"Is it actually still possible to leave teaching this year?"
You've likely been wondering that maybe while standing in the hallway under those buzzing flourescent lights or staring at your classroom walls wondering how you’re still here, I want you to know: I see you and I've got you.
Also, the answer:
Yes, teachers are landing corporate jobs left and right.
In the past few months. This summer. Last week.
Not 5 years ago.
Not before the job market changed.
This year.
"But Steph- I'm SO OVER IT. I'm running on steam with no direction", you say.
Listen.
I know you’re tired.
I know you’re angry.
I know you’ve done everything “right” and it still feels like you’re going in circles.
But here’s what I need you to hear today:
To speak colloquially, this aint over, baby. We're just getting started.
*Steph cracks her knuckles, getting ready to whip up something good.*
Why This Matters to You
It’s easy to lose hope when all you hear are crickets after hundreds of applications.
Or when you see job listings that ask for five years of experience for entry-level roles.
Or when people keep telling you to “just wait until next year.” (Um, no.)
You don’t want to wait. You’ve waited enough.
Reading real stories from teachers who left this year from people who were just as burned out, just as unsure, gives you something real to hold onto.
Not empty, rah-rah motivation. Proof.
That it’s happening.
That it’s possible.
That it can be you.
Common Solutions That Leave You Spinning
If you've done any of these, keep reading below:
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Sending out resume after resume, hoping something lands
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Sticking only to “safe” jobs that still feel like school
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Thinking you have to go back to school first
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Believing if it hasn’t worked by now, it never will
Pause. You deserve better than that.
A Better (and Realer) Way Out
Let me share what’s actually working from teachers who thought outside the box and left this year, in 2025.
They are proof that change is still on the table.
From Science Teacher to Environmental Scientist
“I was a 49-year-old teacher with no professional experience outside the classroom. I quit in April 2024 and took a minimum wage internship with California State Parks. It was humbling, but it worked. I’m now a full-time Environmental Scientist for the state. I’m making less now, but I have a future here. And I’m finally happy.”
From Teacher to Public Sector Professional
“I started a part-time job with my local government. They told me I could apply for full-time roles once I had some experience. That’s my plan. I finally feel like I have a path forward.”
From 17 Years in the Classroom to Banking
“I left in May 2025. No big meltdown, just knew I was done. I applied for a client services rep job at a global banking firm. I had to study and pass an entry exam, but I did it! I’ll work from home two days a week, and when I clock out, the work stays at work.”
From Teacher to Right-of-Way Work
“I’m three weeks into a job I love and I'm working in right-of-way. It’s a whole new industry, and I’m learning a lot. My advice: don’t be afraid to branch out. You’re qualified for more than you think.”
From Math Teacher to Future CPA
“I taught for 12+ years. Now I’m working at a public accounting firm in audit and studying for my CPA. I networked with a local group, won a scholarship, and got hired by one of the firms. Upskilling helped but so did putting myself out there.”
From Teacher to Public Safety
“I had certifications from earlier in my career and landed a role in public safety with a local town. I start right after the school year ends.”
TL;DR:
Let’s break it down... those cool cats I shared above:
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They’re being unapologetic and applying to jobs even if they feel underqualified
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They’re open to taking a short-term pay cut for long-term peace
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They’re networking locally (sometimes even winning scholarships!)
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They’re letting go of “perfect timing” and just starting. If they need to leave mid or late in the year, they do it
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They’re pivoting into roles that are "outside the box" of purely education
Your Next Steps
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Choose one story above that inspired you and save it.
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Find one job posting outside education that makes you curious. Apply, even if you’re not 100% sure.
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Remind yourself: This is YOUR time. You are doing the right things.
P.s.
When you’re ready, my (on-demand) Career Change Accelerator is built to help you get clear and get out. You don’t need more job boards. You need a flipping plan that works for you. Let’s do this.
That's all for this week.
Sending badass energy to you for the week ahead.
Steph Yesil
Find me on LinkedIn, Get My Career Change Kit, Book a 1:1 Call
