What am I doing wrong?
Hi, I feel like I’m at a breaking point and could really use advice from teachers who transitioned out of education.
I resigned from my middle school teaching job two months ago because my mental health was declining badly. I was having panic attacks, constant anxiety, and crying almost every day after work. My fiancé supported my decision because I was not okay mentally, and I knew I couldn’t keep sacrificing my health. We want to start a family one day, and I didn’t want to continue down a path that was affecting me so deeply.
Since resigning, I’ve been applying for jobs almost daily and I’m getting denial after denial. I’ve applied to administrative jobs, entry-level positions, Aldi, Target, state jobs, city jobs, dental offices, health centers, nursing homes, hospitals, airport jobs… honestly, everything I can think of.
Tomorrow I’m planning to stop by Trader Joe’s, Publix, and Whole Foods to hand in my resume, but I’m wondering: what am I doing wrong?
I’ve revised my resume so many times. Is it because all I really have is education experience? I’ve also tutored, worked as a paraprofessional, coached cheerleading, and dedicated most of my life to becoming a teacher. Teaching was my dream, but I reached a point where I realized no career is worth destroying my mental health, especially with the salary situation in Florida.
I’m starting to feel ashamed and question whether I made a mistake investing so much into this career. I worry that I won’t be able to provide for a future family or buy a home someday.
For those of you who successfully transitioned out of teaching: what helped? How did you adjust your resume? Did walking in and introducing yourself help? What were employers actually looking for?
I could really use advice, encouragement, and prayers right now. Thank you for reading.