u/Last-Delivery-7382

My school listed everyone in the school newsletter that is leaving so I told my students and their families. There are 12 of us from an elementary staff of less than 40. It’s been a sad and heavy day. I wish I could’ve just quietly left.

Our elementary school is losing 12 staff members. The dismantling of public education is happening before our very eyes.

I did it! 3 weeks ago I said aloud that I didn’t want to teach or be in the education field and I’ve been running ever since. I have felt so aligned, energized, and more alive than I have in years. Here's what worked for me:

• I binged everything I could find about transitioning out - Reddit, podcasts, YouTube, etc. I went to a job fair and got comfortable selling myself as a professional. 
• Created a LinkedIn account and made connections with anyone I could - whether I knew them or not. 
• I used AI and tutorials to update my resume and cover letter to every job I applied for. 
• I told all my family and friends, reached out to previous employers and people I knew who had recently transitioned from teaching. I was SHOCKED how supportive everyone was. Literally everyone applauded and encouraged me to get the heck out, including my principal and coworkers. 
• Made a spreadsheet of any possible company I would want to work for and compared benefits. I’d recommend not focusing so much on the role but rather what organization do you want to be a part of and how can you get your foot in the door?
• Checked job boards, indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites daily for new job postings. 
• For interviews I researched the heck out of the company, the role, did mock interviews in the mirror and while driving, wrote out responses, and prepared questions to ask them. 
• I ended up with 2 offers. There’s still some pending applications out there but if they move this slow, I’m not interested lol. 
• Today I negotiated and accepted an offer that is 25% more than my teaching salary. I will have 6.5 weeks of leave plus paid holidays, 11% retirement contribution, and we’ve already spoken about how I could advance in the company. I will be starting as a corporate curriculum manager.
• Put in the work. Believe with every cell in your body. Listen to uplifting music or affirmations non stop. Don’t give up. Look for signs and trust your intuition. Amazing things are possible!