Alternative Careers to Teaching

Teaching is a truly rewarding career, but it can also be demanding. Contrary to the misconception that teachers enjoy endless holidays, the reality is much different! Teachers often work beyond typical office hours, spending “holidays” preparing for the next term.

For those looking for a career change, there are many alternative paths where you can use your teaching skills in fresh and impactful ways, including a range of employment opportunities for ex-teachers.

Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or considering teaching as a possible career but want to know your options first, read on to explore some rewarding alternatives for careers for ex-teachers.

Table of Contents

• What to Do if Teaching Isn’t for You
• Student Learning Support Roles
• Corporate Learning and Development Specialist
• Private Tutoring
• Freelance Editing or Copywriting
• Human Resources (HR) Officer
• Social Worker
• Museum Educator or Education Coordinator
• FAQs on Alternative Careers for Teachers
• Conclusion

What to Do if Teaching Isn’t for You

Deciding to move away from teaching is a significant choice, and it’s helpful to know that there are numerous careers for ex-teachers that allow you to continue making a difference. Below, we’ll explore some fantastic alternative employment opportunities for ex-teachers, each offering the chance to use your expertise in new ways and, in many cases, with added flexibility.

1. Student Learning Support Roles

One alternative is to transition into student support roles, such as becoming a guidance counsellor, academic advisor, university support staff, or even a special education teacher. In these roles, you’ll continue helping students succeed but in a supportive capacity rather than instructing a classroom.

• Skills Required: Strong communication, empathy, and understanding of educational standards.
• Benefits: More regular hours and a focus on individual student support.
• Example roles: Academic advisor for secondary school students, university support services, or SEN (Special Educational Needs) teaching assistant.

Learn more about our SEN (Special Educational Needs) Diploma here.

2. Corporate Learning and Development Specialist

Many teachers successfully transition to corporate roles, where they use their skills to train and support adults in a professional setting. As a corporate learning and development specialist, you’ll identify growth employment opportunities for ex-teachers, teach new skills, and support professional development.

• Skills Required: Public speaking, curriculum development, assessment.
• Benefits: Higher earning potential and exposure to diverse industries.
• Example roles: Corporate trainer, skills development coach, or professional development specialist.

3. Private Tutoring

Private tutoring allows you to offer one-on-one support to students while retaining flexibility over your hours and fees. As a private tutor, you’ll draw on your teaching background to assist students outside the classroom, providing tailored guidance. Freelance work can be an appealing employment opportunity for ex-teachers seeking flexibility.

• Skills Required: Personalised instruction, adaptability, patience.
• Benefits: Flexible hours, control over workload and fees.
• Example roles: Private GCSE or A-Level tutor, language tutor, or online tutor.

4. Freelance Editing or Copywriting

With your knowledge of the education sector, you could thrive as a freelance editor or copywriter. You could create educational guides, edit curriculum materials, or assist in publishing educational documents, using your skills in a new and creative way.

• Skills Required: Strong writing, editing, attention to detail.
• Benefits: Remote work options and varied project opportunities.
• Example roles: Freelance writer for educational content, editor for curriculum publishers, or copywriter for educational websites.

Explore tips for becoming a successful writer here.

5. Human Resources (HR) Officer

Teaching provides many transferable skills, including communication, training, and conflict resolution, which are highly valued in Human Resources (HR). As an HR officer, you’ll support the employee lifecycle, from onboarding and training to development and performance management.

• Skills Required: Communication, conflict resolution, coaching.
• Benefits: Career growth opportunities and structured office hours.
• Example roles: HR training specialist, employee relations officer, or HR manager.

Study our Human Resources Level 3 diploma.

6. Social Worker

If your passion lies in helping others, social work could be a natural step forward. Many teachers find they already have the empathy, patience, and communication skills required to work in social services, where they support families and individuals in need.

• Skills Required: Empathy, problem-solving, resilience.
• Benefits: A chance to make a real impact in people’s lives.
• Example roles: Family support worker, community outreach officer, or child welfare advocate.

7. Museum Educator or Education Coordinator

If you love history or culture, consider becoming a museum educator or education coordinator. In this role, you’ll use your teaching skills to design and deliver educational programmes that bring exhibits to life for visitors of all ages. This role is one of many careers for ex-teachers that can provide a fulfilling alternative to the classroom.

• Skills Required: Presentation, curriculum design, storytelling.
• Benefits: Creative work environments and a diverse audience.
• Example roles: Museum education officer, heritage educator, or community programme coordinator.

FAQs on Alternative Careers for Teachers

1. What careers are available for teachers outside the classroom?
Teachers have valuable skills that are highly transferrable. Some popular options include corporate training, HR, social work, and museum education – these are just a few examples of jobs for ex-teachers that allow you to make an impact.

2. What are the best career changes for teachers seeking more work-life balance?
Roles like private tutoring, freelance writing, and student support services offer flexible hours and, often, more work-life balance than traditional classroom teaching.

3. How can I transition from teaching to a new career?
Focus on the skills you developed as a teacher: communication, organisation, problem-solving, and resilience. Many employers across various fields value these abilities and may offer employment opportunities for ex-teachers who possess them.

Got a question? Speak to our team

Conclusion

Transitioning from teaching to a new career can be both exciting and daunting. The skills you’ve developed as a teacher—communication, organisation, empathy, and resilience—are valuable across a wide range of professions. Whether you’re drawn to supporting students in a new way, helping adults grow in a corporate setting, or venturing into creative fields like writing and museum education, there are many careers for ex-teachers to explore.

Remember, a career change is a journey that takes time and self-reflection, so give yourself space to consider what’s most fulfilling for you. With numerous alternative employment opportunities for ex-teachers available, your teaching background could be the stepping stone to a rewarding new chapter.

If you’re ready to start your journey, explore our selection of online courses that are tailored to help you gain new skills and expand your career options. For further guidance, visit our website to see how we can support your transition. Your next adventure awaits!