Many full-time educators grapple with the idea of a fresh start and the desire to stay in education. If you're facing a similar challenge, we're here to tell you there is a way to do both. Various alternative careers allow educators to utilise their love for teaching in more fulfilling and meaningful ways. To enlighten you, we've listed some jobs you can pursue as a full-time educator. Before this, learn why educators leave full-time teaching.

Why Educators Switch Careers

The reasons full-time educators change careers vary depending on their experiences, circumstances and goals. However, some common motivations exist, including:

• Work-life balance: A significant reason full-time teachers switch careers is for more work-life balance. Full-time educators have demanding workloads that can spill into their personal time. Many leave for roles with more flexibility and balance.
• Fatigue: Full-time teaching involves various extra tasks, such as administrative work and event management. Balancing these with daily teaching duties can be overwhelming and lead to exhaustion or burnout. 
• Fulfilment: While educators enjoy teaching, many want growth and fulfilment in other areas. Some leave for more versatile roles that give them more time to pursue other interests and goals.

6 Careers Full-Time Teachers Switch To 

Now that you know why educators leave full-time teaching, learn about some roles they switch to and why. 

1. Casual Teaching 

One career full-time educators switch to is casual teaching. A 2024 study indicates that 7% of educators return to casual or temporary teaching roles. More flexibility and their love for educating are some motivations. 

Casual education roles involve flexible hours and stimulating work opportunities. These benefits reduce the monotony of traditional teaching jobs and provide more time to pursue other interests. It also offers educators more control over their work locations, hours, and requirements.

2. Academic Consulting 

Educators may switch to academic consulting. These roles offer a more autonomous and flexible approach to education and vary depending on teaching niches. Some educators advise on policy or curriculum, and others on coordination and practices. 

3. Community and Youth Work

Another common career change for full-time teachers is community or youth work. This work allows educators to use their teaching experience and passion to shape young minds and help them navigate life's challenges. 

4. Social Work 

Social worker roles are another option for full-time teachers. Educators have various transferable skills like communication, empathy and critical thinking required for social work. They also have more insight into children's challenges and the type of support they need. These benefits and a desire to make a difference beyond teaching make educators excellent for this career path. 

5. Corporate Training 

Corporate training is a popular move for educators who enjoy teaching but want a change of audience and scenery. These roles involve educators using their experience to develop and deliver training courses on communication, synergy, or technical skills to corporate teams. 

They allow teachers to use their love for teaching in more stimulating and challenging ways. 

6. Administration 

Another role outside education full-time teachers switch to is administration. Teachers have valuable administrative skills and experience they can utilise in a full-time administrative role. 

What’s Best Career Change for Full-Time Teachers?

The best full-time teaching career change is one that offers fulfilment and enthusiasm. It is also a role aligned with your passion, goals, and lifestyle. 

Considering a Casual Educator Role?

If you are passionate about teaching but want more work-life balance, freedom, and autonomy, casual teaching is an excellent solution. Z Staffing helps you find meaningful casual educator roles on your terms. You set your criteria, including work hours, location, pay, and responsibility, and we match you with suitable jobs.   

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