Let me just say that if you’re feeling that tug for something different, you’re not the only teacher experiencing it. I once felt that, too.
And I want to remind you not to feel guilty about it.
Wanting change doesn’t mean you’re giving up on your calling. We also need to evolve, grow, and give ourselves permission to explore new paths.
🧑🏫 A New Chapter After the Classroom
After years of teaching in 3 different corners of the world, from classrooms in the Philippines and lecture halls in Brunei to a private college in Sri Lanka and delivering ESL lessons virtually to various nationalities, I’ve come to understand that teaching doesn’t have to be a lifelong sentence in one role.
Before passing the licensure exam back home, I worked in the BPO industry as a customer service agent and subject matter expert. Today, while I still teach on weekends, my weekdays are filled with running a digital business that includes instructional design services, Pinterest marketing, content creation, and selling digital toolkits.
I’m sharing 18 of the best jobs for teachers who are ready for a change and these roles where your skills are highly valued and easily transferable. Good news because I’ve tried and tested most of these myself!
🧑🏫 The 18 Best Jobs for Former Teachers
1. Instructional Designer
The main task of this role is to design learning experiences for companies, schools, or online platforms. You’ll use your lesson planning and curriculum development skills to create engaging training materials, courses, or e-learning modules. This is a natural shift for teachers, plus, it’s flexible and in demand.
2. Curriculum Developer
You can work behind the scenes to design academic programs, textbooks, or learning pathways. You’ll collaborate with publishers, schools, or edtech companies. This role focuses on content structure and outcomes and it’s perfect for those who love planning and organizing lessons.
3. Corporate Trainer
You can facilitate workshops and training sessions for adults in corporate settings. Onboarding new employees or delivering leadership trainings are just two of what you can offer and your teaching background makes you an effective communicator and coach.
4. Academic Advisor or Student Success Coach
This role is ideal if you still enjoy helping learners, but you want to step away from daily teaching. You can support students in higher education settings by guiding them through course selection, career planning, and time management.
5. Pinterest Manager or Social Media Strategist
Use your creativity to manage Pinterest or social media accounts for bloggers, coaches, or brands. Teachers are already great at content planning and visual organization. This will make you a natural at designing pins, writing captions, and managing campaigns. (This is part of what I do in my own business.)
6. Customer Success or Support Specialist
If you’re empathetic, calm under pressure, and great at solving problems, this could be for you. Many edtech and SaaS companies hire former teachers to support their users. (My first job was in the BPO industry and I found my teacher skills very useful here.)
7. Online Course Creator
Turn your expertise into digital products. Whether it’s an academic subject, life skill, or hobby, you can create and sell self-paced courses on platforms like Teachable, Gumroad, or Podia. A great way to earn passively over time.
8. Virtual Assistant / Online Business Manager
You can also offer administrative, content creation, or customer support services for coaches, online course creators, or education companies. Teachers already have the multitasking and tech know-how to thrive in VA work. I was a virtual assistant and an online business manager for different entrepreneurs for almost 5 years!
9. Blogger / Content Writer
If you enjoy writing and educating through stories or how-to guides, blogging or freelance content writing could be a great fit. You can write for other brands or grow your own blog with potential to monetize through ads, affiliate links, or digital products. This is one of my favorite creative outlets, too.
10. EdTech Consultant or Onboarding Specialist
You can help schools or businesses integrate educational technologies like learning platforms, LMS systems, or productivity tools. You’ll train users and ensure smooth transitions. If you are a tech-savvy teacher, this one’s great for you!
11. Marketing or PR Assistant
You can Use your experience in school events, student engagement, and communication to work in PR or marketing. Tasks might include writing newsletters, creating content calendars, planning events, or running campaigns. I did this while working in Brunei as part of my administrative role.
12. Freelance Graphic Designer or Canva Template Creator
You can design templates, planners, or worksheets for other educators, business owners, or digital creators. If you love Canva and have a good eye for design, this can become a great income stream, especially on Etsy or your own shop. I have my own collection of freebies which I’ve made over the years and they’re on this blog.
13. ESL Teacher or Online Tutor
You can teach English or other subjects online, independently or through platforms. You set your own rates and hours, and it’s ideal if you want to keep teaching but with more flexibility. I was an ESL Teacher for Bzimates, Globish Academia, and Speaking Easily.
14. Community Manager or Online Moderator
Teachers are great at fostering safe, supportive learning spaces and that translates well to digital communities. You can manage Facebook groups, Discord communities, or forums by engaging members, organizing discussions, and enforcing guidelines.
15. HR or Learning & Development Roles
You can join the corporate world through HR departments, especially in learning and development. Your background in training, behavior management, and development planning makes you a great asset in designing employee growth pathways.
16. Educational Content Creator (YouTube, TikTok, or Reels)
If you enjoy teaching but want more creative freedom, becoming an educational content creator could be your next step. Teachers naturally know how to break down complex topics. Combine that with short-form video skills, and you could build a strong online presence or income stream.
17. Project Coordinator or Operations Assistant
Thanks to your ability to manage lesson plans, activities, and deadlines, you may thrive in project-based roles in NGOs, startups, or businesses! Your attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to juggle multiple tasks are highly transferable.
18. Freelance Workshop Facilitator or Life Skills Coach
Use your facilitation experience to host workshops for adults or teens on topics like time management, emotional regulation, study skills, or communication. You can partner with schools, NGOs, or offer them as online sessions through your own platform.
🧑🏫 How to Make the Shift
Transitioning from teaching to a new career doesn’t have to be abrupt or overwhelming. In fact, the most sustainable and less stressful path is to ease into it gradually. That’s exactly how I did it.
I didn’t leave the classroom overnight.
Here are a few practical steps that I can share with you to help you get started.
1. Start as a Side Hustle
Pick something that sparks your curiosity and begin it part-time. You can try freelancing, creating digital products, tutoring online, or managing social media, test the waters before diving in full-time. This gives you space to grow your skills without financial pressure. Mine was on tutoring online!
2. Take Free or Low-Cost Upskilling Courses
There are countless platforms like Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and YouTube offering practical training in everything from instructional design to virtual assistance. The goal isn’t to collect certificates. It’s to build confidence and capability in your new path.
3. Build a Portfolio or Case Study
Even if you haven’t landed clients yet, create sample work. Design a mock course, write blog posts, manage your own social media accounts, anything that demonstrates your skills. This helps you feel more prepared and gives others a reason to trust you.
4. Network in Online Communities
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn threads, or Slack communities where other former teachers or freelancers gather. Ask questions, observe how others made the leap, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
5. Embrace the Mindset Shift
You’re not turning your back on teaching. You’re taking everything you’ve learned and using it in new, exciting ways. The heart of teaching is still with you and these are guiding, creating, and helping others grow. You’re simply evolving and that’s something to be proud of.
🧑🏫 Encouragement from Someone Who’s Been There
If you’ve read this far, I want to remind you that you’re allowed to change.
Teaching gave you a strong foundation such as resilience, empathy, structure, communication and now, you have every right to build something new on top of that.
I know what it’s like to feel torn between the identity you’ve built as a teacher and the quiet longing for something different. I’ve walked that road, one small, uncertain step at a time. And if you’re ready to start walking yours, I’m here to support you.
You can explore my Teach with Confidence Toolkit and Instructional Designer Playbook for Newbies. I created these both to help teachers transition into new roles with clarity and confidence.
You’re not behind. You’re not too late. You’re simply beginning a new chapter and that’s something to be proud of!
Which of these career paths are you most curious about?
(We write our content in the hope of making you, our readers, feel a little more inspired in a time when you’re probably feeling low. We hope you feel a little lighter after visiting our site. Then, we know we’ve served our purpose.⭐)
🍀 Let’s Stay Connected
If this post resonated with you, let’s keep in touch. I share more on:
- ✈️ Travel, cozy cafes, food discoveries, and freelance life on Instagram and Facebook
- 🧠 Mindful productivity, instructional design, and digital business on LinkedIn
- 💻 Plus, I regularly share digital products and courses to support freelancers, educators, and startups on all three platforms.
Let’s connect. I’d love to learn about your journey too!
