Award Winning Teacher Looking for Transition Advice

[Anonymous]

The only thing you can do is, like the rest of us, is work on your resume, and apply for jobs. You are using a lot of words here to show us how much you value your own skills, but everyone values themselves, that is not unique. Put yourself out there, and see if you get any interview requests. Simple as that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The only thing you can do is, like the rest of us, is work on your resume, and apply for jobs. You are using a lot of words here to show us how much you value your own skills, but everyone values themselves, that is not unique. Put yourself out there, and see if you get any interview requests. Simple as that.

Yeah, the OP's post reads like a cover letter. No one here is hiring you. Bottom line, if you want a different career you need to start job hunting. If you truly don't know where to start, DCUM is not going to be able to give you a direction. Maybe consider a career coach?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The only thing you can do is, like the rest of us, is work on your resume, and apply for jobs. You are using a lot of words here to show us how much you value your own skills, but everyone values themselves, that is not unique. Put yourself out there, and see if you get any interview requests. Simple as that.

Thanks, point taken. I am currently in the inquiry and research phase, seeking information from those who may have prior experience. Once a decision has been made, action will be taken.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only thing you can do is, like the rest of us, is work on your resume, and apply for jobs. You are using a lot of words here to show us how much you value your own skills, but everyone values themselves, that is not unique. Put yourself out there, and see if you get any interview requests. Simple as that.

Yeah, the OP's post reads like a cover letter. No one here is hiring you. Bottom line, if you want a different career you need to start job hunting. If you truly don't know where to start, DCUM is not going to be able to give you a direction. Maybe consider a career coach?

Considering the anonymous nature of this platform, it is obvious that I'm not looking for anything here other than advice. I understand your point and a career coach could be beneficial.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

It’s not just days off. You’re working PT for a FT salary. You understand that, right?

I believe one important point to consider is that not all work hours are equal when comparing different professions. While the number of hours I work may be fewer, the mental and physical demands of my job are significantly higher compared to certain other professions. The mental and physical demands of a teacher cannot be directly equated to sitting behind a computer, answering emails, and attending meetings.

Just to clarify, I am referring to my SO who earns a similar salary, operates from home on a daily basis, and typically spends 2-3 hours engaged in actual work tasks such as emails, meetings, and reports. In my opinion, the latter situation appears to be more favorable, even though technically the work hours and days may be longer. In essence, my point is that my part-time hours often equate to a full-time workload, while some individuals experience the opposite—a full-time schedule that equates to a part-time workload. While I may not want exactly what my SO has, I may be interested in trading my 5 hours of non-stop, mentally draining work for 7 hours of more intermittent, less stressful work. Just exploring at this time.

Does my quality of life point, resonate?

I think you’re dreaming, but good luck with your job search.

Teacher here (posted above)

I rather agree. OP, your situation sounds ideal.

I understand what you mean about not all work hours being equal. Yes, teaching is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. There are few quiet breaks, which is hard for the introverts among us.

Still, you have managed to find a way to work an actual 35-40, whereas many of our colleagues are working far more.

I’d stay in your situation.

+1

If you're not happy then you're not happy and nothing I'm gonna say will change that. But as far as teachers go, you're living the dream right now. I can't imagine giving that up for some boring 9-5 with two weeks vacation.

(Teacher here)

I'm a little concerned with how impersonal your post is. You state your achievements, but I don't really perceive any love for kids or people at all. You seem MOST interested in working less.

[Anonymous]

^ Sorry, that didn't post correctly. My comment was meant for the OP. But I do agree with the poster I accidentally quoted.

[Anonymous]

You earn 130k with summers off. You have earned a level of respect at your job. I wouldn’t switch to nursing. You’d have to take a ton of classes and then you’d get an even more demanding job. There’s no easy road, but your current plot in life seems pretty sweet.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

It’s not just days off. You’re working PT for a FT salary. You understand that, right?

I believe one important point to consider is that not all work hours are equal when comparing different professions. While the number of hours I work may be fewer, the mental and physical demands of my job are significantly higher compared to certain other professions. The mental and physical demands of a teacher cannot be directly equated to sitting behind a computer, answering emails, and attending meetings.

Just to clarify, I am referring to my SO who earns a similar salary, operates from home on a daily basis, and typically spends 2-3 hours engaged in actual work tasks such as emails, meetings, and reports. In my opinion, the latter situation appears to be more favorable, even though technically the work hours and days may be longer. In essence, my point is that my part-time hours often equate to a full-time workload, while some individuals experience the opposite—a full-time schedule that equates to a part-time workload. While I may not want exactly what my SO has, I may be interested in trading my 5 hours of non-stop, mentally draining work for 7 hours of more intermittent, less stressful work. Just exploring at this time.

Does my quality of life point, resonate?

I think you’re dreaming, but good luck with your job search.

Teacher here (posted above)

I rather agree. OP, your situation sounds ideal.

I understand what you mean about not all work hours being equal. Yes, teaching is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. There are few quiet breaks, which is hard for the introverts among us.

Still, you have managed to find a way to work an actual 35-40, whereas many of our colleagues are working far more.

I’d stay in your situation.

+1

If you're not happy then you're not happy and nothing I'm gonna say will change that. But as far as teachers go, you're living the dream right now. I can't imagine giving that up for some boring 9-5 with two weeks vacation.

(Teacher here)

I'm a little concerned with how impersonal your post is. You state your achievements, but I don't really perceive any love for kids or people at all. You seem MOST interested in working less.

I find it interesting that you correlate someone's consideration for their mental and physical well-being in their current role, along with seeking advice, with a lack of "love for kids or people at all". Seems like a reach however, if that's how it perceive it, so be it.

[Anonymous]

To the teachers (and others) who have responded, I appreciate your insights and perspective. While I acknowledge that I may have it "good", my primary concern is if this level is sustainable for the next decade. There would have to be adjustments made and I would have to find better ways to handle the mental, emotional and physical strains of the profession moving forward. I think in my case, talking to a career professional might be the most immediate plan of action.

Additionally, if you are putting 60+ hrs into the profession weekly, I encourage you to explore ways to reclaim your time. It doesn't have to be the norm, as there are many of us who are able to accomplish our tasks within the confines of a typical school day. I understand that this greatly depends on factors such as grade level, subject matter, educational systems, and so on, but there is a better way.

[Anonymous]

If you leave, can I have your role? I make half what you do after public teaching for 15 years. How do you make so much?

But seriously, you have the dream. Under 40 hours of work, however mentally draining, 6 figure salary, and retirement provisions. I work more for less, my spouse works way more (like, 60 hour weeks 45 weeks a year) for slightly more. I don’t know that you can transition into a unicorn job that requires less effort for equivalent pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you leave, can I have your role? I make half what you do after public teaching for 15 years. How do you make so much?

But seriously, you have the dream. Under 40 hours of work, however mentally draining, 6 figure salary, and retirement provisions. I work more for less, my spouse works way more (like, 60 hour weeks 45 weeks a year) for slightly more. I don’t know that you can transition into a unicorn job that requires less effort for equivalent pay.

Not sure where you work but you can get this kind of salary working for DCPS. Might be worth looking into if you are within commuting distance

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you leave, can I have your role? I make half what you do after public teaching for 15 years. How do you make so much?

But seriously, you have the dream. Under 40 hours of work, however mentally draining, 6 figure salary, and retirement provisions. I work more for less, my spouse works way more (like, 60 hour weeks 45 weeks a year) for slightly more. I don’t know that you can transition into a unicorn job that requires less effort for equivalent pay.

Not sure where you work but you can get this kind of salary working for DCPS. Might be worth looking into if you are within commuting distance

+1

DCPS offers top-end salary at $131,003. Also they offer a system called Impact which rewards 'highly effective" teachers with substantial step increases, educational credits and bonus pay (up to $25k) if you meet certain metrics in particular schools. Essentially you could be promoted to an "expert level" (PhD equivalent) teacher with 21+ years of experience in 6-7 years if you continously earn "highly effective" scores in DCPS. While not easy, it's definitely doable. Add this with tutoring, coaching, summer school pay, etc and it can be pretty substantial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just to add.....

Currently, I work (teach) about 25 hours a week, spend approximately 10 hours in meetings, duty time, or planning, and enjoy summer breaks and holidays off. I don't typically bring work home, but despite these advantages, the job remains physically and mentally demanding, leaving me exhausted most days and weeks.

Lastly, another area I would need to consider is how a transition may impact my pension/retirement planning.

My impression is that you would be overwhelmed & crushed by any private sector job that pays in the $125,000 to $150,000 range if you think that your current cushy vacationesque-type position is physically and mentally demanding.

[Anonymous]

$130K? How do I get OPs old job?

[Anonymous]

Proceed with caution. There is a reason DCPS has one of the nation's highest salaries but also one of the nation's highest turnover rates. 20%-30% of teachers leave their school every year; many leave the district or profession completely.