Navigating Your Way Through Career Crossroads

It can happen all of a sudden or over a long period of time. You wake up and stare at your alarm, 6AM, wondering if this really is the right career for you. Reaching a career crossroad is a difficult time in your professional life. Self-doubt, anxiety and the sensation of being ‘stuck’ are all common experiences.

The education industry is certainly one for the long-haul, designed with a direct correlation between the number of years worked and your personal financial return. Of course, most of us will choose the education sector for the kids we teach, not the salaries we earn. But without a clear and tangible growth indicator, the future can feel uncertain.

Unlike most corporate sectors, the teaching profession can have a limited number of top-level positions available for you to progress to - most of which require substantial professional experience. Enough of the doom and gloom, because it actually isn’t all that bad. If you’re thinking about switching up your education career, follow these steps to reach your classroom epiphany.

Check For the Signs

Did you know that teaching is supposed to be one of the healthiest and happiest professions? Perhaps a few years ago, now it seems that the population of teachers are leaving their field in droves. Every 4 in 10 teachers quit after just one single year in the classroom, with record numbers departing mid-career.

Is leaving your career the best decision? It all depends on the signs. Feeling restless in your job is perfectly normal and can be attributed to a bad week. So what happens when this bad week turns into a bad month? Or worse still, a terrible year? Take a step back and write down the source of your anxiety each day. Then at the end of each week read over your notes and you’ll probably see a pattern emerging.

Is it the head of your department making you stressed? Are select children in your classes wearing you out? Do you consider your workload too much for one person to handle? Are you under-resourced? It is difficult to make a great career change if you don’t know why you want to change in the first place. In creating a list, you can achieve clarity and understand if the problem stems from your personal life or professional job.

What Change Am I Looking For?

Moving from one unsatisfactory school to another is not the best decision for any teacher. Best practice is to speak with your friends, family and coworkers; anyone that you trust in. Engaging in an open discussion will help to take the weight off your shoulders and give you some fresh insight before you make any decision.

Would you like to move across to a private school? Teach in a new subject area or different age group? Change doesn’t have to be black or white, it can be as dramatic as you believe you can handle. If you aren’t likely to benefit from leaving the education industry altogether, don’t back yourself into that corner. There are endless avenues to increase the personal satisfaction you feel in your job.

A study conducted at MIT concluded that the more appreciated we are for our work, the prouder (and more positive) we feel. It is an undeniable truth that people are motivated by praise and consistent acknowledgement of hard work, no matter which industry you work in. Teaching in an environment where your performance is ignored is just as bad as having your work shredded before your eyes, eliminating all motivation. A happy employee is one who sees potential; to grow, change and move forward.

How Will I Take the Next Step?

Now that you’ve pinpointed the problem, it’s time to take the plunge and deliver a solution. At this stage, it’s crucial you employ in-depth research to understand the pathway that best reflects your desired outcome. That means don’t request increased involvement in a different faculty if you aren’t familiar and adequately prepared to help in that subject.

Complete Further Study

Even a teacher needs to learn. Consider enrolling in a short course or degree, depending on your time commitment, to expand your knowledge and network with like-minded individuals.

Take A Short Break

Sometimes the only way to get out of a career roadblock is to take a break. A weekend away, two weeks away or even just extra down time over the school holidays. Any time off is good to adjust your focus.

Try Your Hand At A Hobby

It can be tempting to return home after a long day and stay there, but what you really need is to switch up your environment and experience applying your skills to something new.

Volunteer For Extra Academic Support

Altruistic motivation is likely what drew you to teaching in the first place. Join an after-school program or offer tutoring services to help those struggling students who need your help, where you can make a difference.

Talk About a Promotion

If you don’t speak up for a promotion, you’ll be waiting on one forever. Don’t wait to be offered, sit down and talk through your current position. Put your name forward as being interested in more responsibility.

Look at External Options

If none of these avenues appeals to you (or you’ve simply tried them all!) it could be time to consider changing your institute. While this is a large upheaval for your career and personal life, it could also be the best decision you make to overcome the crossroad and head in a new direction.

Caroline Schmidt writes the blogs for Kangan Institute. She is passionate about education, careers, and giving advice to students of all ages.