Think you’re starting from scratch? The truth might surprise you.

This week, I want to address something I hear from almost every teacher considering a career change: the belief that you have to “start over” from scratch.

It’s understandable - transitioning out of education can feel like you’re leaving behind years of experience.

This idea is not only misleading, but it’s also keeping you from moving forward.

Let’s explore why “starting over” is a myth and how you can leverage your skills to land roles that truly reflect your expertise.

The Myth of “Starting Over” in a New Career

Many teachers believe they’ll have to start at the bottom in a new career, losing years of experience, seniority, and credibility. It’s a belief that feels real. After all, the education world doesn’t always seem to align with corporate or non-profit sectors.

But here’s the truth:

You’re not starting from scratch.

This belief stems from how teachers are often viewed as “just teachers.” 

The skills you use every day in the classroom get boxed into an educational context, and society assumes that if you aren’t working in a school, your skills somehow disappear. 

Add in the emotional guilt tied to leaving a profession often seen as a selfless calling, and it’s easy to understand why this false belief is so pervasive.

The Impact of This Misbelief

Believing you’re starting at the bottom can be paralyzing. 

It keeps you stuck in overthinking mode, holding you back from pursuing roles you’re perfectly capable of doing.

Here’s how this belief shows up:

• You see a job posting that asks for "5 years of management experience." You’ve been managing classrooms, projects, and initiatives for 10 years, but you talk yourself out of applying because it wasn’t in the corporate world.

• You assume an entry-level job is your only option, so you go for roles that don’t challenge you and feel like a step backward.

• You hesitate to negotiate for a higher salary or better title because you think you have no leverage as someone “new” to the field.

Why This Belief is Flawed

The truth is simple:

Teaching is leadership. 

It’s project management. 

It’s communication, crisis management, and data analysis.

When you start recognizing these transferable skills, you stop seeing yourself as "just a teacher" and begin positioning yourself for roles that match your true experience level. 

Take this example from my own experience: 

A teacher I worked with recently transitioned into an operations role at a healthcare company. 

He thought he’d have to take an entry-level job, but after reframing his resume to highlight his project management skills and leadership experience, he landed a job with a 43% salary increase, without starting at the bottom. 

What changed? 

His mindset and the way he told his career story.

When you stop believing you need to start over, you can begin making strategic moves that reflect your experience and give you the growth you deserve.

Shifting Your Mindset From "Old" to "New"

Here’s your first step: 

Stop viewing your teaching experience as confined to the classroom. 

Think of everything you do and reframe it in corporate terms.

• Classroom Management =  Team Leadership.

• Curriculum Development = Project Management.

• Parent-Teacher Communication =  Stakeholder Management.

Do this for everything you’ve accomplished. 

Once you start seeing your work through this broader lens, you’ll be able to target jobs that truly reflect your capabilities.

Stop underestimating yourself and focus on roles that align with your actual skills and experience.

When you do this, new opportunities will open up.

You’ll apply for jobs that excite you, not ones you feel like you’re "settling" for.

You’ll stop accepting lower pay because you’ll recognize the value you bring.

And that’s when the real career transformation happens.

Onward! 

Chris