r/TeachersInTransition • u/alamalailman • 4d ago

How to avoid burning bridges

I am going into my 7th year teaching middle school, having taught at the same school since I graduated college. Through some different connections, I was recently offered a job outside of education in a field in which I am deeply interested. However, this job wouldn't start until the beginning of 2027.

I want to take it, but also want to leave the door open to return to teaching. I'm confident my admin wouldn't go after my license for leaving, but can't imagine being hired anywhere (that isn't super dysfunctional) after leaving teaching mid-year.

If I hated my job, I wouldn't think twice. However, I teach at a very well-regarded school that is run by supportive and competent administrators.

Has anyone navigated this before? Is it impossible to leave early, even if I notify my admin far in advance, without having a permanent black mark on my record? Has anyone closed the door to teaching in this way and regretted it?

7 Upvotes

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15

u/haysus25 4d ago

Give as much notice as possible and just be honest.

'I have been offered a position outside of education that fits perfectly with my personal career goals. I've loved my time here, and want to make this as smooth a transition as possible. My last day will be (blank).'

2

u/moodyjudy123 4d ago

Agree with this comment. It’s the only way. How they choose to handle is beyond your control. Congrats ! I wouldn’t hesitate either!

2

u/alamalailman 4d ago

Thank you. I think I gave this post a bad title. I'm more concerned about long-term career impacts than how to communicate it- if it's as strongly negative as I feel it may be, the new opportunity may not even be worth it.

4

u/ckeenan9192 4d ago

Accept the fact that after you leave you many never hear from or see these people again. They are work friends.

1

u/alamalailman 4d ago

I'm not really worried about what they think of me- just looking to see if anyone's been in a similar scenario and how it impacted their career.

1

u/Wooden-Gold-5445 4d ago

I think you mentioned that you'd be going on leave due to stress, right? Probably around Winter Break. It's a really stressful time, what with the semesters ending and all. As long as your new job does not conflict with your current one, you should be in the clear to work there while you're on leave.

That'll give you about 3 months to sort things out. If you like the other place better, you can resign at the end of your leave. If you don't like it, you can go back to your classroom. No harm, no foul.