Just Winging It

I was a teacher for 10 years before I finally hit my breaking point. Burnout had been creeping in for those last three years, but I didn’t fully grasp how much the stress was affecting me until I was officially out. I had gained 83 pounds and my mental health had hit rock bottom. Suicidal ideation became a constant presence. I was already on Zoloft, but it had stopped working, and I ended up needing additional medications, just temporarily, to help pull me out of that deep, dark place. Depression still lingers from time to time, but now I know: it does pass.

Before making the leap, I followed a teaching-transition subreddit to see how others in my situation handled the change and what their outcomes looked like. What could I possibly be good at? Who would want a teacher that only knew teacher things? I had a Masters degree, but it was focused on education. I didn’t know, or let me be clear, I didn’t think I knew anything outside of teaching. I gaslit myself. I was scared. I don’t like change, but I knew deep down that I needed a change. I applied for an executive assistant position “just to put it out there” and let whatever happen, happen. If it was meant to be, then it would be.

I’m going to be honest, I had no idea who I was interviewing with, and in hindsight, that turned out to be a blessing. I didn’t prep. I didn’t study. I just showed up as myself and answered everything honestly. I winged it. They said they’d call within a week or two. Once I left the interview, I called my mom and sister and they cut me off to ask, “Do you not realize who interviewed you?” I was flabbergasted to find out it was the CEO. Cue instant panicked. What did I say? Did I sound dumb? Holy cow, the CEO took the time to interview a teacher! It was a rough few minutes for me to process, but again, I said if it’s meant to be, it will be. I went back to work the next day feeling unsure, but glad I did something out of my comfort zone. As I was leaving the building, I got a call in my car. I got the job. To this day, I still feel sorry for the recruiter who had to hear me scream, hyperventilate, and half-cry through the phone.

Honestly, leaving teaching was the best decision I’ve ever made. That said, I panicked and questioned every single decision for about a month. It didn’t take long before I realized something important: in my new career, I was truly treated like a professional.

So, if you’re a teacher out there wondering whether it’s time to make the jump, if it’s already on your mind, then it probably is. Yes, you will absolutely miss the kids. I didn’t leave because of them. I left because of a lot of issues with the education system that just weren’t working for me. I’ve lost all that weight and my mental health is better than before. It’s hard to believe I let the education system wear me down for so long. I try to tell my former coworkers that it is better. Oh how I wish they could see the difference in how I’m treated now. Ultimately, they have to be ready to make that change for themselves.