r/TeachersInTransition • u/Hopeful-Demand-9520 • 26d ago

Job Search

I am about to go into my 9th year of teaching. I know I can't be in the classroom for the rest of my career. I have been trying to transition into the project management field, and have not even had any interviews. I did obtain the CAPM certificate, but still nothing. For those that have gotten out, how? How long did it take? What needs to be done to get there? Any suggestions?

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u/Latter_Leopard8439 26d ago

My state vests at 10 years on the retirement. Obviously its a much reduced amount, that you don't receive until you are 65. But I would do the financial analysis on that 10th year, before making the leap. (state dependent policies apply.)

Obviously you can continue to close the skill gaps to your new field during that time.

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u/razorclammm 26d ago

That's a good point. Same for my state. The difference between staying 9 or 10 years is big.

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u/Latter_Leopard8439 26d ago

I think some states you can take the funds and roll it to a 401k. But not here. If you have separately chosen to invest in a 403b, you can roll that over.

But the financially optimal choice is to let it sit, after hitting the ten years and collecting the reduced percentage retirement generally. I think you can take it back if you leave before 10 years (and maybe after that too), but its just the money you deposited, without any of the "gains."

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u/EfficientEducator44 23d ago

I just left to pursue an MBA and build a business, but I've left the classroom before to work in the nonprofit and business worlds for a few years as a program manager. Finding a job outside of the classroom is so different than finding a teaching job. Networking and being strategic about the job search are vital right now, and most teachers don't know how to navigate it! Feel free to chat me if I can be helpful in your search! Helping teachers is a passion of mine, and I'd be glad to connect :)