A Simple Guide To Step Into Your Purpose And Live The Life You Deserve
“Sunday scaries” aren’t just limited to Sundays anymore…
Every night, you dread the 5am alarm, sitting in traffic, and going to school, because you know how exhausted you’ll be by the time you make it home.
But you also LOVE the look on the kids’ faces when they discover how capable they truly are, overcome a challenge, or step into their potential.
So, you feel torn…
I get it – As a former 4th grade teacher and reading specialist, I’ve seen “the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
The good news is, there’s a simple career change where teachers can have it all: the difference-making impact of teaching with and the time and money freedom you’re craving.
I’ll tell you all about it next…
My Journey: From Burnt Out Teacher To Thriving Coach
Before becoming a certified coach, I worked as the reading specialist at my school and completed my administrative credential training. I was on track to be an Elementary School Principal.
At the time, it seemed like the only way to make more money, so that’s what I did. At work, we all called it the “Superintendent Track.”
I loved working with struggling students; I was blessed to see them come alive in the reading room. Witnessing them believe in themselves for the first time was priceless, and I felt honored to be a safe place for them in the school building.
On the other hand, it was tough.
I woke up at 5:30 every day, commuted an hour, and often didn’t return home until well after 5, or even later (depending on the mind-numbing traffic jams.)
No matter how hard I worked in my position, no matter how many lives I changed, my salary stayed the same.
Even though I had just gotten my administrator’s certificate, I knew that moving up the ladder would mean even more stress and take up even more of my time. As a principal, I would have to be at every PTA meeting, event, fair, and committee.
The weight of the school would be on my shoulders, and the salary wouldn’t even increase that much!
I felt drained, exhausted, and disillusioned, but I didn’t know what else to do…
Until a friend of mine invited me to join her at DreamBuilder LIVE.
That’s when I discovered my true calling: transformational life coaching.
Through Brave Thinking Institute’s Certification Program, I found alignment, growth, and a profound sense of purpose.
I left a career I loved for another one I love even more.
I love working with clients. I believe my life’s mission and purpose is to help people. When I am of service, I feel AMAZING! I’m so grateful for every soul I have had the privilege of serving.
This career change was also a fantastic financial move: since I became a certified coach in March 2018, I have generated 2 million dollars in income.
And if I was able to change careers successfully, so can you.
So let’s check in with your inner guidance and see if this is an opportunity that’s calling your name…
Signs it Might be Time to Leave The Classroom
Perhaps you saw yourself in my story, and you’re wondering if it’s time for a change.
But when you’re working 50 to 60 hours a week, serving on multiple committees, and using your spare time to grade papers, it can be hard to notice the red flags telling you that this is no longer what you truly want.
So here are the telltale signs that your soul is asking you for a change:
- Longing for More: Despite your unwavering dedication to teaching, a persistent sense of discontent lingers in your heart. You find yourself yearning for something more—something that speaks to the depths of your soul AND brings you the financial abundance you desire.
- Burnout: It’s no secret that teachers are overworked. There’s even a term for it: teacher burnout. In the United States, 44% of new teachers leave the profession within five years of entry (Ingersoll, Merrill, Stuckey, & Collins, 2018). The demands of the education system weigh heavily upon your shoulders, leaving you feeling drained physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You’ve lost your aliveness, and you wonder where your passion for teaching went.
- Desire for Impact: You find yourself craving a deeper sense of impact and fulfillment—one that extends beyond the confines of traditional education. You yearn to make a difference on a broader scale, guiding others towards transformation and empowerment.
- Seeking Freedom: Deep down you hate that your time feels like its no longer yours. You can’t be there to pick your daughter from school and you have to ask for permission when you need a day off. You dream of working on your own terms, and enjoying the freedom that comes with it.
But before you think just a new position is enough of a change and go searching for new jobs for teachers, I encourage you to dive a little deeper into yourself, and find your purpose instead…
Let’s explore if transformational life coaching is the right calling for you.
Why Teachers Make Great Coaches
If you do an online search for “best career change for teachers” you’re likely going to find career options like project managers, human resource, educational consultant, curriculum designer, or even corporate trainer.
Don’t be surprised if they don’t mention coaching.
After all, it’s not a traditional career path – so many sites don’t even consider it.
But I assure you, your teaching skills are a goldmine when it comes to becoming a life coach. There are many transferable skills from teaching, such as:
- Empathy and Compassion: Your years of experience working with diverse students have honed your capacity for empathy and deep understanding. You have developed the capacity to connect with the struggles of individuals from all walks of life, a skill that allows you to connect on a profound emotional level with your coaching clients.
- Effective Communication: Communication lies at the heart of both teaching and coaching. From articulating complex ideas to actively listening with empathy, fostering meaningful connections is key. Your teaching experience will help you bring this skill set to your coaching clients – facilitating transformative dialogue that nurtures growth and self-discovery.
- Instructional Design: Curriculum development and crafting engaging lessons require a keen understanding of individual learning styles and needs. Similarly, as a coach, you’ll draw upon this expertise to design personalized sessions that resonate with your clients, guiding them towards their goals with clarity and intention.
- Time Management: In the busy world of education, balancing multiple responsibilities is essential. This skill will serve you well when stepping into the entrepreneurial world, where managing client sessions and administrative tasks is paramount.
- Adaptability: There’s never a dull moment in the classroom, is there? Thriving in such a dynamic environment has granted you a remarkable capacity for adaptability. So whether you’re faced with unexpected challenges or diverse coaching scenarios, you possess the flexibility and resilience to navigate the situation with grace.
Now that you know you have what it takes to succeed, let’s look at the life-changing transformation that comes with this journey…
Embracing Fulfillment and Abundance In Your New Career
Becoming a transformational coach is a decision that can completely transform your life. I know it was that way for me!
So what can you expect after switching careers?
- Alignment with Your Purpose: As a teacher, one of the most rewarding feelings is watching someone step into their potential – and that’s exactly what coaching is about! Guiding others towards their dreams ignites a profound sense of fulfillment.
- Financial Abundance: There’s no glass ceiling in coaching! Unlike the rigid salary structures of traditional education, coaching offers boundless opportunities for prosperity. The earning potential as a coach is limitless!
- Freedom and Flexibility: This is one of my favorite changes from my old life… I got to say goodbye to the rigid school schedules. As a coach, you live on your terms and design your work to fit your life – not the other way around. Work-life balance is not just a possibility, but a reality.
- Profound Impact: There’s nothing like seeing the face of your client light up with an “a-ha” moment, or witnessing the lives of your clients transform in real time. Each session becomes the catalyst for a breakthrough, as your guidance sparks a ripple effect of positive change that goes beyond the person in front of you.
- Being Your Own Boss: When you step into coaching, you also become an entrepreneur. This means you call all the shots, and have complete free rein to build your business as you wish. I’ve found that this is one of the most rewarding experiences for personal growth… and not having to ask for permission for a day off feels great!
There’s no denying it – transformational coaching is a deeply fulfilling career.
If you’re wondering how you can transition from teaching to coaching, I’ll share with you the best five steps you can take starting right now…
Best First Steps to Make the Leap
Ready to embark on this rewarding journey towards coaching? Here are the best first steps to take:
1. Reflect on Your Calling
Take a pause to delve deep into your soul. Think about what you truly want in life. Reflect on your passions, values, and aspirations, to find out whether coaching resonates with your deepest desires. Ask yourself “What brings me joy and fulfillment?” and be open to the answer.
2. Seek Guidance and Training
Take it from me, investing in the right training is a HUGE game changer!
I highly encourage you to seek guidance and life coach training from reputable coaching certification programs that have a proven record of empowering students with the tools to succeed in both the coaching AND the business side of it. This is the fastest shortcut to succeeding as a coach.
3. Build Your Brand and Unleash Your Unique Essence
Reflect on your expertise, values, and the gifts you bring to the coaching arena. This will help you define your niche, articulate your value proposition, and create compelling messaging that resonates with your ideal clients.
4. Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
Forge connections within the coaching community – attend workshops, seminars, and networking events to expand your circle. This will allow you to cultivate meaningful relationships and nurture a supportive ecosystem of growth and collaboration… increasing your chances of opportunities such as speaking engagements, or referrals.
5. Take Inspired Action
After getting training, networking, and reflecting on who you want to serve, the last step is of course… going for it!
Trust in the divine timing of your journey and take inspired action towards your coaching goals. Schedule time in your calendar to dedicate to your new career. Remember, progress beats perfection. Take one step at a time and when you realize it, you’ll be far along the way.
Your Journey as a Successful Coach Starts Here
If you feel that you need some help in figuring out whether life coaching is the right next step, or to kickstart your journey, I have a gift for you:
[Free download] “Are You Meant To Be A Life Coach?” ebook
This is a practical guide that will help you get clarity on your soul purpose and empower you with a proven path to step into this rewarding and lucrative career, if you so desire.
Start embracing your calling and manifesting your dreams…
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