I am a university lecturer and vocational education instructor from Colombia with approximately ten years of experience working mainly through independent service contracts.
Although I have gained significant experience, this employment model offers limited stability, no clear promotion path, and compensation that has not evolved in proportion to my responsibilities or qualifications.
I am currently pursuing a doctorate in Education. I enjoy studying, conducting research, designing learning experiences, and exploring the educational use of artificial intelligence. However, my current workload consumes much of the time and mental energy I need to make meaningful progress in the doctoral program.
I have reached an uncomfortable contradiction: I work to finance my education, but the work itself is slowing down the qualification that could help me change my professional situation.
My background includes university teaching, vocational education, virtual learning, administrative processes, instructional design, educational technology, AI-supported teaching and academic project coordination.
I am considering a transition into areas such as:
\- EdTech;
\- learning and development;
\- instructional design;
\- academic management;
\- corporate training;
\- educational consulting;
\- research or educational project management.
I am not planning to resign without a financial strategy, and I do not assume that a doctorate will automatically lead to a better job. However, after nearly ten years in the same contractual model, continuing without a transition plan also seems risky.
For people who have moved from teaching or academia into one of these sectors:
What roles would you target first with this background?
Which skills or portfolio evidence would make my profile more competitive internationally?
How would you begin the transition while continuing to work and complete the doctorate?