Career Shift: Lessons from a Failed Transition to Teaching

At the age of 27, Justine Tello made a significant career change, leaving her position at a public relations agency to become a high school English teacher. This decision, motivated by a desire for a more meaningful role, ultimately led to a series of regrets and lessons learned about intentional career planning.

In July 2024, after five years in PR, Tello felt disillusioned and decided to take on a teaching role that came with a nearly 36% pay cut. Initially, she was drawn to the idea of positively impacting students’ lives, but the reality of the job proved overwhelming. After just one semester, Tello left teaching, having realized that her new career did not align with her long-term goals.

Reflecting on Career Choices

While Tello enjoyed aspects of teaching, such as connecting with students and developing new skills, she recognized that her decision lacked a strategic foundation. She accepted the teaching position not out of passion, but rather as an escape from dissatisfaction in her previous role. Tello’s experience highlights the importance of aligning professional choices with personal values and long-term aspirations.

Upon reflection, Tello identified three critical mistakes that contributed to her unsatisfactory career transition. The first was dwelling on past workplace problems. In her final year at the PR agency, Tello became increasingly discouraged by smaller issues, including a delayed promotion and a challenging relationship with a supervisor. Despite the agency’s efforts to address these concerns, her negative attitude persisted, clouding her judgment.

Lessons Learned from Discontent

The second mistake involved running away from discontent rather than addressing it. Tello felt burned out after years of remote work, longing for in-person interactions. This desire drove her to pursue a teaching role without fully considering whether it was the right fit. She admits that she applied for the position based on a family recommendation rather than a genuine passion for education.

If Tello could revisit that time, she would encourage herself to reframe her perspective on her PR job and approach it with a renewed attitude. Understanding that every role can have a meaningful impact is vital for personal growth. Instead of fleeing, she acknowledges the need to establish clear career goals aligned with her values.

Lastly, Tello recognized that she pursued a new “calling” without a solid career plan. While she felt drawn to teaching, she neglected to consider how it fit into her overall career trajectory. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality when changing careers and suggests that individuals should develop a comprehensive plan before making significant shifts. This includes listing skills and interests, researching potential job alignments, and seeking relevant experiences.

Ultimately, Tello’s experience in teaching was marked by long hours, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of isolation. Although she faced challenges, she remains grateful for the lessons learned and the relationships formed with students and colleagues. The process allowed her to better understand herself and the adjustments needed for future success.

In conclusion, Tello’s journey serves as a reminder that career transitions should be approached with careful consideration and intentional planning. Every setback can be a stepping stone for growth, and recognizing the importance of aligning work with personal values is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success.