Embedded Files
It was a crisp October night in 2023. I lay in bed, my heart pounding with anxiety. My finances were in freefall.
I had spent many years as an elementary music teacher but always had entrepreneurial ambitions on the side (as well as side jobs). I took early retirement in May 2021 and, after some fumbling, found my passion in life coaching.
I loved it! It was a great use of my skills and passions. I had high hopes of a new career helping people, especially teachers, find their own passions.
Until cancer struck.
One year after my retirement, I got the dreaded news: colon cancer. I had surgery immediately, and just a month later, I started chemo.
My part-time job (what I’d been using to pay the bills) was all I could manage as exhaustion and illness became my new norm.
Slowly, I got better and had reconstructive surgery a few months after my chemo ended. My energy was still pretty sapped, and gradually, my savings were drained.
Which brings me to that Saturday night, lying in bed. I had enough money and income to get me through for a bit, but my credit card balance had climbed during my illness, and I knew if I didn’t get it under control, it would just get worse.
I needed a job.
I did a quick scan on my phone and came to a swift conclusion.
The fastest way to make money would be to go back into the classroom.
I knew I needed a job but set firm boundaries: a reputable school, reasonable commute, and temporary status.
A quick scan showed that there were a few jobs that were possible. The best of the lot met all the requirements but was only half-time. That would not solve the financial issue as quickly but would allow me to continue to do other things. I spent that Sunday updating my resume, writing a cover letter, and submitting them to the district portal. Monday morning, I printed everything and took it directly to the school.
I knew I was an ideal candidate, and if they were looking after the beginning of the school year, they were probably desperate. I waited for the call.
By Wednesday, every buzz of my phone made my heart skip—only to be disappointed.
A quick glance at the district website showed that the job was still open—but so was another one. This one met all my qualifications (and was full-time)—but didn’t I know the music teacher there? I sent her a quick text, hoping that she was okay, and that I’d just found the job opening.
An hour later, she called me back. She was fine. The school was looking for a second music teacher for the remainder of the school year. Was I interested?
With her recommendation, they didn’t even interview anyone else.
It’s who you know.
This summer, another music teacher drove me home after (hopefully my last) surgery and asked if I’d be interested in subbing for her this fall—she was having surgery and would be out for six weeks. After some hemming and hawing, I agreed.
It was the easiest teaching job I’ve ever had.
How did I get these jobs?
Certainly, my high level of skill didn’t hurt, but that was the secondary factor.
It’s who you know.
As teachers start the process of making their career switch, they ask a lot of questions:
How will my teaching skills translate to another sector?
How do I update and change my resume?
Do I need to get another degree? A master’s? Some certifications?
How do you find jobs on the open market?
What do I really want to be?
All of these are valid questions. But they leave out what I think is the most vital:
Who do you know?
I had a friend many years ago who was a software engineer. After Y2K, she wanted to make a career switch and start her own business. Unfortunately, like many businesses, it didn’t do well, and eventually, she had to admit defeat.
She had senior-level qualifications in computer science, so she started looking for another job.
She got close several times but had no luck.
This went on for over a year.
While she was doing this, she hid her unemployed status from most of her friends.
She was embarrassed that her business had failed.
I encouraged her to reach out, especially to one friend who worked in a company that would be a great fit, but she refused for a long time.
Finally, she sat down with her friend, admitted the truth, and asked if there might be a position at their company.
Twenty years later—she’s still there. They found a position that was a better fit for her skills, and one that she enjoys immensely.
It’s who you know.
Some teachers leave the profession because they have a burning desire to move to a new field.
But most that I encounter are not sure about what a career switch would look like. They poured their heart and soul into their teaching careers, but it no longer works.
Frankly, most teachers just want a job that pays well and has fewer of the stressors embedded in teaching.
It’s who you know.
Networking is just talking to people you know. Open up the conversation with everyone—not just your closest friends, but those you know casually. People at your religious organization, your gym, that gal you met at a party a few years ago. Look through your phone and email lists. Be friendly, and ask the question:
I’m making a career switch from teaching—do you know of anything?
Remember, your next opportunity might be a conversation away. Lean into your network, and you might just discover a career you never dreamed of.
Page updated
Report abuse