Is it Time to Leave the Classroom? 7 Scenarios to Help You Decide

You’ve been given your letter of intent, and with an entire semester still ahead of you, it’s hard to know whether it’s truly the right time to leave the classroom.

As a former burnt-out teacher turned successful VA and teacher transition coach, trust me when I say: I get it.

The year before I officially left teaching, I remember receiving my intent form and seeing that the deadline to turn it back in was at the end of the week.

I had less than five days to make a life-changing decision and no backup plan to pay my bills. But in my gut, I knew it was time to start considering new career options.

I just didn’t know where to start.

So, how do you know if it’s time to resign or re-sign? I created a few scenarios to get you started. In each of these sections, choose the option that sounds most like you. Write down options 1 or 2 as you go through each scenario. We’ll tally them up at the end.

Scenario 1: Sunday Night

Option 1: Sunday nights are spent in a state of dread, anxiety, or even physical stress thinking about the upcoming work week.

Option 2: Sundays are a joy for you. You’re able to relax on your day off and look forward to the week ahead.

Scenario 2: Passion vs. Obligation

Option 1: You are passionate about teaching, but the guilt of leaving students whom you love deeply is the main reason you’re staying.

Option 2: You genuinely wake up excited and eager to go to work and teach your students.

Scenario 3: Work-Life Balance

Option 1: Teaching consumes your identity. You feel like you have no time or energy left for yourself or your loved ones at the end of the day.

Option 2: You’ve found ways to set boundaries and can make time for your people and your hobbies.

Scenario 4: Your Search History

Option 1: You’ve searched Google, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok for “Jobs after teaching” this year.

Option 2: The thought of leaving the classroom hasn’t crossed your mind.

Scenario 5: The Future Test

Option 1: The thought of teaching for the next 20-30 years isn’t even something you can wrap your brain around.

Option 2: You get so excited when thinking about the future of your school and career as a teacher.

Scenario 6: The Break Test

Option 1: You have a constant countdown going for your next break. It’s the only time you feel like you can actually rest and enjoy life.

Option 2: Breaks are just a plus of the job, but you still find yourself looking forward to returning to school after them.

Scenario 7: The Contract Feels

Option 1: You’ve been pushing off signing your contract for next year. The thought of committing puts you in a state of confusion and defeat.

Option 2: You don’t think twice about signing. You’d feel comfortable handing the contract in signed the very day you received it.

Take a moment to tally up your responses. Did you mainly choose option 1? If so, you may be leaning more toward resigning. You’re not a bad teacher or a bad person for feeling this way. I remind my Educators Exit students all of the time that wanting more for yourself is a beautiful thing.

Were you more drawn to option 2? That’s great! You are loving your time in the classroom and it shows. Keep showing up. Your students are lucky to have you.

Whether you’re looking to resign from school or re-sign your contract, being a Virtual Assistant is a great move. As a teacher, so many of your skills naturally transition to the job as a VA. And with a few months before summer, you have time to start building a successful VA side business!

I have tons of resources on my blog to help teachers decide whether or not being a VA is right for them. Here are a few of my favorite:

• 4 Things I’ve Learned Since Leaving the Classroom
• How She Makes $4,200 as a Part-Time Virtual Assistant
• 5 Reasons Teachers Make Perfect Virtual Assistants

Ready to map out your Exit Plan? DM “EXIT PLAN” on Instagram, and I’ll send you my FREE training to start building your side biz.