From Teacher to Training Manager: A Story of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

From Teacher to Training Manager: A Story of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

January 26, 2025 by Katie Travis | Leave a Comment

When you’ve been teaching for years, it can be hard to imagine doing anything else. It feels like your teaching degree defines you, and the idea of switching careers can seem daunting. But let me tell you—transferable skills are a game-changer, and they can open doors you never thought possible.

Julie, one of my clients, had been teaching for years and was stuck in the belief that teaching was the only thing she could do. But once she started exploring her transferable skills and shifted her mindset, she made a massive career leap that completely changed her life.

Squashing Imposter Syndrome: The First Step to Confidence

Julie’s biggest challenge wasn’t a lack of skill or experience—it was her imposter syndrome. She believed that her teaching degree was limiting, that she couldn’t possibly transition into another career. But once she embraced the fact that the skills she developed as a teacher—communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving—were highly transferable, everything began to change.

Julie said it best: "The only thing holding me back was my belief that I couldn’t do anything else but teach." The moment she let go of that self-doubt, she realized she was more than capable of handling new challenges. Imposter syndrome doesn’t stand a chance when you recognize the power of your skills.

Finding Confidence in a New Role

Julie’s story doesn’t just stop at overcoming imposter syndrome. Once she landed a job as a training manager, the confidence she gained was undeniable. She told me, “This role has given me such confidence.” It's incredible how stepping into a new position can completely transform the way you view your own abilities. By transferring her teaching skills into a new context, Julie was able to not only succeed but thrive in her new role.

No More Need for Long Breaks: A Sign of True Career Fulfillment

If you’re a teacher, you probably understand the deep need for breaks. The long summer vacations and seasonal holidays are often seen as necessary for recovering from the mental and emotional exhaustion that teaching can bring. But Julie’s perspective has shifted entirely.

She shared with me, “I don’t miss summers off and the long breaks since I don’t feel like I need those anymore to recover from a mentally exhausting year of teaching.” This is a sign of true fulfillment in her career—when you’re so excited about what you’re doing that you don’t need extended time off to recharge. Julie’s new role is giving her the balance and purpose that she was seeking all along.

Happiness in the Workplace: More Than Just a Job

At the end of the day, Julie is living proof that it’s possible to reinvent yourself, even after years in the classroom. She’s not only happy in her new career, but she’s thriving. “I am so happy!” she said, and that’s what we all want, right? A career that doesn’t just pay the bills but also fills us with joy and purpose.

Julie’s first call with me was filled with hope and doubt. She wasn’t sure if it was possible to leave the teaching world behind and find something that would bring her the same sense of purpose. But look at her now—her life has flip-flopped for the better. She did it, and now she’s thriving in a role she never thought possible with her “just a teaching degree.”

It’s Never Too Late to Go After Your Dreams

Julie’s journey is a testament to the power of believing in yourself and the value of your skills. It's never too late to go after your dreams. Whether you’ve been teaching for 2 years or 20, there’s always an opportunity to reinvent yourself and explore new career paths.

Julie’s success didn’t just come from having the right experience—it came from her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, face her doubts, and take a leap of faith into the unknown. If Julie can do it, so can you.

The Takeaway: Embrace Your Transferable Skills

The key takeaway from Julie’s story is this: transferable skills are powerful. Teachers, you have more than you think! Leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving are all skills that can be applied in countless fields. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, remember that your skills are invaluable and there’s a whole world of opportunities waiting for you.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, take a page from Julie’s book. Believe in yourself, embrace your skills, and take the first step toward your new career today.