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She Burned Out. 4 Months Later: Peace and a Pay Raise.

Yesterday, I shared Amanda’s story on LinkedIn - how she transitioned from being a burned-out SPED teacher to finding peace and fulfillment in a new career within four months.

Today, I’m sharing the details of her journey, highlighting the actionable steps she took that you can apply to your own path.

Step 1: Gaining Clarity and Confidence

Amanda’s first major turning point came when we sat down for her initial coaching session.

Teaching had been central to her identity for so long that she couldn’t see herself beyond the classroom.

Through guided conversations, we dug into her strengths, values, and the work that energized her most.

This process helped Amanda see that her skills had broad applications outside education and gave her the confidence to move forward.

This clarity allowed her to approach her job search with renewed energy and focus.

Taking time to reflect and gain this understanding can be a game changer if you’re struggling to know where to start.

Step 2: Reframing Her Story

Amanda’s resume and cover letter needed a shift.

Together, we worked on highlighting how her experience in teaching translated into sought-after skills like project management, team leadership, and adaptability.

The challenge was reframing her stories in a way that resonated with hiring managers in different industries.

We focused on examples of her taking initiative, managing complex tasks, and collaborating with various stakeholders.

By doing this, Amanda’s application materials started speaking directly to the needs of potential employers, setting her apart from other candidates.

Step 3: Building a Professional Network

Updating her LinkedIn profile was just the start.

Amanda learned that networking wasn’t just about making connections; it was about building genuine relationships.

With guidance, she reached out to former teachers who had transitioned successfully and professionals in roles she was interested in.

We discussed strategies for meaningful engagement, such as commenting on relevant posts, joining conversations, and reaching out to share insights and ask questions.

This strategic networking helped Amanda build a support system and opened doors to opportunities she wouldn’t have found through job boards alone.

Step 4: Preparing for Interviews

When interview invitations came in, Amanda was nervous.

We worked together to prepare in a way that didn’t add stress.

Amanda practiced sharing stories that aligned her teaching experiences with the skills required in her target roles.

For example, she talked about leading IEPs as project management and described working with diverse teams as strong communication skills.

To help her feel confident, we role-played common interview questions and prepared thoughtful questions for her to ask interviewers.

This preparation made Amanda feel more in control and capable of handling each interview with confidence.

Step 5: Thoughtful Follow-Up

After each interview, Amanda followed up with thank-you emails that went beyond generic appreciation.

We worked on crafting these messages to reiterate her enthusiasm and connect specific examples of her experience to what the company was looking for.

Amanda used the 'Proof-of- Potential' slide deck we teach, along with notes she took during interviews based on answers to targeted questions we prepared her to ask. This approach ensured mutual alignment and allowed her to effectively showcase her value.

Step 6: Navigating Job Offers

When offers started coming in, Amanda wanted to be sure she was making the right choice.

We reviewed them together, looking at salary, benefits, company culture, and long-term fit.

This was where Amanda’s newfound clarity helped the most.

She understood what she needed from her next role and felt confident negotiating for it.

By approaching negotiations with confidence and preparation, Amanda secured not just a better salary but a role that aligned with her personal and professional goals.

Amanda’s journey shows that with guidance, reflection, and strategic action, stepping out of the classroom and into a new career is within reach.

The key was in taking intentional, manageable steps, supported by a clear vision and the right help along the way.

Your next chapter doesn’t have to be daunting, and you don’t have to do it alone.

If you're serious about finding peace of mind and earning what you deserve, I'd encourage you to join the 16,000+ other educators in my course, The Exit Plan. I'll walk you step-by-step through:

  • Building confidence
  • Targeting roles effectively
  • Gaining career clarity
  • Creating resumes and cover letters
  • Interview preparation and follow-up
  • Job offer negotiation
  • And much, much more...

Take control of your career with The Exit Plan today.

Onward!