Self Employment as an Alternative Career to Teaching

          Many teachers today are looking for jobs other than teaching.  Though their reasons for seeking a different career are varied, one thing all of these teachers have in common is competing in the tough job market everyone is facing.  Compounding this problem is the false belief many educators have that a person who is trained as a classroom teacher has limited career options.  This assumption not only holds teachers back from considering some of the limited jobs available, but keeps them from seeing how they can use the skills they developed to start a business of their own.

          Though beginning a business is always tough, many opportunities today await entrepreneurs who believe in themselves, develop some business savvy and have skills that are needed in the market place.  Most teachers have developed expertise that makes them ideal candidates for opening a business that can serve as a wonderful full time, part time, or temporary alternative to teaching.

          One example of this is the highly developed interpersonal skills teachers must have. This makes them very well suited to sell products or services.  An easy way to get started in this without much expense can be with a multi level marketing business that promotes a product or service.  There are many reputable companies of this type out there who offer tremendous support and training. Knowing that teachers are good learners as well as good communicators, they are highly sought after for this rapidly growing segment of the economy.

          As another example, many teachers have specialized skills such as accounting, keyboarding for data entry, bookkeeping, writing, editing, etc.  As a cost saving measure, many businesses have cut back on certain full time departments and outsource many tasks.  If a teacher has expertise in a skill that can be provided to companies on an "as needed" basis, the potential for a viable business is there.

          No one can survive any time as a teacher without having time management and organizational skills.  There is an entire group of people who make a living as professional organizers.  Teachers have to do this just to survive, so why not make a business out of showing others how to be organized in their personal or business lives?

          For one last example, consider today's tough real estate market.  Home sellers are looking for any advantage they can have over the competition.  For a teacher who has an eye for such things, establishing a professional staging business can help sellers make their home look much more attractive to potential buyers and even command a higher price.

          With some self assessment and market research, any teacher looking for something else to do for a career should consider utilizing his or her skills to become self employed.  With good free business guidance from public agencies and, perhaps paying a private business coach, it is possible that self employment may be just as fulfilling as classroom teaching.  Many businesses that a teacher can establish actually involve teaching, but in a different setting. 

          Who ever said that the classroom is the only place where a teacher can find fulfilling work?