A Big Career Change

2010-03-22 - Jon Ford

In recent times there has been a spectacular increase in the numbers of those looking to change careers and enter the teaching profession. While the global economic downturn has undoubtedly played a part in this, as people seek work with more long-term security, there can be no doubt that a career in education offers a level of job satisfaction rivalled by few other industries.

Anyone considering leaving their current employment to become a teacher should consider the range of options available, and the kind of qualifications and training they will need. This will vary depending on the age of the students they wish to teach, for example at primary school, high school, college or university level. Anyone aiming to teach at high school level or above will also usually be expected to specialize in a particular subject area. The training required for such qualifications is a serious undertaking and can normally take at least one year to complete.

That being said, those who have made the decision to switch careers often find that skills and experiences learned in the workplace can serve them well in the classroom. Communication is of paramount importance in the teaching profession, as well as the ability to rise to new challenges on a daily basis. Those who enter teaching from other industries can draw on their background and experience to help them become effective educators and impart their hard-earned wisdom to their students.

As teaching becomes a more competitive industry it has become better remunerated, and many of those entering the profession from other sectors are surprised that their salaries do not suffer as much as expected. In addition, teaching offers opportunities for career progression that are unrivalled in almost any other industry, with good opportunities to progress rapidly to senior management. Teachers also typically enjoy a more generous holiday allowance than other workers. Although they must work very hard during term time, most teachers would admit that the kind of lifestyle allowed by longer holidays is one of the major bonuses of their profession.

Job satisfaction, however, remains the most overriding and compelling reason for people to change careers to teaching. This satisfaction comes from helping each student to unlock and achieve their potential, and enabling them to learn and understand new skills and concepts. While it can undoubtedly be a challenging profession, it is highly unlikely that any other career can offer the same level of fulfillment as a career in teaching.