Is It Time for a Career Change? The Struggle Between Stability and Passion

How to Pivot Your Career from Teaching to Corporate (Without Losing Your Pension)
January 30, 2025 by Katie Travis | Leave a Comment

Is It Time for a Career Change? The Struggle Between Stability and Passion

Sometimes, the decision to leave a long-standing career feels like a monumental choice—especially when you've invested years into a stable role. I recently received a message from an old friend who was wrestling with the same dilemma. She had been teaching for years and was unsure whether it was time to step away from the security of her position for something new.

I totally get it. In my case, I spent 18 years in a role that, while stable, became overwhelming. At one point, I realized I wasn’t excelling in the areas that mattered most: being a mom, a wife, and even a teacher. The pressure was too much, and I knew it was time to pivot. But how do you leave behind something as secure as a pension?

Understanding What You’re Walking Away From

If you're facing the same tough decision, the first step is to understand what you're actually giving up. In my situation, when I looked into what I’d be losing—my pension—it wasn’t as much as I had hoped. It's crucial to contact your provider and get all the details, so you're not left wondering what could have been.

Once you have a clear picture of what you’re giving up, you can start making more informed decisions about the future.

Teachers Have Transferable Skills: The World is Your Oyster

Here’s the good news: teachers have incredible transferable skills! You may be leaving the classroom, but you’re not leaving everything behind. From problem-solving and communication to time management and leadership, these skills are highly valued in almost every industry.

If you’re thinking of making the jump, the possibilities are endless. Whether you choose to pursue something related to education or shift into a completely new direction, your expertise can be applied to many paths.

Should You Pursue the Same Pension? Or Go Corporate?

You might be wondering if you can retain your pension benefits while transitioning to a new job. Depending on the state you're in, there might be roles that offer similar pension plans. It’s worth doing a little research to see if there’s a way to stay within the same pension system while exploring a different career.

However, don’t be afraid to consider corporate opportunities as well. I’ve had clients who made the switch to the corporate world and saw significant salary increases in just a few months. Some have even landed $5,000 bumps in salary after only five months!

Taking the Leap: The Fear of Change

The hardest part is often taking that first step. It’s terrifying to leave behind what you know, especially when it’s all you’ve been accustomed to for years. But the truth is, 100% of my clients who have pivoted never regret their decision. They often tell me, "I wish I’d done this sooner!"

If you’re stuck in a role that drains you and you’re unsure if it’s time to leave, remember that it’s okay to change paths. Life is too short to stay in a job that doesn’t bring you joy or fulfillment.

Are You Ready to Pivot? Let’s Talk About Your Next Step

If you’re ready to make a change and pivot into something new, I’m here to help! Whether you’re unsure of what career to pursue next or need guidance on how to market your transferable skills, let’s chat.

Comment below, and we’ll get started on your journey to a new career—one that doesn’t drain the life out of you. It IS possible to find work that inspires you and aligns with your passions!

Take the leap—you deserve it!