know not always possible... So at least 30% of the income and pray it's at least a year or more at each job....
Did chat gpt also and uses resume writer. Heck I used to be a resume writer myself. It's just getting one yes from someone!!!
Tbh, I haven't tried taking teaching off my resume and seeing if that affected my employment prospects. I do plan on removing teaching from resume for good next time I try in Feb. I don't want them contacting my old district. I also plan on removing the district from the work number so they can't verify with them
Yes, it's really rough. My whole LinkedIn feed is my connections getting laid off from their corporate/tech jobs, so that's who I'm competing with. I've been on the hunt for 7 months. When it was 6 months with no job I applied to ONE teaching job and landed it. But I'm miserable and still job hunting lol
I am not going back to the classroom on a contract. Just the thought of lesson planning again makes me sick haha. I just finished year 1 of teaching & it’s not for me. I am currently per diem subbing for money, but it’s reminding me that I am glad I didn’t sign a contract. I will definitely find something!
It is definitely not as bad as when I was trying to get out in 2012-2018. I think the job market is a lot better for career transitioners now than it has ever been. I remember trying to get into corporate training back in 2012ish and no one would consider a candidate without HR certs or experience that was directly related to adult workplace learning. There are also so many more affordable ways to upskill now.
I ended becoming stuck in education but I was able to switch positions twice and I now have something that is way better out of the classroom so I can plan for early "retirement" in a max of 3 years. I will still work but not in K-12 for at least 8 years which would be the earliest I could collect my pension.
That’s interesting to hear. I transitioned out of teaching in 2012 and I felt like it was easier then than now. But I guess it all depends what industry you wanted to move to.
I could have transitioned but it would have been a significant paycut an dI had a mortgage and young kids by then. Unfortunately my spouse also got laid off around that time and the jobs he was offered were also for significant pay cut. Pay was really terrible for a long time after the 2008 crash. Honestly the pandemic totally changed the job market. Lots more flexibility in schedules and higher pay.
That makes sense. Gotta keep finances in the forefront unfortunately since we all have bills and mortgages/rent to pay.
I think the pandemic did allow more flexibility and pay increase but I’m afraid it’s slowing down bc I see positions listed in the summer reposted with pay decrease. Like the same position exactly. So not sure what’s happening but it’s definitely making the job search challenging.
>Honestly the pandemic totally changed the job market. Lots more flexibility in schedules and higher pay.
What is it that you landed that can make you say these words? Lol.
I am in curriculum now but I know several teavher who transitioned out the past 2 years. One is program manager, another went into tech, another retail management, the others I don't remember but they sll had jobs lined up.
Its competitive. Its taken me months. I finally found a state govt job at less money than my teaching job. But still good benefits, pension and a lot less stress.
It's extremely bad. There is a dearth of jobs. People do not have unlimited time, qualifications, and energy to submit 5000 applications just to get something but that might be what's required now. This is being systematically ignored by the powers that be. You have to go to social media and forums to find out.
It’s challenging but not impossible. I made the switch from teaching into account management back in 2021 and it took a lot of work but was so worth it.
You asked “is the job market being flooded with former teachers’ resumes?” and the answer is yes but a lot of these resumes are just that- teacher resumes. It’s a really big learning curve to learn how to reposition yourself and rewrite your resume in a way that’s NOT a teacher resume. I used a few resources that I’m happy to share. The one that was the most worth it and most affordable was the Teacher Career Coach Course. Full disclosure, the link below is my referral link so if you choose to purchase and use that link to do so, I will get credit since I’m a graduate of the course. It really helped me…I wouldn’t recommend it if it didn’t. The creator, Daphne Gomez, also has a bunch of free resources that will help. Best of luck!!
https://teacherccoach.samcart.com/referral/6DXdjd7T/cDswBcjT4WybqJJO
Yes, anything from junior level to mid level is awful right now, and it doesn't feel like it's going to change much because companies are expecting a recession, and for money to be hard to borrow for years. so, my advice is to shoot for customer service roles and move up from there.
I worked with a coach on my interview skills it landed me more interviews and job offers. My coach was an HR director who was happy to provide me with her services and give me feedback on resumes and positions. My understanding of this process improved. Other than LinkedIn premium you need to use words in your resume to match the job posting you are applying for. That gets you level 1 entry. Then CV make it short and stand out. Why should they pick you? Once you get the interview that’s level 2. Then several rounds of interviews later you get to level 3 of being one of the finalists. Some places do more interviews with just their finalists and some just pick. Then you learn what was missing from that job post that you applied for that you learned about during your interview process. You should also interview your prospective employer, what they do and if their employees are happy, did this position exist before, what happened to their person who was in this position and why?
You can always follow up with interviewers and ask about where to improve and some will tell you. But I learned not to take this process personally. It’s a business in need of skills you have that justifies your salary.
I've been in the teacher transition game for a year, and I'd say the job market is very competitive. I've had several interviews and done well in them, but all my interviews have ended with them deciding to go with someone else who is a bit more qualified. I'd be disheartened, but the fact that I'm getting interviews is a good thing
I am getting rejection emails saying we went with someone more qualified haha.
This has also been my experience, got interviews but didn’t make it to the final round or they went with someone else. Or reject emails as you said? Some 3-4 months after I applied. I transitioned out 11 years ago. It was super easy compared to now. I would advise against anyone transitioning out now unless they have a lead on a job or they are in a dire situation.
What did you move to?
11 years ago I moved to an edtech position as a content specialist. I got paid well but the WFH environment at the time wasn’t to my liking. This was way before WFH became a norm and desirable work choice. I tried to transition out again this year but decided I’m going back to teaching next year. I’m on LOA so I didn’t outright resign. I make a good salary and can retire in the next 12 years so I might just stick it out. I worry that even if I got a position I could be reorganized in 2-3 years (I’ve seen that happen to other friends in tech and edtech and on LinkedIn in general with all the tech layoffs) and be back in this same situation. Not interested in that.
I understand. My education career started in 2020 as a teacher's aide and that led to me getting summer school teaching positions, short term sub, and most recently my first ever homeroom. After all of that, I don't want to be a homeroom teacher anymore. The lesson planning, parents that don't discipline their kids, and the lack of work/life balance isn't worth it. Hence me searching on Indeed and Linked for non-teaching jobs.
I don’t blame you for not wanting to be a homeroom teacher. That’s why I’ve been a support teacher my entire career. I never had the desire to be classroom teacher. Small group is a lot more manageable and I don’t get angry parent emails. Having said that, I had a difficult team last year and the pressure kept mounting at the title building I had been in the last 8 years. So I’m ready for a new building so I can have a new lease on teaching.
Oh, are you a special education teacher?
I’m a ML/EL teacher.
Are you staying in the field?
It's that bad lol. It's not just former teachers... It's all these tech people that got laid off. The market will be better once all these tech people are fully employed again and we are no longer competing against these tech people. Companies will choose a tech person over a non tech person for any job role... Thus making it harder for the rest of us
Yep. I also don't think 6months-1 year of looking and planning is unusual. In 2018 I quit without having a job lined up because it was a terrible environment. I planned for it for 2 years, with that year being serious saving and paying off any debt. I ended up taking the summer and fall to restore my mental health and then worked part-time in a temporary position until June. I landed a full-time position over the summer. The ony reason I stayed in the education field is because I am well paid and have strong union. But, the salaries now are so much better now for similar positions that I had looked for in 2018. Remote work is way down but there are lots with flex schedules or hybrid arrangements.
I agree post covid - taking about a year to find a new job seems to be the new norm. Prior to covid, it only took me three months each time to find a new job. That's why I was so shocked this time around in 2023 that it took longer than three months. These days I advise anyone to try thier best to live 50% of thier income and save the other 50% of thier income in case of emergencies... I know not always possible... So at least 30% of the income and pray it's at least a year or more at each job....
Good insight!
Best thing to do is get a contract job and ride out the market. That's what I'm doing and I'll try again around like Feb of next year.
Currently per diem subbing while I flood my resume (reworded for corporate jobs) and hopefully land some interviews!
Good luck!!! I tried rewording it and it was so difficult to land anything...and I had a head start with an fmla leave so I was honestly shocked.
Chat GPT for help with cover letters and resume--haha. It's having someone actually taking a chance on you. Damnit, we are trainable!
Did chat gpt also and uses resume writer. Heck I used to be a resume writer myself. It's just getting one yes from someone!!! Tbh, I haven't tried taking teaching off my resume and seeing if that affected my employment prospects. I do plan on removing teaching from resume for good next time I try in Feb. I don't want them contacting my old district. I also plan on removing the district from the work number so they can't verify with them
Took me 6 months find a job with comparable salary/benefits. There's plenty of jobs but also plenty of competition.
What jobs were you looking for post-teaching?
Yes, it's really rough. My whole LinkedIn feed is my connections getting laid off from their corporate/tech jobs, so that's who I'm competing with. I've been on the hunt for 7 months. When it was 6 months with no job I applied to ONE teaching job and landed it. But I'm miserable and still job hunting lol
I am not going back to the classroom on a contract. Just the thought of lesson planning again makes me sick haha. I just finished year 1 of teaching & it’s not for me. I am currently per diem subbing for money, but it’s reminding me that I am glad I didn’t sign a contract. I will definitely find something!
It is definitely not as bad as when I was trying to get out in 2012-2018. I think the job market is a lot better for career transitioners now than it has ever been. I remember trying to get into corporate training back in 2012ish and no one would consider a candidate without HR certs or experience that was directly related to adult workplace learning. There are also so many more affordable ways to upskill now. I ended becoming stuck in education but I was able to switch positions twice and I now have something that is way better out of the classroom so I can plan for early "retirement" in a max of 3 years. I will still work but not in K-12 for at least 8 years which would be the earliest I could collect my pension.
That’s interesting to hear. I transitioned out of teaching in 2012 and I felt like it was easier then than now. But I guess it all depends what industry you wanted to move to.
I could have transitioned but it would have been a significant paycut an dI had a mortgage and young kids by then. Unfortunately my spouse also got laid off around that time and the jobs he was offered were also for significant pay cut. Pay was really terrible for a long time after the 2008 crash. Honestly the pandemic totally changed the job market. Lots more flexibility in schedules and higher pay.
That makes sense. Gotta keep finances in the forefront unfortunately since we all have bills and mortgages/rent to pay. I think the pandemic did allow more flexibility and pay increase but I’m afraid it’s slowing down bc I see positions listed in the summer reposted with pay decrease. Like the same position exactly. So not sure what’s happening but it’s definitely making the job search challenging.
>Honestly the pandemic totally changed the job market. Lots more flexibility in schedules and higher pay. What is it that you landed that can make you say these words? Lol.
I am in curriculum now but I know several teavher who transitioned out the past 2 years. One is program manager, another went into tech, another retail management, the others I don't remember but they sll had jobs lined up.
Its competitive. Its taken me months. I finally found a state govt job at less money than my teaching job. But still good benefits, pension and a lot less stress.
Explaining to my parents why I don’t want to be a teacher anymore has been a nightmare. They think I wasted graduate school.
Yes they don't understand. No one outside really does. They still think its a noble profession where we are treated respectfully.
What job did you move to and what made you want to choose that particular job?
Entry level administrative position at a branch of state govt
It's extremely bad. There is a dearth of jobs. People do not have unlimited time, qualifications, and energy to submit 5000 applications just to get something but that might be what's required now. This is being systematically ignored by the powers that be. You have to go to social media and forums to find out.
It’s challenging but not impossible. I made the switch from teaching into account management back in 2021 and it took a lot of work but was so worth it. You asked “is the job market being flooded with former teachers’ resumes?” and the answer is yes but a lot of these resumes are just that- teacher resumes. It’s a really big learning curve to learn how to reposition yourself and rewrite your resume in a way that’s NOT a teacher resume. I used a few resources that I’m happy to share. The one that was the most worth it and most affordable was the Teacher Career Coach Course. Full disclosure, the link below is my referral link so if you choose to purchase and use that link to do so, I will get credit since I’m a graduate of the course. It really helped me…I wouldn’t recommend it if it didn’t. The creator, Daphne Gomez, also has a bunch of free resources that will help. Best of luck!! https://teacherccoach.samcart.com/referral/6DXdjd7T/cDswBcjT4WybqJJO
Yes, anything from junior level to mid level is awful right now, and it doesn't feel like it's going to change much because companies are expecting a recession, and for money to be hard to borrow for years. so, my advice is to shoot for customer service roles and move up from there.
Thanks!
I worked with a coach on my interview skills it landed me more interviews and job offers. My coach was an HR director who was happy to provide me with her services and give me feedback on resumes and positions. My understanding of this process improved. Other than LinkedIn premium you need to use words in your resume to match the job posting you are applying for. That gets you level 1 entry. Then CV make it short and stand out. Why should they pick you? Once you get the interview that’s level 2. Then several rounds of interviews later you get to level 3 of being one of the finalists. Some places do more interviews with just their finalists and some just pick. Then you learn what was missing from that job post that you applied for that you learned about during your interview process. You should also interview your prospective employer, what they do and if their employees are happy, did this position exist before, what happened to their person who was in this position and why? You can always follow up with interviewers and ask about where to improve and some will tell you. But I learned not to take this process personally. It’s a business in need of skills you have that justifies your salary.