Leaving Teaching for Corporate, But Missing These 5 Key Aspects Within a Year

Unexpected twists in my career led me to the teaching profession, despite my original plans to pursue a different path.

In 2019, my career journey began as I obtained my CELTA certification on a part-time basis. It provided me the gateway into teaching English, which I soon transitioned from online ESL to a dedicated K-12 teaching role.

Almost immediately, I found joy in my work, but after immersion in ESL education and progressing to teach at a charter school for several years, I felt the strain of 'teacher burnout'. In parallel, I nurtured a passion for travel writing. This blend of tasks defined much of my 20s, but the exhaustion drove me to seek a hiatus from the educational field in 2024.

The allure of the corporate sphere beckoned, and I embraced office life for a spell of nine months. Despite enjoying many aspects of a large company, I yearned to return to teaching.

Witnessing Students' Growth is Invaluable

Finding the right school gives the opportunity to watch various groups of students evolve over the years. The longer I remain in one place, the deeper my integration into the school's community.

I am privileged to follow the journey of students as they grow and mature, even beyond their time in my classroom.

A Community at the Heart of Teaching

Educators are some of the most adaptable and gifted individuals. I relish engaging my creativity in cultivating a welcoming classroom environment.

Every school term allows me the joy of decorating my space and orchestrating community-building events that enhance my students' social and emotional development.

While I encountered some teamwork in the business world, the sense of creativity and community emphasis in education is unparalleled.

A Harmonious Work-Life Dynamic

My role as a caretaker has expanded over recent years, and the academic schedule perfectly aligns with my family commitments.

Coordinating with my children's activities and appointments is much more feasible due to the similar schedules, a synchronization that's typically absent in a typical 9-to-5 corporate structure.

Enjoying Multiple Breaks Throughout the Year

The debate around teacher pay is ongoing, as I firmly believe educators should receive compensation across all twelve months.

Thankfully, I belong to a school district that provides year-long salaries, granting peace of mind to enjoy summers without financial dread.

In addition to paid time off during major holidays, these benefits starkly contrast corporate America's common practice of offering minimal PTO.

Juggling Business and Full-Time Teaching

I'm energized by creative pursuits, managing to balance household duties, a full-time teaching role, and running a travel writing enterprise.

With experience, I've honed efficiency in lesson planning and administrative tasks, dedicating my non-teaching days to grow my business while maintaining my passion-driven project.

While education isn't universally appealing, and many systemic issues need addressing, for someone like me with particular skill sets, it's a rewarding venture I see myself continuing for years.