5 Things to Let Go of When Leaving the Classroom
When you’re a classroom teacher, the pace of daily life can seem unrelenting, with never-ending to-do lists and constant demands. And even if you’re committed to leaving the classroom for more flexible jobs in education, it can be hard to let go of the mindset and habits you developed as a classroom teacher.
Being around other teachers, all dealing with similar demands, can make us internalize unrealistic expectations and feel like we’re never enough. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
When you decide to leave the classroom, either at the end of the school day or in pursuit of flexible work, be intentional about leaving behind toxic habits and limiting beliefs that you may have developed. By getting clear on what we hope to seek out beyond the classroom and what we want to leave behind, we can create more joy-filled, purposeful lives.
Today we’re going to explore 5 teacher mindset struggles to let go of when leaving the classroom. But first, let’s take a moment to explore why so many teachers are looking for jobs in education that aren’t teaching.
Why Are Teachers Leaving The Classroom?
If you’re still working as a teacher or are a former educator, it’s probably not surprising that more teachers are leaving the profession than ever before.
After years of being overworked, underpaid and dealing with increasing challenges in the school environment thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many teachers are ready to find work outside the classroom.
A February 2022 Gallup Poll showed that K-12 educators were the most burned-out segment of the US labor force. According to a report from LinkedIn, the number of teachers who quit their jobs in June 2022 was almost 41% higher than a year before.
There are countless opportunities for teachers leaving teaching to still work and have an impact within education. But to find true flexibility and fulfillment after leaving the classroom, teachers also need to leave some limiting beliefs and work habits behind.
5 Things to Leave Behind When Leaving The Classroom
Ready to leave the teaching profession? Make sure you also leave behind these limiting beliefs and work habits that can hold you back.
Not Valuing Your Worth
As teachers, we’re constantly assaulted with unrealistic expectations. We have work piled on us and aren’t compensated appropriately. But just because our work isn’t fully appreciated by others doesn’t mean we should lose track of our value. Reflect on your marketable teacher skills and consider how much you've learned through your experience of being a teacher.
Do research into what you might be able to get paid for using your skills outside of the classroom (and try not to be perpetually enraged about the inadequacy of teachers’ salaries). When you apply for freelance jobs, remind yourself of the value of your skills, experience, and passion. Then charge what you’re worth.
Lack of Boundaries Around Work
The job of a teacher is truly never done, so implementing boundaries can be incredibly hard - even when leaving the classroom. It becomes especially difficult when other people won’t respect your boundaries (anyone who has ever asked a teacher to do something extra, I’m looking at you). But upholding boundaries around work is a skill that you can get better at with practice.
First, get clear on what boundaries are important to you. Do you never want to work on the weekends? Only answer emails in the morning? Try to get clear on your ideal work situation, including when and where you would work, then find opportunities that match what you desire. Be aware of when work starts to creep up around your boundaries, then take action to make sure you’re standing up for what’s important to you.
Doing It All
Don’t fall into the trap of taking on more and more. Stick to your boundaries! Realize that you have limits (everyone does) and get clear on what those limits are. Set up opportunities to regularly check in with yourself about your workload and what feels good— and not so good— to you.
Leaving the classroom is your chance to reset your boundaries and change your workload.
Release the idea that everything needs to be checked off your list. If you finished everything on your list and came away feeling awful, that’s not a success. Instead, prioritize how you feel when working and at the end of the day.
A Frenetic Pace
The crazy pace of being a classroom teacher can be so hard to recognize until you’re leaving the classroom. Even when you do step out of the classroom, you might find yourself recreating that frenetic pace.
But just because it feels normal to you doesn’t make it right. As you settle into working beyond the classroom, be intentional about the pace you bring to your work life. Always center your well-being and self-care.
Feeling Like You Have to Do Everything on Your Own
Being a teacher can feel isolating, but you don’t have to figure out the next chapter of your career alone. There are many educators who have come before you and have figured out a way to build more sustainable, joyful lives.
Connecting with other former teachers and learning from the mistakes they made (and the lessons they learned) while leaving the classroom is one of the best things you can do to advance your own more flexible education career.
Are You Ready to Leave the Classroom?
When you’re ready to look for flexible jobs in education and officially leave the classroom, the Educator Forever community is here to support you through this transition. Consider joining one of our programs and getting support from educators who have been where you’re at.
And don’t forget, when learning with others try to adopt a growth mindset. Don’t feel like you need to know everything or do everything right away! Give yourself time to explore, make mistakes, and learn from the process. We’re always cheering you on!
Explore our signature Beyond The Classroom course for teachers leaving the classroom or learn more about our education business accelerator designed for educators who are ready for more flexible lives.