How To Know It’s Time To Say Goodbye To Your Current Job In Education

Entrepreneur

Jan 1

Cue Boyz II Men. It’s so hard to say goodbye to something you thought would be forever, a system you thought you’d retire from, only to stick around for as long as you have and notice how much your life no longer aligns with how you hoped you be at this point in your career journey.

Years ago when I was a fourth grade teacher, I remember walking back to my room in the t-buildings, my walls covered in wood panels, and walked straight over to my classroom library to sit on the carpet and cry. Only I didn’t sit. I laid out across the carpet and stared at the ceiling wondering how much more I would stretch myself before I was stretched beyond recognition.

At the time, I was thinking about starting my own tutoring business to supplement my income, but I hadn’t made a commitment.

Fast forward almost a decade later, and I’ve experienced the joys (and yes, challenges) of starting multiple businesses. I’ve got more control of my schedule, I was able to live abroad for 13 months, and my stress level is lower than it’s ever been.

I know if you’re reading this it isn’t something you just thought about last night. You’ve been contemplating leaving the education system for a while. You know what you do has never been just about having a job, and you’re trying to figure out how to have a more fulfilling life beyond the school building.

If this is you, you should consider starting your own business. Keep reading to find out how you know it’s time to say goodbye to your current role.

You Need A Change Of Pace

Firstly, let's talk about passion, or the lack thereof. Remember how you felt when you first started teaching? If that excitement has faded into a dull routine, it's a sign. As Brené Brown often says, "Passion is not a luxury that we add to our life. It's a necessity for our survival."

Then there's the issue of growth. If professional development days feel more like a repetitive loop than a ladder to new heights, you're likely hitting a growth ceiling. A 2021 Gallup poll found that 56% of workers who left their jobs cited lack of growth opportunities as a key reason.

Lastly, work-life balance. If your job leaves little room for anything else, it's time to reassess. Long hours and high stress are common in education, but they shouldn't be the norm.

You Always Have To Ask Permission To Do Anything

Educators face a unique set of challenges. From the confines of standardized tests to the bureaucracy that often stifles creativity, the education system can be a tough environment for those yearning for more autonomy and expression. According to the National Education Association, teacher burnout rates have been alarmingly high, with many citing the lack of autonomy as a major factor.

The Constant Feeling Of Being Overstretched

If you find yourself constantly stretched thin, like a rubber band about to snap, it's a clear sign. As educators, we're used to stretching - our resources, our patience, our creativity. But there's a limit. When you're lying on the classroom carpet, staring at the ceiling, feeling pulled in a million directions, it's not just fatigue – it's a cry for change. This overstretching is not about a challenging day or week; it's a chronic condition that eats away at your enthusiasm and effectiveness. When your job asks more of you than you can give without sacrificing your well-being, it's time to consider a path that offers balance and fulfillment.

Your Values No Longer Align With The System

Another pivotal moment comes when you realize your values no longer align with the educational system you're part of. Perhaps you entered teaching with ideals of nurturing young minds, inspiring change, and fostering a love of learning. Over time, however, you might find yourself ensnared in a system focused more on test scores than student well-being, on bureaucracy over innovation. When you sense this misalignment, it's not just disillusionment; it's a profound realization that your personal and professional values are at odds with your work environment. This dissonance is more than a discomfort – it's a sign that your talents and passions might be better utilized elsewhere, in an arena where you can align your work with your core beliefs.

You’ve Been Wanting To Try Something Else For A Long Time Now

Finally, consider whether you have a burning desire to make a broader impact beyond the classroom walls. As educators, we often see the limitations of our reach within the confines of our schools. You might have innovative ideas for education, and you want to transition to consulting with schools through your own business. Or you’ve been holding on something totally cool and unexpected that has nothing to do with education that you really want to pursue. Maybe you’ve got a book you’ve already written and need to learn how to get it out for the world to read. Or you’ve always been great at decor and want to start a business helping families bring their personality into their home. There are so many examples of educators who’ve started their own business.

If you find yourself constantly thinking about how you can make do great things outside the education system, it might be time to step out of your current role.

Your desire for a greater impact is not just ambition; it's a calling to use your skills and experience in a more expansive and personally fulfilling way. Entrepreneurship can offer the platform to turn these aspirations into reality, allowing you to influence your community and society on a larger scale.

If you’re ready to learn more about ways you can start to turn your dream life into reality, click here to learn about our services.

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