3 answers
Samantha
Student
1
Question
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What is the best way to get started in a career change after 18 years in Early Childhodlod Education?
I'm really open to any type of jobs just not sure where to start and how I'll know if I will like it. Plus all my work experience is in that field. I am going back to school to get my degree in Human Services but not even sure if that is what I want to go back for.
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3 answers
Haylie Lehtovaara Troiano, SHRM-SCP, CCMP
Organizational Change Management Lead
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Haylie’s Answer
Hi Samantha,
Consider exploring a career in education consulting or management consulting within the education sector. This path allows you to use your education expertise in a new setting. While career changes can be challenging, they are achievable. Begin by identifying your goals, then join professional organizations to network with people in your desired field. Connecting with those already doing the work you're interested in is a great first step.
Consider exploring a career in education consulting or management consulting within the education sector. This path allows you to use your education expertise in a new setting. While career changes can be challenging, they are achievable. Begin by identifying your goals, then join professional organizations to network with people in your desired field. Connecting with those already doing the work you're interested in is a great first step.
Damien Phillippi
Software Developer / Architect
4
Answers
Cleveland, Ohio
Updated
Damien’s Answer
Haylie's suggestion is a great way to take a small step forward without much risk, especially if you can find a position. It allows you to use your current experience, so all the knowledge and skills you've gained won't go to waste.
You could also consider entry-level consulting. Your teaching experience can help you develop skills useful in consulting, and I've seen former teachers succeed in this field.
Do you have any other passions you've always wanted to explore? My wife taught for 10 years but always had a strong interest in medicine. She decided to take a break from teaching this year and is now studying to become a nurse.
You could also consider entry-level consulting. Your teaching experience can help you develop skills useful in consulting, and I've seen former teachers succeed in this field.
Do you have any other passions you've always wanted to explore? My wife taught for 10 years but always had a strong interest in medicine. She decided to take a break from teaching this year and is now studying to become a nurse.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Samantha !
The best way to transition out of one career into a different one is to be sure that you know which career you want to transition to. You are going to have to like whatever you transition to, so now is the time to explore various subjects and get a bit more life experience, more social connections and read about different careers which will help you greatly in choosing something new. You'll need to keep your current career until you are sure of what you want to do.
A good way to explore this would be to take some random, website based and hopefully free online courses. Choose subjects that you already have a skill set for and ones you think you'd like. There is really no way to feasibly invest money or time at college if you do not have a specific career that you want. You will need to know because it will determine what you would major in. I could better advise you if you mentioned what your career is now and what degree you have already. Careers are not chosen like other things. Perhaps you can work in the same field but apply to other places. Maybe it's a new environment that you need.
Another way to explore careers would be to do volunteer work in a field that is not the current one you are working in. You shouldn't choose a career from a list of careers people suggest because you'll be happier with your choice if you give this some time instead of asking for a quick elusive answer. It goes without saying that you have to try things to know if you'd like them and volunteer work is a good way to possibly discover what you might like. Then explore that further.
It's going to be difficult picking a major without the passion and certainty about the career. College is expensive and since I don't know what your degree is or what it is in, I would advise that you also explore what careers would be good for the degree you already have. I just would never advise anyone to foot the expense of college until they are sure of a career goal.
If I knew what city or town you lived in, I would refer you to some Employment Services Agencies for assistance with this. Employment Services are offered through federal, state and local programs as well as some community service organizations.
So my advice is to keep your current job till you find the same kind of job somewhere else to see if a change in environment helps. Do volunteer work at various places and take free online classes in various subjects. Hold off enrolling in college until you are 100% certain of the career you want.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The best way to transition out of one career into a different one is to be sure that you know which career you want to transition to. You are going to have to like whatever you transition to, so now is the time to explore various subjects and get a bit more life experience, more social connections and read about different careers which will help you greatly in choosing something new. You'll need to keep your current career until you are sure of what you want to do.
A good way to explore this would be to take some random, website based and hopefully free online courses. Choose subjects that you already have a skill set for and ones you think you'd like. There is really no way to feasibly invest money or time at college if you do not have a specific career that you want. You will need to know because it will determine what you would major in. I could better advise you if you mentioned what your career is now and what degree you have already. Careers are not chosen like other things. Perhaps you can work in the same field but apply to other places. Maybe it's a new environment that you need.
Another way to explore careers would be to do volunteer work in a field that is not the current one you are working in. You shouldn't choose a career from a list of careers people suggest because you'll be happier with your choice if you give this some time instead of asking for a quick elusive answer. It goes without saying that you have to try things to know if you'd like them and volunteer work is a good way to possibly discover what you might like. Then explore that further.
It's going to be difficult picking a major without the passion and certainty about the career. College is expensive and since I don't know what your degree is or what it is in, I would advise that you also explore what careers would be good for the degree you already have. I just would never advise anyone to foot the expense of college until they are sure of a career goal.
If I knew what city or town you lived in, I would refer you to some Employment Services Agencies for assistance with this. Employment Services are offered through federal, state and local programs as well as some community service organizations.
So my advice is to keep your current job till you find the same kind of job somewhere else to see if a change in environment helps. Do volunteer work at various places and take free online classes in various subjects. Hold off enrolling in college until you are 100% certain of the career you want.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you, this is really helpful. My current degree is in Early Childhood and I have been working in daycare for the last 18 years. What kind of places offer volunteer work that you have had experience with?
Samantha
You are welcome. A good transitional field from working in child day care would be social or community services. Do a search online for all of the social and community service organizations and start visiting them to offer volunteer work. Not sure what your location is, but I am sure you can find some organizations to volunteer at. Have a wonderful day, Samantha !
Michelle M.