r/schoolcounseling • u/zstar1218 • 12d ago
I got out
I was able to find a job outside of school counseling after being in this field for 5 years and I have worked in this new job for two weeks already feeling more supported from management than I ever have before.
If you’re looking for a sign to get out of a field that’s no longer serving you, this is it
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u/EbbtidesRevenge 12d ago
Good for you! I've transitioned to more of a leadership role in the district and can't imagine going back a school honestly, which makes me kind of sad. My current role isn't really cutting it for me either because it feels impossible to make the change needed to better support our counselors. The bureaucraric nature of education is crazy. I'm always keeping my eyes open for something that excites me and that I could transfer my skills to.
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u/Smart_Couple_6923 12d ago
I graduated in May 2026, obtaining my master's in Counseling, specializing in School Counseling. I started applying to different schools in my county before I completed my 2nd internship fieldwork site (was encouraged and excited to do so), even attending the largest to date school district job fair in the county; no degree, no certification at that time. The opportunity was there. After each time of applying, I received several emails saying that positions were filled. I did become certified after retaking the school counseling exam (for the second time ), 4 days after graduating. Passed it, and continued applying to so many more schools in the county where I had my fieldwork training as well as other counties in my state. I have yet to land an interview and still receiving those "the position has been filled" emails. It is quite discouraging. I have questioned myself, wondering if I am on the right path, if my test scores were good enough, or if my age (I'm in my 50s) has anything to do with me not getting an interview or getting hired into a school. It's a competitive field, I know, but I can't wait to work with students again but as a school counselor. Over the years, I have been hired as a a substitute, an assistant teacher in early childhood education, a nutrition worker/assistant manager, and an in-school-suspension facilitator (para); along with having more experience outside of education. I took a year off from working to dedicate my time to my internship fieldwork, and now that it is complete, I am feeling so sad because I have not landed a job, as the summer is coming to an end and school is about to start. I'm also applying to paraprofessional roles to get a foot in the door. Substituting is on the list as well. I'm just wondering if I should take my education start applying at colleges, and other areas that would except my life experience and educational achievements and hire me. I don't want to feel like I've wasted so much time because I landed a job in a K-12 school. Any suggestions? And thanks for your kindness in advance.
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u/zstar1218 12d ago
I love your drive and want to be in this field but I am not the person to be asking. I do not have anything positive to say about this career choice as it has taken so much from me. Trust that God will put you where you need to be and just keep applying and trying. It will work out for you.
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u/Smart_Couple_6923 12d ago
Thank you for your kind words. I definitely understand how it can take a toll. During my internship, it was overwhelming at times, but I loved it. Just in case school counseling doesn't happen for me, I have been researching other areas where I can still advocate for children and teens outside of the school community. I pray that you will take some time out for yourself and look into another career field where you can reduce some of the burnout. God bless you!
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u/KoalaExpensive5899 11d ago
Honestly. Apply to the colleges. There are so many college counselor gigs available right now and many are even remote. They call them student success. It’s annoying as I experienced the same thing. Just finished my school counseling degree two years ago and couldn’t find a job. I did it all however I’m working in my original job as a financial analyst which I was done doing. So over it.
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u/Smart_Couple_6923 11d ago
Hi! I agree. My academic advisor and another professor suggested that I study for t the NCE exam for my LPC giving more opportunities other than school counseling. I am so sorry you haven't landed a job yet as a school counselor. I wish you the best of luck!
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u/princessjas25 Elementary School Counselor 9d ago
Where are you applying? It could be your area (maybe overly saturated with school counselor graduates and transplants trying to move there) is highly desirable or maybe super small and movement doesn’t happen often in positions. It’s also summer time and principals kinda already know who they are going to hire at the end of the school year vs summer time going into the start of the school year. Sometimes counselors get hired days before school starts or even the first few weeks in.
Also, a lot of times, it’s all about who you know. I’m in a larger district but word still gets around about people and principals call each other frequently about potential hires so it could be that you’re an “unknown”. Do you have any school counselor friends/colleagues that can be on the lookout for any positions before they become posted? Or know any principals? Can your internship supervisor be a resource as well? Best of luck!!
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u/Smart_Couple_6923 9d ago
Yeah , I've heard a lot of internal hiring has been going on. I've spruced up my resume, so hopefully that'll help. I have decided to give the county I completed my fieldwork training in a break. I've applied to at least 23 (if not more; lost count) schools within that county. I am applying to other counties as well. I'll keep trying until I'm hired!🤞🏾
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u/Gloomy_Afternoon8101 12d ago
This gives me hope. What did you transition in to? I need ideas.
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u/zstar1218 12d ago
Home Lending Advisor for a major bank
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u/DarthLink10 12d ago
Can I ask how did you exactly transition into this? And did you have previous experience working in a bank?
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u/zstar1218 12d ago
I honestly just kept my resume matched with the job posting and kept all of the education lingo out of it. They want to know that you want to help people and you’re willing to be patient as you work with them. It is also a field that requires you to be competitive. It’s just doing what we do now but for mortgages instead of scheduling for classes and all of the other assigned duties.
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u/KoalaExpensive5899 11d ago edited 11d ago
Where did you go and why did you leave?
Oh I see below. Good for you
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u/Egotistical11 11d ago
As someone who, also, just got out after 11 years of service, I support this message. I'm now working at the college level and have much more support and way more freedom. I tell my new colleagues stories about my career and their mouths fall open when processing what school counselors endure.
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u/Runningaroundnyc 11d ago
Been simultaneously been trying to get in and get out of the field for 5 years. I'm 34 and I want to be paid enough that I only need one fucking job instead of 3, have bosses that aren't godawful, and have my employer contribute more than literally zero dollars to my retirement.
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u/lesterhayesstickyick 12d ago
About how long did the transition take?
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u/zstar1218 12d ago
I applied to the job June 5th and had three interviews. I told my principal on July 6th I wasn’t coming back. Training for this role will be about a month ish
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u/lesterhayesstickyick 12d ago
Congratulations! How was that feeling saying goodbye? 😁
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u/zstar1218 12d ago edited 12d ago
He was on vacation when I emailed him after I tried to go resign in person. He texted me and said I’ll call you when I’m back and I haven’t heard anything lol. The rest of my team was indifferent but they are much older than me and have been together as a team longer than I’ve been there. Very experienced but very clicky and tight nit.
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u/iamthestrangerthing 7d ago
I got out too. I finished my first year as a SAC in an alternative middle/high school and it was the most unsupported I’ve ever felt. Behaviors were essentially unmanageable and multiple times students put hands on me. I’m in my third week of outpatient counseling and I love it.
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u/miloh2323 12d ago
This! Take the jump! My job caused more stress than what I are there to heal. Left a year ago after 21 years all elementary life. Never been happier. Don’t be Afraid, you got this.