Forget Job Titles - Focus on Skills Instead

For years, I was fixated on becoming a VP of Sales.

I thought that title would be the pinnacle of my career and a symbol that I’d made it.

I put in the hours, made the sacrifices, and climbed the corporate ladder.

When I finally got there, the reality hit me hard.

The stress, constant travel, and relentless pressure to perform consumed me.

I burned out, resigned without a backup plan, and spent five months decompressing.

But old habits die hard.

After those months off, I slipped back into the same cycle.

I started chasing that VP title again, thinking maybe it would be different this time.

I got four offers and accepted one.

But something still didn’t sit right.

At the last minute, I realized I didn’t need a title to prove my worth.

What I needed was fulfillment.

So, I walked away and started two businesses of my own, focusing on the skills and passions I had neglected for so long.

And I've never been happier!

This week, let’s explore why chasing titles can hinder your job search and how focusing on your skills can lead you to the right role outside of education.

 

Why Job Titles Can Be Misleading

When you decide to leave education, it’s common to focus on job titles that match your experience like Instructional Designer or Project Manager.

It makes sense; we’re conditioned to believe a title defines our worth.

But in the corporate world, titles are often misleading.

They’re just labels that don’t always reflect what the role really involves or, more importantly, the value you bring.

Take one of my recent coaching clients, Emily, a middle school teacher who excelled at managing chaos.

She thought she wanted to be a Project Manager because she had managed countless school projects and events.

But after going through the machinations of exploring roles, applying and not hearing back, we took a different approach.

We focused on her core skills - communication, problem-solving, and people management.

We worked together to identify roles that valued those abilities, like Client Success Specialist and Operations Coordinator.

Within just a couple of weeks, she had interviews lined up, and just 1 month after her first interview, Emily landed a job in Customer Success - a job she hadn’t even considered before.

 

Why Skills Matter More

In the business world, employers care more about what you can do than the title you’ve held in previous roles.

They want to know if you can solve problems, help them achieve their goals, and bring value to their team and clients.

Think about it:

Your ability to communicate effectively, manage multiple priorities, and adapt quickly are all assets that transcend specific job titles.

 

Shift Your Perspective

If you’re stuck on titles, it’s time to change your approach.

Start by making a list of your core skills and accomplishments.

Think beyond your classroom experience.

Consider any extracurricular activities, committees, or volunteer work where you’ve demonstrated leadership, organization, or creativity.

Then, instead of searching for jobs by title, search by skills.

Use keywords like communication, management, or strategic planning.

You’ll be amazed at how many roles you qualify for that you might never have considered.

Remember:

You’re not just a teacher - you’re a communicator, a strategist, and an experienced leader.

The right role isn’t defined by a title -  it’s defined by how well it aligns with who you are and what fulfills you.

Onward!

- Chris

Ready to make a change?

Start by revamping your resume to highlight your skills.

Need some guidance?

Send me an email at Chris@EducatedExit.com and share what’s challenging you.

We’ll work together to make your skills shine and get you on the right path.