Beyond the Classroom with Lisa Harding

Back-to-school season leaves teachers with very little extra time or energy — which makes it even more important to spend the time you do have on the right things. But when you’re trying to change careers, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you update your resume? Apply for jobs? Research new careers? Take another course? Work on LinkedIn? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa talks about why career-transitioning teachers often get stuck doing the right things in the wrong order — and why you don’t need to have your entire future figured out before you can start making progress. We’ll talk about: How to identify where you actually are in the career-transition process Why doing more isn’t always the same as moving forward How small actions can help you create career clarity Why career exploration is more effective than waiting for the perfect answer How perfectionism can quietly keep you stuck Why progress matters more than having everything figured out When your time is limited, you don’t need to tackle your entire career transition. You just need to know your next meaningful step. Because action gets you information — and information gets you clarity. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

Back-to-school season can make even the most motivated teacher feel like there simply isn’t room for anything else — especially a career transition. Between new students, lesson planning, open houses, family responsibilities, and everything else competing for your attention, it’s easy to decide that your career transition will just have to wait. But putting it completely on hold can make it that much harder to start again later. In this episode, Lisa talks about why career transitions have seasons, how to adjust your pace during one of the busiest times of the school year, and how to create a transition plan that actually fits your life. You’ll hear practical ways to find small pockets of time, stop comparing your progress to someone else’s, and keep moving forward even when your capacity is limited. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

What if your next career could combine problem-solving, data, creativity, and the communication skills you already developed as a teacher? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Megan Johnson talks with former middle and high school math teacher Jim about his transition from 14 years in the classroom to a career in business intelligence and data analytics. Jim shares how he discovered the field, taught himself the technical skills he needed, built a portfolio, and ultimately landed a data analyst role before advancing into business intelligence development. You’ll learn: What data analysts and business intelligence developers actually do Which job titles to search for when exploring careers in data analytics Which technical skills are most important for getting started How Jim used Coursera, DataCamp, SQL, Excel, and Tableau to upskill Why you don’t necessarily need another degree to become a data analyst How to build a portfolio that demonstrates your skills to employers Which transferable teaching skills can give you an advantage in data-focused roles What Jim’s four-round interview process looked like—and how his presentation skills helped him stand out Why staying within the education industry can give transitioning teachers an advantage How career growth and earning potential can change after leaving the classroom If you enjoy problem-solving, working with information, finding patterns, and explaining complex ideas in a way others can understand, data analytics may be a career path worth exploring. Jim’s story is also an important reminder that you don’t have to already possess every skill—or have the “perfect” degree—to begin building toward something new. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

What if you don't hate teaching... but you know you're ready for something new? After 19 years in education, Amy isn't running away from the classroom, she's searching for a career that challenges her in new ways while allowing her to use the skills she's spent years building. In this Messy Middle conversation, Amy shares what it's really like to navigate the uncertainty of a career transition while still teaching full-time. From narrowing down career options and battling imposter syndrome to questioning whether AI should help write your resume, this episode is full of honest reflections and practical takeaways. We talk about: ✨ Why even experienced teachers can feel unqualified ✨ How to use AI without losing your authentic voice ✨ The surprising realization that remote work isn't always the best fit ✨ Why taking action—even before you have all the answers—creates clarity If you've been waiting until you feel "ready" before taking the first step, this episode is your reminder that clarity doesn't come before action, it comes because of it. Links from Episode: » Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-garner1/ » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

Trying to balance a full-time teaching job while also navigating a career transition can feel completely overwhelming. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about how to realistically manage both without burning yourself out in the process. We’ll talk about: Why trying to “do it all” usually backfires How to create sustainable momentum during the school year What actually deserves your limited time and energy Why consistency matters more than intensity Practical ways to protect your mental health during the transition process How structure and support can make the process feel more manageable If you’re trying to survive the school year while still working toward a career change, this episode will help you approach the process more strategically—and with a lot more grace for yourself. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

Are you getting ready to head back to school… while still knowing deep down that you want a career change? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking to the teachers who are carrying a mix of emotions right now—disappointment, frustration, exhaustion, uncertainty, and maybe even guilt for not having transitioned out yet. We’ll talk about: Why going back to school does NOT mean your transition failed The emotional pressure teachers feel at the end of summer How to stop comparing your timeline to everyone else’s Why many successful transitions happen during the school year How to approach this school year differently Ways to protect your energy and maintain momentum without burning out If you’re feeling discouraged because you’re returning to the classroom while still hoping for something different, this episode is for you. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

What happens when your life falls apart… at the same time you’re trying to rebuild it? When Kim Reed left teaching, it wasn’t part of a carefully planned transition, it was a breaking point. After 14 years as a middle school band director, Kim found herself physically unable to keep going. She didn’t have a plan. She didn’t have a safety net, and she had no idea what was next. In this deeply honest Messy Middle conversation, Kim shares what it really looks like to walk away from everything you thought your life would be and rebuild from the ground up. From taking microscopic steps forward… to navigating self-doubt and embarrassment… to discovering a career she didn’t even know existed. Her story is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be real and sometimes, the breakthrough comes when you least expect it. In fact, between the time she signed up for this podcast and the day we recorded it, Kim received and accepted a full-time job offer as a Customer Success Manager. We talk about: ✨ What it feels like when your body tells you it’s time to leave ✨ How to move forward when you have no plan ✨ Why tiny steps actually matter ✨ And what it takes to rebuild confidence after walking away If you’ve ever felt stuck or like you’re starting over, this is your reminder: you don’t have to have it all figured out—just keep going. Links from Episode: » Connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyreed2/ » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

What if leaving the classroom didn’t mean leaving behind the parts of teaching you love? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Megan Johnson talks with former elementary teacher Jamie Bulva about her transition into a multi-site coordinator role with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. Jamie shares how she found a career that still allows her to work with children, support staff, and partner with schools—without carrying the same stress she experienced as a classroom teacher. You’ll learn: What a multi-site coordinator does Which job titles to search for in youth and after-school programming How Jamie positioned her teaching experience for a leadership role Which transferable skills helped her stand out to the hiring team What she now looks for when reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates Why you don’t need to meet every qualification before applying How Jamie successfully negotiated her salary If you still love working with children but know the classroom is no longer the right fit, this episode will introduce you to a career path that may allow you to keep the parts of education you love while building a more sustainable professional life. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

What actually helps teachers get hired during a career transition? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m breaking down some of the biggest things that genuinely help former teachers gain traction during the job search process—from career clarity and transferable skills to networking, confidence, and becoming “recruiter-ready.” We’ll talk about: Why clarity matters more than random applying How to position your teaching experience strategically The transferable skills employers are actually looking for Why networking matters more than most teachers realize What hiring managers are evaluating beyond your resume How consistency and structure create momentum during a transition If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or unsure how to stand out outside the classroom, this episode will help you focus on what actually moves the needle during a career transition. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

Feeling discouraged because summer is flying by and you still don’t have your career transition fully figured out? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about the pressure so many teachers feel in July—the panic that starts creeping in when school feels closer, timelines feel shorter, and it seems like everyone else has everything figured out. We’ll talk about: Why career transitions rarely happen overnight The hidden progress teachers often overlook How social media creates unrealistic expectations Why you are NOT “behind” if you’re still figuring things out The emotional pressure tied to the school-year calendar How small, intentional momentum creates real change over time If you’ve been feeling anxious, discouraged, or like you “wasted your summer” because you don’t have a new job yet, this episode is for you. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

What if the hardest part of your career transition… is how long it takes? For Sally Del Llano, the decision to leave teaching didn’t happen overnight. After nearly two decades in special education, she knew as early as 2016 that she couldn’t sustain the pace long-term. But it would take eight more years of planning, saving, and navigating real-life responsibilities before she was finally able to step away from the classroom. In this Messy Middle conversation, Sally shares what it really looks like to transition careers over time and why a nonlinear path doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. From discovering new interests during a sabbatical, to landing a part-time “bridge role” that helped clarify her direction, to learning entirely new skills in her late 40s—her journey is a powerful reminder that progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful. We talk about: ✨ Why career transitions often take longer than you expect ✨ How to move forward without a perfectly mapped-out plan ✨ The role of “bridge jobs” in building clarity and confidence ✨ What it looks like to balance family, finances, and career change ✨ And how to navigate the overwhelm of modern job searching If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unsure if you’re doing this “right”…. This episode will remind you that there’s no one path forward, only the one you keep choosing. Links from Episode: » Connect with Sally: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-del-llano » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

After spending 11 years in education, including roles as a kindergarten teacher, third grade teacher, instructional coach, and elementary principal–Amber Shields wasn't actively looking for a new job. But one unexpected phone call from a former colleague changed everything. Today, Amber serves as a Managing Director for a nonprofit organization, where she partners with school districts across her community to improve outcomes for children and families while enjoying greater balance, flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.In this insightful conversation, Teacher Career Transition Academy Career Coach Meagan Johnson sits down with Amber to discuss how networking opened the door to her career transition, why teachers have more transferable skills than they realize, and what hiring managers are truly looking for when educators apply for roles outside the classroom. Together, they discuss: How one professional connection led to an unexpected career opportunity Why separating your identity from your job title is one of the hardest parts of leaving education What a Managing Director in the nonprofit sector actually does How teachers can better communicate their transferable skills during interviews Why networking and LinkedIn are essential tools for career transition What hiring managers look for when interviewing former educators How to negotiate a job offer with confidence—and why it's about more than just salary How her transition created more balance, flexibility, and capacity for both family and personal growth Whether you're interested in nonprofit work or simply wondering what life after teaching could look like, this episode offers practical advice, honest encouragement, and a powerful reminder that the skills you've built in education can open doors to meaningful opportunities far beyond the classroom. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

After years of navigating an incredibly challenging classroom environment, Christina Howard reached a moment where everything came to a halt—physically, emotionally, and professionally. After enduring some incredibly heavy moments during her teaching career, Christina reached a point where she knew she needed a different path forward. But what came next wasn’t a clear plan or an easy transition. It was uncertainty, fear, and a decision to keep moving forward one step at a time. In this powerful Messy Middle conversation, Christina shares how her faith became the foundation that carried her through one of the hardest seasons of her life and how she began rebuilding from the ground up. We talk about: ✨ What it looks like to reach a true breaking point in your career ✨ How to take action when you don’t know what’s next ✨ The unexpected opportunities that can change everything ✨ Why your skills are more transferable than you think ✨ And how faith, support, and resilience can help you keep moving forward If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to take that next step… This episode will remind you that you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward. Sometimes, you just need the courage to take the next step and something to lean on along the way. Links from Episode: » Connect with Christina: www.linkedin.com/in/christina-e-howard » Check out Christina's Book: https://a.co/d/02QKRF6b » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

Does your job search feel emotionally exhausting lately? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about why career transitions can feel so mentally and emotionally draining for teachers—and what you can do to make the process feel more manageable. We’ll talk about: Why job searching can trigger overwhelm and burnout The emotional weight of rejection and uncertainty How overapplying can actually make you feel more stuck The hidden pressure teachers put on themselves during a transition Why structure and focus matter more than constant hustle Practical ways to protect your energy while still making progress If you’ve been feeling discouraged, mentally exhausted, or like your transition is taking longer than expected, this episode will remind you that you’re not failing—you’re navigating a major life transition. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

Do you feel stuck because you still don’t know exactly what career you want after teaching? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m talking about one of the biggest things keeping teachers stuck during a career transition: the belief that you need complete clarity and confidence before you can move forward. We’ll talk about: Why uncertainty is a normal part of career transitions The pressure teachers put on themselves to “figure it all out” How perfectionism creates paralysis Why confidence often comes after action—not before The difference between needing certainty vs. needing direction How to build momentum even when you don’t have all the answers yet If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by too many options, afraid of making the “wrong” choice, or frustrated that you still don’t have your future perfectly mapped out… this episode is for you. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

After 10 years teaching elementary school, Samantha Laca reached a breaking point. Like many educators, she loved teaching—but she no longer felt safe, supported, or able to focus on what she entered the profession to do. Increasing behavioral challenges, safety concerns, and growing frustration with the traditional school environment led her to explore an unexpected alternative. Today, Samantha works as an Adult Education Teacher inside a California correctional facility, helping incarcerated adults improve their literacy skills, prepare for the GED, and build opportunities for a different future. In this fascinating conversation, Teacher Career Transition Academy team member Meagan Johnson sits down with Samantha to discuss what prison education actually looks like and why she says she's safer, happier, and healthier than she was teaching elementary school. Together, they discuss: Why Samantha decided it was time to leave the traditional classroom How she discovered prison education as a career option What a typical day looks like teaching incarcerated adults Safety, work-life balance, and salary expectations How her teaching skills transferred to this unique setting The hiring process and requirements for prison education jobs Why this role helped her rediscover her love of teaching Whether prison education is a path you'd consider for yourself or not, this episode is a powerful reminder that there are teaching opportunities beyond the traditional classroom—and sometimes the most fulfilling careers are the ones we never expected. Links from Episode: » Join our FREE Virtual Summit June 13th: https://www.teachercareertransitionacademy.com/teacher-transition-career-event » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

Feeling overwhelmed by everything you could be doing this summer for your career transition? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, I’m breaking down the 5 things I would focus on if I were transitioning out of teaching this summer—without trying to do everything at once or burning out in the process. We’ll talk about: Why career clarity should come before mass applying How to start positioning your teaching experience differently The biggest mistake teachers make with resumes and LinkedIn Why networking matters more than most teachers realize How to make progress without turning summer into another full-time job Practical ways to avoid overwhelm and stay focused If you’ve been feeling pressure to “figure everything out” before the next school year starts, this episode will help you slow down, refocus, and move forward more strategically. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

Summer can feel like your one chance to finally “figure out” your career transition…but what if putting that much pressure on yourself is actually making the process harder? In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Lisa Harding talks about how to create a summer transition plan that helps you move forward without turning your summer into another season of burnout. She shares practical advice for balancing career momentum with intentional rest, recovery, and clarity—especially for teachers who are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck. You’ll learn: Why summer can be a powerful season for career transition The biggest mistakes teachers make during summer break What actually moves the needle in a transition Why clarity matters more than frantic job applications How to balance progress with rest and recovery A simple framework to help you focus your summer intentionally If you’ve been feeling pressure to “fix your whole life” before August, this episode will help you take a deep breath, reset your expectations, and create a more realistic path forward. Links from Episode: » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

After 28 years of teaching, Christa Kaainoa hit what she describes as a “code red” moment where burnout wasn’t just emotional… it became physical. She couldn’t even picture herself walking back into the classroom. In this honest and deeply relatable conversation, Christa shares what it actually looks like to walk away from a long career without a clear plan and how she’s navigating the “messy middle” in real time. We talk about: ✨ What happens when your body forces you to listen ✨ The identity crisis no one prepares you for ✨ Why you don’t need a perfect plan to move forward ✨ How small, imperfect steps are creating real momentum ✨ And what it looks like to reconnect with yourself after years of putting others first If you’ve ever thought: “I know I can’t keep doing this… but I have no idea what comes next”. This episode will remind you that you’re not alone and more importantly, you’re not stuck. Links from Episode: » Connect with Christa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-kaainoa-1152348/ » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !

In this first episode of the Messy Middle series, I’m joined by Academy member Scott King—a high school band director who’s taken different approach to his career transition than many of our members. Instead of rushing to leave the classroom, Scott started planning his next chapter years in advance. And what makes his story so powerful is how he’s using that time intentionally—building skills, exploring career paths, and even applying concepts like project management and scrum inside his current role. In this conversation, we talk about: ✨ What it looks like to start your transition early ✨ How Scott is building momentum while still teaching full-time ✨ The power of LinkedIn, networking, and “coffee chats” ✨ How he’s translating his teaching experience into corporate language ✨ And why you don’t have to wait until you’re burnt out to begin If you’ve ever thought, “I know I want something different… but I don’t have to rush,” this episode will show you what’s possible when you take a strategic, steady approach. Links from Episode: » Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdking02/ » Join my Free Masterclass: Click here to jumpstart your career transition journey. » Keep Learning With Me: Discover the Teacher Career Transition Academy » Join our FB Group: A thriving community of support and resources. » Download the Career Directory: Discover over 200+ alternative careers. » “I love Lisa and the Teacher Career Transition Podcast” If this sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people – just like you – find happiness in a new career. Click here , scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review”. » Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding special surprises to the feed, and if you aren’t following, you have a good chance of missing out! Follow now !