The Show Notes
Does the fear of burning bridges or cutting ties with your current network prevent you pursuing the transition you need to make?
You’re not alone. Today’s guest is a former elementary school teacher and founder of Educators 2 Educators, Carrie Conover. She is a person who deeply valued the people she worked with on a daily basis in her school community. She knew the names of their kids and how they spent their free time. She is the type of person who wanted to hear how you were really doing that day.
The thought of having to say goodbye to this network of people hurt. Yet what she didn’t realize at the time was that it was never “goodbye”. Carrie has been blown away by how many times her paths have crossed with these important people in her network time and time again.
But if that same fear is holding you back, Carrie shares some very sage advice: people are not going to remember the day you got hired. They are going to remember the way you left. Carrie shares that it’s necessary to hold the people pleaser in you at bay and consider what you really want. You’re the only person in charge of that, so it’s your job to pursue that.
If you have invested in the relationships in your network, you’re going to be surprised how many people are happy for you when you make a jump. The most encouraging and rewarding experience is when all those relationships you’ve invested in over the years live on.
Find Out Why You’re Unhappy
Carrie shares with us that there are basically two types of people who are ready to make a transition from the classroom-those who are burnt out and need out and those who are who are happy and just crave more challenge. If you’re just craving more challenge, there’s a lot that’s possible. But if you fall into the burnt out, want out category, you need to take an inventory. Ask yourself:
- Is your discontent stirring from the classroom or something personal?
- How well do you handle constructive criticism?
- Are you able to keep and respect boundaries?
- Do you tend to take things too personally?
- Are you a self-starter? Or do you need direction to thrive?
The answers to these questions can help you determine if you are actually ready to take that next step!
How to Nurture Your Network Right Now
Even if you don’t know what possibilities you want to explore beyond the classroom, find ways to maximize the position you are in right now. What products do you love to use in the classroom? Take a picture of yourself using the tech and share it. Give that business feedback on social media or send them an email. Let them know why you love using their product and ask for an opportunity to be an ambassador for that product! Go to an ed-tech conference and make new connections. People who take the time to do this stand out!
So you’re ready for something new? That’s amazing! There are so many opportunities out there for you, but we’ve got some news. None of them will be served to you on a silver platter. Here are few things Carrie suggests you can do to take the next steps in your journey:
- Set aside time weekly in your day to network and search for opportunities
- Consider hiring someone to write or spruce up your resume
- Start tracking the data that will help you communicate the effect you have in your classroom.
- Become a member of Educators2Educators membership site
A Breakdown of This Episode:
[2:12] Learn about Carrie’s very untraditional route into education
[6:07] Hear Carrie describe the magic moments that made her fall in love with teaching
[10:15] Discover why Carrie’s path beyond the classroom choose her
[17:00] Learn what superpowers made all the difference in Carrie’s transition
[32:55] Carrie shares some practical tips for getting laser-focused in your transition
If you enjoyed this episode I invite you to take a screenshot and tag me on your Instagram stories @teachertransition and tell me your biggest takeaway!
Want to know what other work opportunities you might love beyond the classroom? Click here to get the FREE Top Jobs for Teachers download.
