Why Smart Teachers Stay Trapped in Career Confusion
- lauralitwiller
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
And a simple solution: help from other people!
The "Figure it out alone" Myth
There's a myth that's been keeping you trapped in your career confusion for way too long. It whispers (in a not-so-nice tone):
"You should be able to figure this out on your own. You're smart. You're capable. Just try harder."
The logic seems sound—it's your career, so it's your problem to solve.
So you try your best. You lie awake making mental pros and cons lists. You research jobs for teachers leaving education until your eyes blur. You take every career quiz on the internet.
And yet...you're still stuck.
It's not because you're not smart enough or aren't trying hard enough.
It's because when you go it alone, you're working with limited resources: recycled thoughts, a narrow knowledge of what's out there, and fears that feel enormous in isolation.
It's like trying to make dinner with one hand tied behind your back—technically possible, but unnecessarily difficult and frustrating. That second hand sure does a lot!
Why Other People Are Essential to Your Career Transition
Other people aren't just a "nice to have" in your career transition—they're your second hand! 🙌
Here's what they bring to your career exploration to make it easier and more successful.
New possibilities you'd never find alone.
That friend who casually mentions her sister's cool job in logistics? That's a door opening to something you didn't even know existed.
Fresh eyes on your stale thoughts.
You've been asking "Should I quit teaching?" or "What else could I do besides teach?" for months, maybe years. Others can see your situation from angles you've completely missed —like how you're basically a project manager, therapist, and entertainer all rolled into one.
Your hidden strengths revealed.
You dismiss things that come naturally to you ("Isn't everyone good at this?"). Spoiler alert: No, they're not! Others notice these invisible superpowers and help you see your full potential.
Energy and momentum.
Career transitions are hard work and require sustained energy and hope. Other people provide the motivation and accountability that keep you moving forward instead of getting stuck in analysis paralysis.
Clare's Story: How One Conversation Changed Everything
Clare taught for 12 years and felt completely stuck. She'd never done anything else and couldn't imagine what came next, but she knew she wanted a change.
At dinner with friends, she opened up: "I'm ready to leave teaching, but I have no idea what to do."
She asked simple questions: What do you love about your work? Who do you know doing something they enjoy? What kinds of work do you think would fit me?
One friend mentioned her sister's job at a transportation logistics company. Clare was intrigued—she loved organizing and managing details (hello, teacher skills!).
That casual mention led to an introduction. The introduction led to a conversation. The conversation led to learning about a job opening. The job opening led to an interview.
Clare got the job.
One dinner conversation. One friend willing to make a connection. Career changed.
(Btw: After a brief initial dip in pay, Clare now makes more than she did teaching.) Chef's kiss 👨🍳💋)
How to Bring Other People Into Your Process
Stop trying to figure out your career on your own.
Instead do this:
Ask people who know you well what they see as your strengths
Have real conversations with people about their work (what do they actually do all day?!)
Request introductions to people doing work that interests you
Ask others to help you brainstorm new career ideas
Share your ideas, goals, questions, and frustrations
Listen to new perspectives (even the weird ones—sometimes they're gold)
Keep the people you care about posted about where you're at in your process
Work 1:1 with a career coach (Maybe it's me! 👋)
Join a group of teachers going through the same thing (Check out Teachers at a Crossroads!)
The Bottom Line: Talk to People!
If I could only give you one piece of advice about your career exploration, this is it: TALK. TO. PEOPLE.
Not venting about how much teaching sucks (though you need that too). Real conversations about what's possible for your future.
The teachers who make successful career transitions aren't the ones who think harder—they're the ones who stop trying to navigate with one hand tied behind their back and start using all the resources available to them.
If you're ready to stop going it alone and want structured support for your teacher career change, my Teachers at a Crossroads course provides exactly the kind of community and guidance that makes career transitions not just possible, but successful and enjoyable.
Your career change doesn't have to be a solo journey. And honestly? It shouldn't be.
I'm Laura, a Career Clarity Coach for Teachers feeling stuck.
I help you explore career possibilities beyond the classroom so that you can make a confident choice about what's right for you, based on your strengths, values, personality, and what you want most for your life.
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