After years of lesson planning, grading papers, and shaping young minds, you may be contemplating a new chapter in your career. Or maybe you’re just a few semesters into teaching and have realized it’s not quite what you expected. Whatever the reason, many educators reach a point where they feel the pull toward a career change out of teaching—and into a different field.
Whether you’ve been considering this for years or it’s a more recent realization, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions—overwhelmed, uncertain, or even stuck. This article will answer your questions and help you explore new career opportunities beyond teaching.
What factors drive teachers to leave the classroom?
Leaving teaching is never an easy decision; it’s a role that many dedicate themselves to with passion and purpose. But the reality of the profession can be tough, leading some to choose a different path.
“Teachers often leave the profession due to burnout from high workloads and limited resources, which can make sustaining a long-term career challenging,” says Dennis Shirshikov, head of education at iTutor.com and a professor at the City University of New York.
Additionally, finances and growth potential play a big role. “The desire for higher earning potential and greater career advancement opportunities can be strong motivators,” Shirshikov says. Teachers frequently face stagnant salaries, with little chance to significantly increase their income. For some, this pushes them toward careers with fewer limitations on pay and clear growth paths.
What to consider before making a career change from teaching
Switching careers is a significant decision, especially when leaving the structured world of teaching. Here’s a look at what you should consider.
Possible upsides
- Potential for higher salary: Many professions outside of teaching offer better pay and clearer opportunities for financial growth. For example, fields like educational consulting, instructional design, curriculum development, or corporate training often provide higher earning potential for individuals with a teaching degree than a classroom role does.
- Diverse career paths: Changing careers opens doors to industries you may not have considered before, ranging from project management to marketing or creative roles.
- Improved well-being: Leaving the stress of teaching—such as managing classrooms, meeting curriculum demands, and addressing student needs—may help ease emotional burnout. With less stress, your mental health may improve, and you might even save on costs like therapy or medical expenses.
Possible downsides
- Emotional challenges of leaving a meaningful profession: Teaching is often more than just a job—it’s a calling tied to identity and purpose. Leaving the classroom environment can lead to feelings of guilt, loss, or even failure, as it means stepping away from a role that impacts lives and provides personal fulfillment. The deep connection with students and the profession makes this transition particularly emotional.
- Time and effort required to learn new skills: While teaching skills are transferable, transitioning to a new career often requires additional training, certifications, or industry-specific knowledge. This process can be time-consuming and demand significant effort.
Ready to pivot? 15 careers for teachers leaving the classroom
If you're exploring a career change out of teaching, there’s a world of other opportunities for you. Many teachers land in varying roles where their strengths—communication, organization, and problem-solving—are highly sought after. Here’s a list to guide your next step.
1. Curriculum specialist
Average annual salary: $46,540 to $74,620
Curriculum specialists focus on developing effective learning materials and assessment tools for schools or educational organizations. If you love creating lesson plans and fine-tuning classroom practices, this role allows you to amplify your impact beyond individual classrooms. You'll help shape educational programs that cater to diverse student needs and improve system-wide strategies.
2. HR manager
Average annual salary: $67,650 to $136,350
Human Resources managers oversee hiring, employee development, and workplace support. Teachers’ talents for fostering relationships, managing people, and navigating challenging situations translate naturally here. As an HR manager, you’ll also handle training programs and mediate workplace conflicts—tasks that mirror guiding challenging classroom dynamics.
3. Educational policy consultant
Average annual salary: $42,540 to $74,620
Educational policy consultants work with schools, government agencies, or non-profits to enhance education systems. You’d provide expert advice on issues like curriculum standards, school funding, or teacher training. Your firsthand classroom insights could play a key role in shaping big-picture strategies and improvements in education. This career combines advocacy and impact, making it fulfilling for former teachers.
4. Marketing manager
Average annual salary: $40,040 to $83,190
Do you love engaging students and creating memorable presentations? Marketing managers apply those creative skills to connect with wider audiences. You'll strategize campaigns, track performance data, and collaborate with teams. Teachers’ mastery of multitasking and time management aligns well with this fast-paced role. Plus, free courses in areas like SEO make stepping into marketing a smoother process.
5. Executive assistant
Average annual salary: $45,240 to $73,680
Executive assistants keep businesses running smoothly by managing schedules, emails, events, and even budgets for high-level executives. Your ability to juggle parent-teacher conferences, lesson plans, and extracurricular activities demonstrates the kind of multitasking this role requires. It’s a rewarding job with the option of working remotely or setting flexible hours.
6. Social worker
Average annual salary: $28,056 to $58,380
Social workers strive to improve people’s lives by providing emotional and practical support. Teachers’ natural ability to empathize and guide students through challenges is invaluable here. Whether helping families access community resources or advising individuals in crisis, this role lets you make a lasting difference in people’s lives, similar to what you’ve done in the classroom. Keep in mind, however, that additional schooling or certification may be required, depending on the specific area of social work you pursue.
7. Instructional designer
Average annual salary: $46,540 to $109,500
Instructional designers create training programs and eLearning tools for corporations, schools, and nonprofits. Your experience in explaining complicated subjects clearly and engaging learners will stand out. Projects might involve developing online courses or interactive workshops. Many instructional designers enjoy remote work and higher salaries, offering an excellent pathway for a career change from teaching that still puts your skills and experience to work.
8. Event planner
Average annual salary: $26,080 to $56,140
Event planners coordinate corporate meetings, weddings, conferences, and other special occasions. Teaching sharpens your ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple moving parts—qualities essential in event planning. This career also allows for more creativity and flexibility, making it appealing for those looking for dynamic work after a change of career from teaching.
9. Technical writer
Average annual salary: $45,050 to $85,050
Teachers know how to simplify complex ideas, and that’s the heart of technical writing. This role involves creating manuals, help documents, and training guides for companies or industries. You’ll collaborate with experts to make content accessible to broader audiences. With many remote opportunities, technical writing is a rewarding option for those seeking independence and variety in their day-to-day work.
10. Educational technologist
Average annual salary: $36,050 to $64,340
Educational technologists work at the crossroads of technology and education. They implement digital tools to enhance learning and provide training for educators to use these tools effectively. Teaching experience with classroom technology like interactive boards or online platforms positions you well for this role. It’s also a remote-friendly job, ideal for a teacher career change with expanded flexibility.
11. Data Analyst
Average annual salary: $52,580 to $74,680
Data analysts pull valuable insights from complex data sets to help organizations make informed decisions. Critical thinking, strong attention to detail, and problem-solving are key here. Tools like Excel, SQL, and Python are standard, and certifications in data science can help you break into areas like business intelligence, finance, or healthcare analytics. With time, you could advance to positions such as data scientist or analytics manager.
12. Real estate agent
Average annual salary: $49,000 to $56,620
Real estate agents assist clients in navigating the complexities of buying, selling, or renting properties. It’s a career that requires strong communication, patience, and problem-solving—skills every teacher has in spades. You’ll build lasting client relationships, coordinate property showings, and negotiate deals.
A flexible schedule and the option to work independently make this a great solution for those who prefer dynamic environments. Growth options include becoming a broker or starting your own agency.
13. Operations manager
Average annual salary: $77,000 to $104,900
An operations manager is responsible for streamlining business procedures, optimizing productivity, and addressing inefficiencies. Teachers already possess many of the skills required, such as handling logistics, prioritizing tasks, and managing people. Whether working in retail, manufacturing, or hospitality, operations managers play a pivotal role in organizational success. With leadership experience, this role can lead to executive-level opportunities like COO positions.
14. Sales representative
Average annual salary: $45,000 to $81,080
Sales representatives work to explain products or services to clients, build lasting relationships, and close deals. Much of your time will be spent understanding customer needs and solving their problems, which makes your ability to explain complex ideas and handle objections as a teacher highly relevant. From pharmaceuticals to software, nearly every industry relies on sales professionals. The earning potential and growth opportunities can make this a rewarding choice, especially in commission-based roles.
15. Content creator
Average annual salary: $31,450 to $56,670
Content creators write blog posts, develop videos, create engaging social media campaigns, or design educational materials for various audiences. If you've enjoyed creating lesson plans, instructional materials, or engaging presentations, this might be a natural outlet for your creativity. You could freelance or work in fields like publishing, digital marketing, or e-learning. Building skills in video editing, graphic design or SEO through online courses could broaden your opportunities.
Leverage your transferable skills from teaching
Teaching isn't just about leading a classroom. It's a profession built on an extraordinary skill set that transfers seamlessly into many other roles. “Teachers have exceptional communication skills, making complex subjects understandable—a talent invaluable in corporate training and instructional design,” Shirshikov says. Clear communication enables former teachers to excel in roles where explaining complicated ideas is necessary.
“Teachers know how to break down complex ideas, manage time effectively, and guide people through personal challenges,” says Brendan Brown, a communication expert with a background in educational psychology, who is also the founder of Global English Editing. This adaptability makes them well-suited for careers in consulting, corporate training, coaching, and HR, where these qualities shine.
Here are practical ways these skills can be leveraged.
Communication
“Teachers are proficient in explaining ideas and concepts, and can transfer that same skill during training or in a more technical role like consulting or customer success,” Brown says. Those same skills also translate to marketing or public relations roles, which often require clear, persuasive, and impactful communication.
“In content writing and training positions, the capacity to develop appealing and relevant information is beneficial,” Brown says. Whether it’s writing educational content, drafting instructions, or creating outreach messages, communication is a foundational strength.
Problem-solving
“Teachers think on their feet, and are able to create solutions where there was once a problem, thus making them suitable for positions in operations or logistics management,” Brown says. Working in a classroom demands adaptability—handling unexpected changes, navigating challenges, and ensuring outcomes remain positive despite obstacles.
Crisis negotiation
“Owing to their experience working with teachers’ people’s relationships, they are fit for many HR or customer service admin positions,” Brown says. Managing students (and sometimes parents!) in emotionally charged or high-pressure situations gives teachers the skills to handle difficult conversations and resolve conflicts.
Take the leap
A career change out of teaching isn’t just possible—it’s an exciting opportunity to bring your seasoned abilities into new and potentially rewarding spaces. Identifying teacher transferable skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving can lead you into fields that value your strengths.
FAQs
Do I need another degree to start a new career?
Not necessarily, since many skills acquired through teaching are transferable and valued in other industries. “However, some fields might require specific certifications or training,” Shirshikov says. “For instance, if you're moving into finance, obtaining a certification like the Series 7 Exam can be more beneficial than pursuing an additional degree; it's about strategically bridging your current expertise with your desired role.” Certifications are often shorter and more targeted, making them an attractive option for career changers.
What are the best careers after teaching?
“Careers in educational consulting, corporate training, human resources, and instructional design are natural fits,” Shirshikov says. “Additionally, roles in sales, particularly in education-related industries, can be lucrative.” These roles take full advantage of teachers’ transferable skills, like guiding others and creating impactful programs.
Financial services can also be an exciting option. “An often-overlooked path is transitioning into financial services, where educating clients about investments parallels teaching students—I've personally found this crossover to be highly rewarding,” Shirshikov says.
How to switch from teaching to business?
“Begin by identifying how your current skills align with business needs,” Shirshikov says. Research business ideas that interest you and see how skills like organization, communication, and adaptability fit into those niches. Networking is also key. “Connect with professionals in your areas of interest to learn about potential opportunities, and consider supplementing your experience with courses or certifications in business fundamentals.”
How do I stop feeling so guilty about changing careers?
“Recognize that career evolution is a natural part of personal growth,” Shirshikov says. Moving on doesn’t mean your years as a teacher were wasted. “Your impact as a teacher doesn’t diminish because you choose a new path; instead, you bring that experience to new arenas,” he says. This mindset can shift the focus from guilt to excitement about what lies ahead.