I am a 54 yr old teacher in a secondary school and have been for the last 30 years. I really, really do not want to do it any more. These days early retirement is not available as an option (without a nervous breakdown or a massive loss of pension entitlement!).

I have tried applying for other teaching posts, in the "change is as good as rest" idea but unfortunately as I do not want the promotion or extra management responsibility that is often the expectation of a teacher of my experience, (I have already been there and done that) I am now deemed to be too expensive to be an ordinary class teacher. With new initiatives every 5 minutes, Head Teachers also prefer newly qualified and/or younger staff as they are generally less expensive.

I would like to know what options I have in a change of career, new directions, find out what I really would like to do, anything to get back the spark for life that teaching in the state sector has beaten out of me.

How do I find out about these things, work out what I want to do? I feel I am in need of some help, coaching or counselling, or whatever, but do not know where to go, yet I still have much to offer.
Paul O 
 

The Career Guru says:

It’s an unfortunate fact that the later on you leave it in your career, the harder it is to make the break and try something new. Employers will tend to pigeon-hole you, but the best way to prove that you can apply your abilities elsewhere is to explain how the skills you have gained relate to their industry.

Our Transferrable skills article has some useful advice on how to take what you know and adapt it so it relates to a new career.

You ask in your question what options you have in a change in career. The answer is many - the job market is your oyster! All you have to do is prove to potential employers that you’re capable of completing the tasks laid out in their job description.

There are various assessment tests you can take and career coaches you can contact who will point you in the right direction, but it’s a good to have some rough plans in mind before you speak to them.

Teaching is undoubtedly one of the hardest professions there is and the experiences you will have gained over the last 30 years will be useful wherever you end up. Think about the parts of your job that you enjoy most and look to find a role that incorporates some of this.

If lesson planning was your thing then how about a career in market research? If you enjoyed getting creative when constructing end of term reports, then maybe there’s a career for you as a copywriter? If you got a buzz when organising school trips then is some kind of event management position the key to your career woes?

And then there is always the option of continuing within your industry, but taking a slightly different route such as becoming an OFSTED inspector, a private tutor or going to work for an examination board.

This is probably your last chance to get the career you want before retirement, so don’t jump into the first thing that comes your way. Age discrimination law means the doors are not closed wherever you want to do – if you need to take a course or two to widen your skill set, it will be well worth the time and money invested if it gets you the career you want.