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This week on Teachers in Transition, I share a deeply personal story about a medical event that forced me to confront a difficult truth: sometimes our greatest strengths - resilience, endurance, and the ability to adapt - can become our greatest blind spots. It’s so personal that even the show notes are in first person!

Using the GenX childhood metaphor of quicksand, I explore how teachers gradually normalize exhaustion, chronic stress, and declining health until they no longer recognize what's happening. I also share the frightening experience of a vasovagal syncope episode after a "perfect storm" of circumstances and the lessons it taught me about paying attention before our bodies demand it.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why "Teacher Tired" isn't always just teacher tired.
• How resilience can accidentally hide a growing problem.
• Why the best career decisions aren't made from survival mode.
• A practical Teacher Hack to help you recognize when you're slowly sinking.
• How a Battle Buddy can help you notice what you've adapted to.
• Why asking better questions can be more important than finding one perfect answer.

If you've been wondering whether you're burned out, exhausted, or simply running on empty, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Psoriatic Arthritis
Learn more about psoriatic arthritis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and living well with the condition.
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis/

Vasovagal Syncope
Wondering what happened during the fainting episode I described? This Cleveland Clinic article explains vasovagal syncope, common triggers, warning signs, and prevention strategies.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23325-vasovagal-syncope

Ted Lasso – "Be Curious, Not Judgmental"
One of my favorite scenes from Ted Lasso and the inspiration behind this week's reminder to respond with curiosity instead of defensiveness.
https://bouldercrest.org/resources/ted-lasso-be-curious-not-judgemental/

🎵 Rush – "Sweet Miracle"
If you've ever wondered why Rush lyrics occasionally sneak into my vocabulary, this song has quietly lived in my head for years and it applies beautifully to this episode.

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/song/710036902

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/track/0YKb38t83LD65mQps699y9

A Personal Note

Please don't let my story discourage you from donating blood.

My experience was unusual because a whole bunch of factors lined up at exactly the wrong time. That's really the point of this episode.

If you're healthy and eligible, donating blood is still one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to help another human being. Find your local blood bank and consider making an appointment.

A great place to start is:
https://americasblood.org/

Sometimes one dramatic story can overshadow a thousand quiet successes.

I don't want that to happen here.

Support the Podcast!

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:

• sharing this episode (or any of them!) with a teacher friend
• leaving a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition. It helps with production costs to keep this show on the air.

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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In this episode, Vanessa explores what happens when companies eliminate entry-level positions while still expecting experienced employees to magically appear. As AI continues taking over more beginner-level work, who will develop the next generation of experts?

You'll discover why teachers may be uniquely positioned to solve a workforce problem that employers don't even realize they have yet, and how to position your experience as the solution.

In this episode:

• Why the traditional career ladder is disappearing
• How AI may unintentionally widen the experience gap
• Why teachers are experts at developing people—not just delivering content
• A new way to think about résumé bullet points: Task → Problem Solved
• How to connect your classroom experience to the business problems employers are trying to solve
• This week's Teacher Hack: a simple Google Doc that keeps all of your beginning-of-year ideas, shopping lists, and PD notes in one searchable place
• Vanessa's recommendation: Ride or Die on Amazon Prime

Ready to start your own transition? Schedule a complimentary Discovery Session at https://TeachersinTransition.com/calendar.

Resources:🎙 Happier in Hollywood Podcast
The conversation that inspired this episode came from Happier in Hollywood, Episode 478, hosted by television writers and producers Liz Craft and Sarah Fain.

📺 Ride or Die (Amazon Prime Video)
Vanessa's recommendation this week is Ride or Die, starring Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham—a smart, funny series about friendship, competence, and the often invisible excellence of women in their fifties.

🍎 Teachers in Transition
Ready to explore what's next after the classroom? Learn more, schedule a complimentary Discovery Session, and find additional resources at TeachersInTransition.com.

Support the Podcast!

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:

• sharing this episode (or any of them!) with a teacher friend
• leaving a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition. It helps with production costs to keep this show on the air.

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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What looks like “fine” may actually be a carefully engineered workaround.

In this episode, Vanessa explores the hidden value of adaptability through a misbehaving knee, a broken keyboard, and one spectacularly orange 1974 Lincoln Continental.

Teachers are experts at adapting. They anticipate problems, build missing systems, create backup plans, translate confusing information, and keep people moving—even when the systems around them are not working. When those adaptations succeed, however, they can conceal both the original problem and the cost of compensating for it.

You’ll hear:

• Why functioning is not the same as being fine
• How teacher workarounds can hide institutional problems
• The Adaptation Audit: Rebuild, Revise, or Refuse
• How adaptability translates into marketable career skills
• Two paths to explore: finding a job or creating one
• Why teacher adaptability may also be entrepreneurship

Before rebuilding an old workaround for the new school year, ask what it was doing—and what it was doing to you.

Vanessa also shares some big news: she is writing a book!

The working title is Invisible Excellence: The Hidden Value of Teachers Beyond the Classroom, with publication planned for spring 2027. The book will explore how teachers’ leadership, communication, strategic thinking, training, relationship-building, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities become hidden - and how educators can make that value visible beyond the classroom.

Vanessa is looking to speak with former educators who have transitioned into new careers and teachers who are beginning to wonder what else might be possible.

If that describes you- or someone you know - reach out using the contact information below.

Links and resources:

• See the spectacular orange Lincoln:
• Contact Vanessa about the book: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
(You can contact Vanessa about anything related to Teachers in Transition also at that email.

Support the Podcast!

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider helping me keep this resource going so that it can help other teachers. You can:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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What does a 1982 fantasy movie filled with ferrets, bat-people, blue fire, and questionable leather wardrobe choices have to do with leaving teaching?

Quite a lot, actually.

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa uses The Beastmaster as a surprisingly useful map for teacher career transition.

Dar begins the movie believing he is on a revenge mission. His home is gone. His identity has been shattered. The people in power have caused real harm, and he has every reason to be angry.

That emotional starting point may feel familiar to teachers preparing to leave the classroom.

The hero’s greatest strength is the very thing others see as strange. That same pattern shows up for teachers, who often minimize skills like communication, adaptability, leadership, relationship-building, and crisis management because they were treated as “just part of the job.”

This episode explores:

• Why your “weird” strengths may be your most valuable transferable skills
• How networking is really built through trust and reputation
• Why leaving teaching can feel like losing part of your identity
• The difference between escaping a harmful system and building a better future
• Why you are not starting over. You are learning to name what you already know how to do

Your transition does not have to stay focused on what education took from you.

It can become a rescue mission for your health, confidence, voice, family, and future.

Links

The Beastmaster on IMDb:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083630/

Schedule a free Discovery Session:
https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

Listen to Teachers in Transition:
https://teachersintransition.buzzsprout.com

Questions or movie suggestions:
Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Optional support for the podcast:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

Support the Podcast!

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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Have you ever felt like teaching has become one long marathon...where everyone expects you to sprint?

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa shares an unexpected lesson from a 3,000-mile solo road trip. She planned to write, record podcasts, and make progress on her business. Instead, she spent most of the trip managing recovery, sleep, hydration, and a very opinionated knee.

That experience led to a realization that many educators desperately need to hear:

You can't always be at your best. Otherwise, it wouldn't be your best—it would be your normal.

This episode explores why experienced teachers are sometimes unfairly labeled "bitter” and why learning to adapt is more sustainable than simply enduring.

Whether you're planning to remain in education or considering a career transition, this episode offers practical strategies for protecting your energy, building career capacity, and preparing for your future one step at a time.

In This Episode

• Why sprinting is a terrible strategy for a marathon
• The hidden cost of expecting teachers to operate at 110% every day
• Why experienced teachers aren't "bitter"—they've become efficient
• How schools unintentionally prevent veteran teachers from benefiting from experience
• The difference between activity and impact
• Why experience is supposed to pay dividends
• The importance of recovery as part of professional excellence
• The Teacher Hack: Budget Bumper Time
• Career Transition Strategy: Build capacity before you need it
• Why you shouldn't "buy new running shoes on marathon day"
• Practical ways to prepare for a career transition without overwhelming yourself
• How strategic upskilling can help you prepare for your next career before you need it

Resources Mentioned

• Teachers in Transition: https://teachersintransition.com

• Schedule a free Discovery Call:
https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

• Find Your Bearings (career direction program):
https://teachersintransition.com

• LinkedIn Learning:
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/

• Coursera:
https://www.coursera.org

• Udemy:
https://www.udemy.com

Have a question or an idea for a future episode?

Email Vanessa:
Vanessa@TeachersInTransition.com

If this episode encouraged you...

Please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with a teacher who needs the reminder that sustainable excellence isn't about sprinting every day.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do isn't push harder.

Sometimes it's learning to pace ourselves wisely.

Support the Podcast!

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

Support the show

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What if one of the best career lessons for teachers came from a 1993 comedy?

In this Moviesode, we're looking at Dave, starring Kevin Kline—not as a political movie, but as a modern fairy tale about leadership, service, and remembering that every job is temporary.

As Dave unexpectedly steps into one of the most powerful roles in the world, he doesn't rely on political experience. He succeeds because he listens, notices people, asks good questions, and surrounds himself with people whose expertise complements his own.

Sound familiar?

Those are many of the same invisible skills teachers use every single day.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• Why Dave is really a fairy tale about leadership
• The difference between noticing people and simply looking at them
• Why teachers are "professional noticers"
• What Murray the accountant teaches us about asking simple questions
• How labels can hide our true abilities
• Why your greatest professional strengths may already exist—you just haven't seen them in a new environment yet
• The connection to my upcoming book, Invisible Excellence: The Hidden Value of Teachers Beyond Teaching
• Why every job—including teaching—is ultimately a temporary assignment

Whether you're actively considering a career transition or simply thinking differently about your current role, this conversation is a reminder that your value is much bigger than your job title.

Resources

🌐 Teachers in Transition:
https://TeachersinTransition.com

📘 Follow for Updates on:
Invisible Excellence: The Hidden Value of Teachers Beyond Teaching

🎬 Movie Discussed:
Dave (1993), starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver

Thanks for listening, and remember:

Your title is not your identity.
Your skills belong to you.
And every job is a temp job—so make it count.

Support the Podcast!

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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This week’s encore episode covers three very different—but deeply connected—parts of surviving and transitioning out of teaching: finding laughter where you can, helping people understand invisible learning differences, and getting honest about the financial realities of leaving the classroom.

First, Vanessa makes the case for laughter as more than a pleasant distraction. A real laugh can ease stress, improve mood, strengthen relationships, relax the body, and help us regain enough perspective to keep going. She shares a few favorite comedians, books, movies, and comic-strip memories—and invites listeners to share what reliably makes them laugh.

Then, in this week’s Teacher Hack, Vanessa introduces Hot Words, a fast-paced clue-giving game with increasingly ridiculous communication restrictions. It is fun for game night, but it could also make an excellent professional-development activity. Trying to communicate without certain words, word lengths, or verbal habits offers a small but meaningful window into what it can feel like to navigate dyslexia, dyspraxia, processing differences, or other communication barriers.

Finally, Vanessa digs into a question many burned-out teachers wrestle with: What will it really cost to leave teaching? The answer is not as simple as losing a paycheck. Depending on your state, district, contract, benefits, pension, leave balance, and timing in the school year, there may be penalties, payout issues, insurance gaps, or money you are owed. But there are also expenses teachers may finally get to stop carrying: classroom supplies, fundraiser guilt, endless spirit shirts, emergency takeout after a 12-hour day, gas, tires, and the invisible cost of constantly propping up an underfunded system.

In This Episode

• Why laughter can support stress relief, resilience, connection, and physical relaxation
• Favorite comedy recommendations, including Robin Williams, Iliza Shlesinger, Karen Morgan, Ben Brainerd, Wanda Sykes, Lewis Black, and more
• The Snoopy Waterbed Fiasco and The Alto Wore Tweed
• How the game Hot Words can build empathy and enliven teacher in-service
• The often-overlooked financial details of leaving a teaching contract
• Why timing, earned leave, summer pay, benefits, and pension rules matter
• The value of union or professional-organization legal support
• What teachers may spend less on after leaving the classroom
• A reminder that “the best time to start working on your transition plan was about six months ago. The next best time is now.”

This episode includes general discussion based on personal experience. Employment contracts, leave, benefits, pension rules, and labor laws vary by state and employer. Check your own contract and consult an appropriate professional before making a decision.

LINKS FROM THE SHOW!

· National Institute of Health Article: Humor and Laughter May Influence Health

· The Snoopy Waterbed Fiasco: Start on January 14, 1975 and go to January 29, 1975.

· IMDB.com links – learn about where you can stream these, check out the trivia, the quotes, and more!

· Legally BlondeThe Court Jester (1955!)

· Free Guy

· The Alto Wore Tweed by Mark Schweizer ( the Kindle Edition is $2.99!)

If this podcast supports you, encourages you, or helps you feel a little less alone in the transition process, please follow or subscribe, leave a review, or share the episode with a teacher friend who needs perspective, hope, and laughter

Learn more about Vanessa’s programs, workshops, and coaching options athttps://TeachersinTransition.com

Support the Podcast

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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Why do so many teachers get sick the minute summer break starts? In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the “teacher flu,” summer burnout recovery, the reality of unpaid summer labor, and practical ways educators can use AI in a job search without expecting it to do the whole transition for them.

Raise your hand if you have ever made it to summer break, winter break, spring break, or any long weekend and then immediately gotten sick.

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson introduces The Department of Consequences — the moment when your body, mind, or life finally says, “We need to discuss the last nine months.”

This episode looks at why teachers often crash when the pressure drops, why summer is not always the relaxing “perk” people imagine, and how to give summer enough structure without turning it into another unpaid job. Vanessa also talks about how AI can help teachers in career transition when it is used as a practical tool instead of a magical job-search wizard.

If you are a burned-out teacher, an educator considering leaving the classroom, or someone using summer to ask, “Can I keep doing this?” this episode will help you name what is happening and take one small step toward something more sustainable.

In This Episode

Vanessa talks about:

• Why teachers often get sick or crash at the beginning of summer break
• The difference between rest and recovery
• Why teacher stress can build up like an unpaid bill
• How summer can function like a furlough, recovery window, second-job season, or medical catch-up season
• Why “summers off” is not always the gift people think it is
• A simple summer planning hack using themed days
• Why daily rest or a nap may be maintenance, not laziness
• How teachers can use AI for job description analysis, resume bullets, LinkedIn updates, and interview prep
• Why AI can help with pieces of the job search but should not drive the whole career transition

AI Career Transition Tips from This Episode

AI can help teachers in transition when you give it context, a task, and a constraint.

Instead of asking, “Help me with my job search,” ask AI to do one specific job at a time:

AI can help you analyze, compare, translate, tighten, brainstorm, and practice. It cannot and should never replace your judgment, your strategy, or your follow-through.

Key Takeaway

Survival mode can get you through a school year, but it is not supposed to become your permanent address.

This summer, tell the truth about what kind of season you are actually in: rest, recovery, financial pressure, medical catch-up, career exploration, or some messy combination platter with a side of laundry.

Name it accurately, because clarity is kinder than self-judgment.

Resources and Links Mentioned

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa:
https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

Find more resources and podcast episodes:
https://teachersintransition.com

Support the podcast directly:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

Listen on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teachers-in-transition-career-change-and-real-talk/id1460021639

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/3PF02FAZ1zzexvHBqqS6B8

Overboard “Annie is Catatonic” clip mentioned in the episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpzigSg-YkI

SEO Keywords

teacher burnout, teacher flu, teacher stress, teacher summer break, summer burnout recovery, teacher career transition, leaving teaching, teachers leaving the classroom, career change for teachers, job search for teachers, AI job search, AI resume help, teacher resume tips, teacher LinkedIn tips, transferable skills for teachers, educator burnout, teacher recovery, teacher summer planning, burnout recovery for educators, Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson

Support the Podcast

If you enjoy this indie podcast and want to help with the behind-the-curtain work, please consider:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa explores how the books we loved when we were young helped shape what we notice, value, question, and carry into adulthood AND how our own stories can help us write a better resume.

From Erma Bombeck and Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple to Nancy Drew, The Boxcar Children, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games, Divergent, and more, this episode looks at the “childhood bookshelf” as more than nostalgia. Those early stories may have taught us how to solve problems, recognize patterns, seek belonging, survive broken systems, resist being reduced to one role, and remember who we were before burnout took over.

Vanessa also talks about reading with children and teens, the difference between censorship and conversation, and why the books young people choose can give us clues about what they are trying to understand.

In the Career Transition and Job Search segment, Vanessa moves into resume basics for teachers leaving the classroom. She explains why a modern resume is not your whole life story, why skills should be shown through evidence-rich bullet points instead of a disconnected skills section, and how teachers can begin turning real classroom stories into quantifiable resume accomplishments.

You’ll also hear about the “Everything Resume” — a master resume template that holds your stories, accomplishments, projects, leadership roles, certifications, data stories, communication wins, and more — so you have raw material ready when it is time to tailor a resume for a specific job posting.

Episode highlights:

• Why childhood books may still hold clues about who we are
• How Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z reading experiences shaped different kinds of courage
• Why “stories matter” does not mean censorship is the answer
• How rereading old favorites can help reconnect us with ourselves
• Why teachers need targeted resumes, not one perfect resume for every job
• How to turn teaching stories into resume bullet points
• Why quantifiable resume metrics matter
• What an Everything Resume is and why teachers should build one
• How SCOUT helps Vanessa’s clients explore career direction and translate teaching experience

Mentioned in this episode:

Erma Bombeck — Aunt Erma’s Cope Book and other humor collections
Carolyn Keene — Nancy Drew series
Franklin W. Dixon — The Hardy Boys series
Agatha Christie — Miss Marple mysteries
Robert B. Parker — Spenser novels
Gertrude Chandler Warner — The Boxcar Children series
Ann M. Martin — The Baby-Sitters Club series
Francine Pascal — Sweet Valley High series
O. T. Nelson — The Girl Who Owned a City
Roald Dahl — Matilda
J. K. Rowling — Harry Potter series
Rick Riordan — Percy Jackson and the Olympians series; Tres Navarre mysteries, including Big Red Tequila
Stephenie Meyer — Twilight series
Suzanne Collins — The Hunger Games series
Veronica Roth — Divergent series
James Dashner — The Maze Runner series
Pittacus Lore — I Am Number Four / Lorien Legacies series
Diana Gabaldon — Outlander series
Kurt Vonnegut — Mother Night

If this episode made you think of a book Vanessa forgot, come join the conversation and tell her.

If this podcast supports you, encourages you, or helps you feel a little less alone in the transition process, please follow or subscribe, leave a review, or share the episode with a teacher friend who needs perspective, hope, and maybe a few more books.

Learn more about Vanessa’s programs, workshops, and coaching options athttps://TeachersinTransition.com

Support the Podcast

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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LinkedIn isn't just a job board anymore. In this episode, Vanessa Jackson explains why LinkedIn has become the world's largest professional Rolodex and what teachers need to do differently in 2026 to be found by recruiters and hiring managers.

In the Perspective Pivot, Vanessa answers the question no one was a asking: What does a Sharpie marker have to do with healing, stress, and teacher burnout? More than you might think. Learn why your nervous system may still be reacting to old experiences and how new experiences can help create new patterns.

In the Teacher Hack, Vanessa revisits a listener-favorite teacher hack: Dawn dish soap. From laundry stains to mystery messes, this magical blue liquid has earned a permanent place under her sink. Plus, discover professional stain-removal resources and hear the story of a Labrador retriever who developed a very unconventional carpet-cleaning strategy.

And in the Career Transition & Job Search segment, Vanessa discusses one of the biggest changes in today's job market: LinkedIn is no longer just a place to apply for jobs. It has become the world's largest professional Rolodex. Learn how recruiters use LinkedIn in 2026, why translation matters for teachers changing careers, and how to make your experience understandable to employers outside education.

In This Episode

• What a Sharpie marker can teach us about healing and stress
• Why teachers often remain in "survival mode"
• The difference between prediction and reality in managing anxiety
• How accountability can help create lasting change
• Why Dawn dish soap remains a teacher favorite
• Professional stain-removal resources worth bookmarking
• The surprising evolution of LinkedIn
• Why LinkedIn is the world's largest professional Rolodex
• How recruiters search for candidates in 2026
• Why teachers don't have a skills problem—they have a translation problem
• LinkedIn engagement strategies that actually matter
• How to make your profile easier for employers to understand

Resources MentionedTeacher in Transition Podcast Episode 19: LinkedIn and So Much More
https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/episodes/14703125

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com

American Cleaning Institute Stain Removal Guide:
https://www.cleaninginstitute.org

The Spruce Stain Removal Guide:
https://www.thespruce.com

Keywords

Teacher Career Change, Teacher Burnout, Career Transition for Teachers, Teacher Resume Help, LinkedIn for Teachers, Teacher Career Coach, Teacher Transferable Skills, Teacher Job Search, Teacher Networking, Teacher Career Coaching, Resume Writing, LinkedIn Profile Optimization, Teacher Career Change Podcast, Education to Corporate, Career Transition Strategy, Professional Networking

Support the Podcast

If you enjoy this independent podcast, please consider:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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This week on Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the exhaustion that comes from navigating modern educational systems — from locked doors and “performative safety” to Teacher Incentive Allotment frustrations, burnout, networking, and why so many teachers feel emotionally depleted by May.

What begins as a bizarre experience trying to enter a secured school campus turns into a broader conversation about hypervigilance, bureaucratic friction, teacher burnout, career transition, and the hidden emotional cost of constant monitoring and compliance.

Vanessa also discusses the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), the growing frustration surrounding how those funds are distributed, and why highly accomplished educators often underestimate the sophistication of their own transferable skills.

And yes… this week’s Teacher Hack is simple, rebellious, and probably necessary:

Go take a nap.

In This Episode

• Locked school doors and “performative safety”
• Why teachers are exhausted in May
• Hypervigilance and nervous system fatigue
• “Move forward, take fire”
• Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) frustrations
• Why teachers underestimate their professional value
• Networking as the “inside key” to career transition
• Why relationships matter more than online applications alone
• Rest as resistance to burnout

Mentioned in This Episode

A Night at the Opera

The Marx Brothers comedy routine referenced in the episode:
“Two Hard-Boiled Eggs” scene from A Night at the Opera

“Move Forward, Take Fire”Taken from the book Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World by Jennifer Palmieri

Teacher Incentive Allotment (Texas)

Official Texas Education Agency information:
Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Information

View the letter sent to a teacher about their TIA here

O*NET Online

Career research and transferable skills exploration:
O*NET Online

Career Transition Reminder

Teachers already possess highly transferable skills:

• communication
• leadership
• crisis management
• organization
• relationship building
• project coordination
• training and development
• adaptability
• strategic thinking

Sometimes the problem isn’t your ability.

Sometimes the problem is simply that nobody has shown you where the side entrance is yet.

Support the Podcast

If you enjoy this scrappy little indie podcast, please consider:

• sharing the episode with a teacher friend
• leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• supporting the show financially starting at just $3/month Support Teachers in Transition

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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What do traffic jams, poker strategy, and applicant tracking systems have in common? More than you’d think.

In this episode, Vanessa unpacks decision-making under uncertainty—why the “fastest” route isn’t always the best one, and how both life and job searches can punish us for not being able to predict the future. We talk GPS stress, Annie Duke’s poker-based decision framework, nervous system regulation (Maslow before Bloom, always), and a real-world job search story that proves something important:

Humans still hire humans—even when algorithms try to pretend otherwise.

In This Episode, We Cover

• Why GPS (and life) makes “best guesses,” not promises
• How teachers get stuck outcome-shaming themselves (“If it went badly, I must be wrong…”)
• What poker psychology teaches us about uncertainty and decision quality
• A Teacher Hack for protecting your nervous system: take the scenic route
• The truth about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and why resumes vanish
• A behind-the-scenes story of navigating hiring systems by reintroducing human connection
• How to spot culture red flags before you accept the job
• Why “optimized” doesn’t always mean “healthy”

Links Mentioned

• Jack Palance “one-armed push-ups” clip (referenced in episode): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGxL5AFzzMY
• Teachers in Transition podcast homepage: https://teachersintransition.buzzsprout.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
• Website: https://TeachersinTransition.com

Optional: Support the Podcast 💙

Teachers in Transition is independently produced. If the show has helped you feel less alone or gain clarity, you now have the option to support the podcast for as little as $3/month. Support is completely optional and helps cover production costs so this resource can remain accessible. Whether you support financially, share with others, or simply keep listening, I’m grateful you’re here.

Support the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

Keywords

teacher burnout, leaving teaching, career transition, teacher skills, decision making, nervous system regulation, stress management, applicant tracking system, ATS, job search strategy, networking for introverts, teacher identity, life after teaching, educator mental health, transferable skills

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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This week on Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the warning signs teachers learn to ignore — in our bodies, our stress levels, and our careers.

What started as a routine dental cleaning turned into an unexpected root canal… and a much bigger realization about burnout, chronic stress, and how educators become experts at functioning while damaged. Vanessa shares the surprising moment her Garmin stress watch revealed that her body had been “keeping score” long before she consciously realized something was wrong.

Then in the Career Transition & Job Search segment, Vanessa tackles a major modern job-search question:

Do resumes still matter in the age of AI?

Short answer: Yes. But differently.

In this episode:

• Why resumes still matter in an AI-driven job market
• How Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter resumes
• Why tailoring your resume matters more than ever
• How to use AI strategically without sounding fake
• Why LinkedIn is better for networking than passive “Easy Apply” applications
• The powerful framework:
  “The job description is the question. Your resume is the answer.”

This episode is part burnout conversation, part career strategy session, and part reminder that functioning is not the same thing as fine.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Teachers in Transition
• Schedule a Discovery Call
• Find Your Bearings
• Helpful Prompt: “Use this job description and tailor my master resume to meet this job description. Do not exaggerate my experience. Do not invent skills I don’t possess. Rewrite my experience using the language and priorities of the job description while maintaining honesty and accuracy.

Connect with Vanessa Jackson

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🧭 LinkedIn:
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

Functioning isn’t the same thing as fine.

Don’t ignore the warning lights just because you’ve learned how to drive with them on.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Teacher Appreciation Week is here… but what do teachers actually need?

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, we go beyond pizza parties, jeans passes, and “heroes work here” posters to have a real conversation about appreciation vs. value. If you’ve ever felt seen for a week but stretched thin the rest of the year, this one is for you.

We break down:

• Why “Teachers are heroes” can be both true and problematic
• The difference between appreciation, compensation, and real support
• How the Guilt Economy keeps teachers overextended
• The truth about teacher workload vs. the 2,080-hour “full-time” benchmark
• Why salary ≠ unlimited access to your time
• A hilarious (and useful) teacher duty hack that could save your sanity

Plus, Vanessa introduces a new tongue-in-cheek “Superhero Toolkit” for teachers—including the now-iconic Bracelets of Deflection, the Lasso of Constructive Honesty, and the Utility Belt of Prepared Responses.

If Teacher Appreciation Week feels a little bittersweet… this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Appreciation is meaningful—but appreciation without support is incomplete
• Teachers are often expected to perform multiple roles beyond their job description
• The Guilt Economy uses emotion to extract unpaid labor
• “Salaried” does NOT mean unlimited work
• Many teachers exceed a traditional 2,080-hour workload in a compressed calendar
• Your skills absolutely transfer beyond the classroom

🚀 Career Transition Insight

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I can’t afford to leave teaching”
• “My skills don’t transfer”
• “This is just how it is”

This episode challenges that thinking. Teachers bring high-value skills like:

• leadership
• training & development
• project coordination
• operations management
• communication
• crisis response

You are not “just a teacher.” You are highly skilled.

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• 🧠 Career research tool: https://www.onetonline.org
• 🎙️ Check out the back catalog of podcasts: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/277608/episodes

❤️ Support the Podcast

If this episode resonated with you:

• Follow the show
• Leave a rating & review (especially on Apple Podcasts!)
• Share this episode with a fellow educator

You can even support the show financially for as little as $3/month to help keep this independent podcast going.

👉 Support link is: https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

🌟 Final Thought

Appreciation is nice.
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This week, Vanessa talks about a tax no one warns teachers about: the hidden toll of testing season. If you are extra tired right now, emotionally thin, strangely drained, or wondering why you still feel exhausted after a weekend, this episode is for you.

She also shares a practical Teacher Hack for tired humans and explains why many educators who find this show are already in the Decide stage of career transition long before they realize it.

In This Episode

The Testing Tax

Standardized testing season often costs more than anyone admits.

Teachers are asked to hold everything together while schedules shift, technology misbehaves, students feel pressure, and everyone pretends this is normal. Vanessa explores why that kind of hyper-vigilance creates a very real toll on your body, brain, and nervous system.

Sometimes you are not lazy. You are taxed.

Teacher Hack: Fajita Surprise

When you are bone-deep tired and cannot make one more decision, dinner needs to get simpler.

Because simplification is not failure. It is strategy.

Career Transition: The Decide Stage

Most people assume career change starts with resumes and job boards.

Vanessa explains why many educators actually begin in the Decide stage first — the moment when you start noticing the cost of staying more clearly than you used to.

Questions like:

• Why am I this tired every year?
• Why does every break feel like recovery instead of rest?
• Why do I keep saying “one more year”?

Those are Decide-stage questions.

A Powerful Reminder

You may be at the fork in the road called Decide.

Good news: that is not a dead end. That is where you stop settling and start choosing the bigger life.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Teachers in Transition — https://teachersintransition.com
• Podcast Home — https://teachersintransition.buzzsprout.com
• Jim Gaffigan on “same ingredients, different meal” energy: Jim Gaffigan - Mexican Food (1996)
• Support the podcast directly through the Buzzsprout support link in the episode player. (youtube.com)

Support the Show

If this episode helped you, made you laugh, or made you feel a little less alone:

• Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Leave a rating or review
• Share this episode with a fellow teacher
• Keep listening

Want to support this scrappy little indie podcast financially? You can do that for as little as $3/month through the support link in the show notes

Work With Vanessa

If you know something needs to change but you are not sure what, Vanessa helps educators navigate that fork in the road.

Visit Teachers in Transition at https://teachersintransition.com to learn more and book a conversation.

Share This Episode

Know a teacher who is exhausted right now and wondering why? Send them this episode. Sometimes the kindest thing we can offer another educator is language for what they’re carrying.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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If you’re a teacher thinking about leaving the classroom but feeling stuck because you “don’t know what you would do,” this episode is for you.

In this episode, Vanessa breaks down one of the biggest myths in career transition—that teachers don’t have transferable skills—and explains why the real issue isn’t a lack of skills… it’s a lack of visibility.

You’ll also get a simple, practical way to reconnect with your own story (and your strengths), plus a very real conversation about why networking—not just applying—is what actually gets you hired.

And yes… there’s even a little The West Wing reference in there for those of you who are fans.

What You’ll Learn

• Why teachers do have highly transferable skills (even if it doesn’t feel like it)
• The difference between a skills problem and a visibility problem
• How your everyday classroom experience translates into corporate language
• A simple “story-based” hack to uncover your strengths
• Why networking drives most job opportunities
• How to start networking in a way that feels natural—not awkward

Teacher Hack of the Week

Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while—no agenda, no job ask.

Reconnect. Share stories. Laugh a little.

Reconnection is good for mental health.

Career Transition Insight: Networking, Networking, Networking

If you take one thing from this episode, let it be this:

Most jobs are not coming from online applications.
They’re coming from conversations.

Networking isn’t about using people. It’s about:

• staying connected
• having real conversations
• and letting people know where you are and where you want to go

You already have a network.

The shift is learning how to activate it.

Start simple:
“Hey, I’m exploring something new—can I ask you a few questions?”

That one sentence can open more doors than dozens of applications.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to start connecting the dots between your teaching experience and your next career:

👉 Book a free discovery call:
https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

👉 Learn more about SCOUT (the story-based skills tool):
https://teachersintransition.com

💛 Support the podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

CONNECT WITH TEACHERS IN TRANSITION

Website: https://teachersintransition.com

Email: Vanessa@Teachersintransition.com

Leave a voicemail message! (512) 640-9099

Follow on Facebook: Teachers in Transition

Final Thought

You’re not starting over.

You’re translating.

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Teachers are more valuable than you’ve been told, and if you feel like you’ve lost your sparkle, it might not be you… it might just be the lighting.

This week, Vanessa shares a story about Llanite, one of the rarest rocks on Earth (found only near Llano, Texas), and why it’s the perfect metaphor for teachers whose skills have been overlooked for so long they’ve started to overlook themselves.

You’ll also get a ridiculously simple grounding reset (no “wellness routine” required): step outside for 2–5 minutes and look up. When “Small Human meets Big Sky,” your nervous system settles and your perspective widens.

Then we get practical about the big question that shows up during testing season/end-of-year chaos: “Is this the year I leave?” Vanessa explains why this is often the worst time to make the final decision and the best time to start preparing, because the rest of the working world does not run on a school calendar.

In this episode:

• The Llanite lesson: rare value is easy to miss when it’s “always been there”
• Why teachers underestimate their own skills (and others do too)
• The fast grounding hack: change your environment, change your state
• Why constant evaluation can disconnect you from your own worth
• The guilt economy (“stay for the kids”) and why guilt is a terrible career strategy
• Vanessa’s transition framework: Decide → Clarify → Build → Refine → Attract
• Job search reality: it often takes 6–12 months, so planning matters

Teacher Hack of the Week

Go outside. Two minutes is enough to shift your breathing, your vision, and your brain. Change the lighting—then see what you notice.

Links to Resources

Your one-stop link for the calendar, the podcast, and anything else: https://teachersintransition.com
Ep. 290 (Fear, Burnout, and a Smarter Job Strategy): https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/episodes/18785109

Support the podcast (optional, but always appreciated to offset production costs!): https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

Until next time… take a moment, look up at the sky, and remember: you are amazing.

CONNECT WITH TEACHERS IN TRANSITION
Website: https://teachersintransition.com

Email: Vanessa@Teachersintransition.com

Leave a voicemail message! (512) 640-9099

Follow on Facebook: Teachers in Transition

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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An AI robot named Plato got pitched as the future of classrooms… and Vanessa is not buying it. In this episode, she breaks down why teaching can’t be automated, why things like Plato keep showing up, shares a junk-mail hack that saves your sanity, and walks you through the resume tactic that helps employers understand your better.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Why “AI works when everything goes according to plan… and teaching is what happens when it doesn’t”
• The real problem isn’t the robot — it’s the thinking behind it
• Why classrooms are closer to Houston freeways than controlled environments
• A quick teacher hack to stop junk mail from invading your home
• Resume top section tips: objective vs. summary vs. branding statement
• How to translate your educator skills into language hiring managers understand

Links & Next Steps

• Free Discovery Session: TeachersinTransition.com/calendar
• Find Your Bearings: If you’re in the “I can’t stay, but I don’t know where I’m going” phase, contact Vanessa directly to learn more at Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• Support page: buzzsprout.com/277608/support

Connect with Vanessa

• Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099
• LinkedIn: Vanessa Jackson (Teachers in Transition)

Support the Podcast

https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

Even a small contribution—starting at $3/month—helps keep the show going.

And if supporting financially isn’t right for you, sharing the podcast with another teacher who might need it is another way to help the podcast and is always appreciated.

CONNECT WITH TEACHERS IN TRANSITION

Website: https://teachersintransition.com

Email: Vanessa@Teachersintransition.com

Leave a voicemail message! (512) 640-9099

Follow on Facebook: Teachers in Transition

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

Support the show

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Send us Fan Mail

Ever been told, “You’re just a teacher”… and felt your stomach drop?This episode is your reminder that “just a teacher” is not a truth — it’s a label that makes your skills invisible.

In today’s Moviesode, Vanessa uses the 1988 film Working Girl to unpack what happens when someone is wildly capable… but kept out of the room because they don’t have the right title, credentials, or connections.

If you’re a burned-out teacher thinking about leaving the classroom, this one will feel personal — in the best way.

What we cover:

• Why teachers get underestimated in career transitions (and how to push back)
• The capability vs. credentials trap that keeps educators stuck
• How to translate teacher skills so employers actually “get it”
• Why documentation = protection (and how it becomes your job-search proof)
• The role of gumption: applying before you feel 100% ready
• A bigger truth about “support roles” (teacher/secretary/nurse) and reclaiming ownership of your work

Quick movie note: (because… the 80s were the 80s):

There’s some nudity, objectification, and moments that hit differently in 2026. Also: the hair and the shoulder pads are truly a jump scare. You’ve been warned.

Next Step (if you’re ready to stop spiraling and start mapping)

If you’re recognizing yourself in Tess — capable, underestimated, and ready for something more — Vanessa’s new program Find Your Bearings was built for this moment.

It’s three sessions where you break down your experience, translate your skills, and build a clear path forward using SCOUT.

Support the Podcast

Teachers in Transition is independently produced by Vanessa Jackson. If this podcast has helped you feel less alone or gain clarity, you now have the option to support the show financially for as little as $3. Support is completely optional and helps cover production costs so this resource can remain accessible. Whether you choose to support or simply keep listening, thank you for being here.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support to sign up and support the podcast!

Share This Episode With a Teacher Who…

✅ feels stuck and undervalued
✅ keeps hearing “next year will be better”
✅ knows they have more to offer than the classroom can hold

And remember: you’re not “just” a teacher — you’re a whole skill set.

CONNECT WITH TEACHERS IN TRANSITION

Website: https://teachersintransition.com

Email: Vanessa@Teachersintransition.com

Leave a voicemail message! (512) 640-9099

Follow on Facebook: Teachers in Transition

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

Support the show

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If you’re a burned-out teacher wondering how to leave teaching but you don’t have clarity yet, this episode is your nervous system’s permission slip to slow down and get oriented—before you start “fixing your resume” for a job you don’t even want.

Vanessa connects Brendan Fraser’s comeback story to something teachers know in their bones: you can’t self-care your way out of an unsafe, unsustainable system. Healing starts with safety—then the energy returns, the fog lifts, and the next step becomes visible.

In This Episode, We Cover

• Brendan Fraser’s return and what it looks like when a person starts to feel safe again
• The real problem with “just practice self-care” advice (hint: your nervous system has to be able to receive it)
• Clutter as stress—and how teachers carry “clutter” mentally and emotionally, not just physically
• The EBB + FLOW framework for career transition momentum:
  • EBB = Evaluate, Breathe, Build
  • FLOW = Focus, Leverage, Own, Win
• Why “fix your resume” is the wrong first step when you don’t have direction yet
• Vanessa’s driverless car analogy for career-quiz sites and AI tools: helpful assistants, terrible drivers
• Introducing SCOUT: an AI-supported tool that helps translate your teacher stories into real-world skills and language

Key Takeaways for Burned-Out Teachers

• If rest doesn’t feel like rest, it’s not because you’re “bad at self-care.” It’s because your system has been bracing for too long.
• Clarity comes before the resume. Otherwise, you’re packing for a trip without a destination.
• AI can help you organize and spot patterns—but you still have to choose the direction (and the life) those patterns serve.

Mentioned in the Episode (Links & Resources)

• SF neighbors dealing with Waymo cars honking at night (ABC7 / KGO). (ABC7 San Francisco)
• Austin incident where a Waymo vehicle blocked an ambulance response (Texas Tribune; additional local coverage also exists). (The Texas Tribune)
• Happier in Hollywood — Episode about “ebb and flow.” (Happier in Hollywood)
• Peter Walsh — Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? (Oprah)

Support the Podcast!

Teachers in Transition is independently produced. If the show helps you feel less alone or more clear, you can support the podcast by sharing with a friend, continuing to listen, and you can even help support it financially via the Buzzsprout support page. Thank you for being here in whatever way you can.

Connect with Vanessa

• Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099
• Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• LinkedIn: Vanessa Jackson (Teachers in Transition)
• Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• Instagram/Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• Facebook: Teachers in Transition (official page)

Support the show

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Send us Fan Mail

Why do capable teachers often feel anxious about leaving the classroom?
It may have less to do with confidence and more to do with cognitive overload.

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa explores the connection between confidence, anxiety, and cognitive overload, and why teachers often carry an impossible amount of mental tracking in their daily work.

You’ll also learn a simple weekly framework that can reduce anxiety, build trust with your future self, and make your week run more smoothly.

In the career transition segment, Vanessa shares three practical ways teachers can begin exploring careers outside education today — without needing to have their entire career plan figured out first.

Key takeaway:
Career transitions become manageable when you stop trying to solve everything at once and start running small, intentional experiments.

In This Episode

Confidence vs. Anxiety

• Why confidence often depends on trusting past-you
• How cognitive overload impacts teachers
• Why capable professionals can start doubting themselves

Teacher Hack: Create a Weekly Framework

• How simple routines reduce anxiety and decision fatigue
• Why keeping small agreements with yourself builds confidence
• Examples of weekly systems that make life easier

Career Transition & Job Search

• Why trying to solve your entire career keeps people stuck
• How to run small career experiments instead
• Practical ways teachers can start exploring new careers today

Career Exploration Tools Mentioned

O*NET Online: A career research database from the U.S. Department of Labor that breaks down occupations by skills, tasks, and work activities.

Explore careers here:
https://www.onetonline.org

Teachers often find this tool especially useful because it reveals the transferable skills that connect teaching to many other professions.

Thinking About Leaving Teaching?

If you're a teacher experiencing burnout or wondering what comes next, Vanessa offers free Discovery Sessions to help you explore your options and get your bearings.

📧 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
📱 Text or voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Schedule a conversation: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

Support the Podcast 😊

Teachers in Transition is an independently produced podcast created to support educators navigating burnout and career change.

If this podcast has helped you feel less alone or given you clarity about your next step, you now have the option to support the show directly.

Support starts at $3 per month and helps cover production costs so this resource can remain available to teachers who need it.

Support the podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

Keywords

teacher burnout, leaving teaching, career change for teachers, teacher career transition, careers outside education, teacher transferable skills, teacher job search, career exploration for teachers

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

Support the show

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What do pancakes have to do with changing careers?

More than you might think.

Anyone who has ever made pancakes knows the truth: the first pancake is almost always a mess. The pan isn’t quite hot enough. The batter spreads oddly. You flip it too soon or too late.

And yet… we never panic about the first pancake. We expect it.

So why do we expect perfection when we’re trying something new in our careers?

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa explores how the “first pancake principle” applies to career transitions, job searching, and the messy but necessary process of experimentation. If your first few applications haven’t landed yet, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it may simply mean you’re still cooking the first pancake.

Vanessa also shares the moment she realized the math of staying in teaching no longer worked, why taking action is the antidote to anxiety, and why businesses are overlooking a powerful and often underleveraged source of talent: experienced educators.

If you’re feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure where to start, this episode will help you reframe the process and keep moving forward.

In This Episode

• Why the first pancake is supposed to be messy
• How perfectionism sabotages career transitions
• Why action is the antidote to anxiety
• The “pancake experiment” approach to job searching
• The moment Vanessa realized it was time to leave teaching
• Why companies are overlooking underleveraged educator talent
• How teachers can begin translating their experience into new industries

Key Takeaway

Career transitions aren’t a single perfect attempt—they’re a batch of experiments.

Your first resume, your first application, your first informational interview… those are just the first pancakes.

Don’t judge the whole stack by the first one.

Ready to Explore Your Next Step?

If you’re a teacher feeling burned out or wondering what comes next, Vanessa offers free Discovery Sessions to help you get your bearings and start mapping a path forward.

You can reach out in several ways:

📧 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
📱 Text or voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Schedule a Discovery Session:
https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

No pressure—just clarity.

Support the Podcast

Teachers in Transition is an independently produced podcast created to support educators navigating burnout and career change.

If this show has helped you feel less alone or helped you find your bearings, you now have the option to support the podcast directly.

Support is completely optional and helps cover production costs so this resource can remain available to educators who need it.

You can support the podcast here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/support

Even a small contribution—starting at $3/month—helps keep the show going.

And if supporting financially isn’t right for you, sharing the podcast with another teacher who might need it is always appreciated.

CONNECT WITH TEACHERS IN TRANSITION

Website: https://teachersintransition.com Podcast: Teachers in Transition, hosted by Buzzsprout

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, we’re talking about the fear that shows up when you’re ready to leave teaching—and what to do when you’ve been applying for jobs and hearing nothing back.

You’ll learn how to stop letting fear run the show, how to steady your nervous system enough to make clear decisions, and how to shift your job search strategy so you’re not relying only on cold applications.

In This Episode, We Cover

• Why fear gets bigger when it stays vague—and how naming it gives you back control
• The hidden risks of staying (and what chronic stress is actually costing you)
• A quick “fuel” reset: why protein matters when your nervous system is fried
• The Networking Compass: cold, cool, warm, and hot connections—and how they affect your job search results
• Why cold applying alone can leave you stuck in silence
• How AI and automation are increasing hiring “noise”… and why human connection matters more than ever
• The mindset shift that helps you move from frantic effort to strategic direction

The Takeaway

You don’t need to hustle harder—you need to navigate smarter.
Because when you stop relying only on cold applications and start building human signal, you become findable again.

Ready for Help? Book a Free Discovery Session

If you’re thinking, “Okay… but I don’t know how to do this alone,” you don’t have to.

Vanessa helps burned-out educators:

• get clear on what they want next
• translate classroom skills into real-world roles
• build a smart exit strategy without burning their life down to get free

📅 Schedule your free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
📧 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
📱 Text/Voicemail: 512-640-9099

Support the Podcast

Teachers in Transition is independently produced, edited, and published by Vanessa. If this show has helped you feel less alone or gain clarity, you can support the podcast directly by going hereand signing up. Support is optional and helps cover production costs so the show can stay accessible to everyone who needs it.

You can also support the show by sharing this episode with a teacher who needs it.

However you show up - thank you for being here.

Optional: SEO Keywords / Tags

teacher burnout, leaving teaching, teacher career change, teacher transition, job search strategy, networking for teachers, ATS, LinkedIn for educators, second career, midlife career change, educator stress, resignation from teaching

CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Big Rocks, Small Peeps, and What ATS Systems Really Do to Teacher Resumes

In this episode, Vanessa talks about the physics of “yes” and “no,” how scope creep quietly expands your workload, a Peeps-inspired morale hack, and a deep dive into how Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) actually interpret teacher resumes outside the classroom.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but nothing is landing… roll your chair up and have a listen!

The Power of Yes & No

When you say yes to something, you’re automatically saying no to something else — even if you don’t see it immediately.

In this segment we explore:

• Why teachers are conditioned to say yes
• How scope creep grows one tiny task at a time
• The Big Rocks analogy and protecting what matters most
• Recognizing gaslighting in professional environments
• Asking: Does this enhance your Big Three — or take away from them?

Sometimes the most powerful boundary is a quiet, thoughtful no.

Peeps: The Hack

A lighthearted reset designed to support emotional regulation and morale — for students and staff.

Ideas from today’s episode:

• Peeps coloring for low-pressure brain breaks
• Turning small moments of joy into connection
• Why “sharpening the saw” often gives you time back later

ATS Terrain: Naming Names!

Last week we talked about terrain — this week we name names.

You’ll learn a little about United Talent, Workday, Taleo, and USAJobs

Key takeaway:

Your skills didn’t change. The terrain did.

It’s isn’t that you have to reinvent yourself. You just have to learn how the different systems listen.

🎯 Need a guide?

If this episode resonated with you, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

I offer free Discovery Sessions where we look at:

• where you are right now
• where you want to go
• and what terrain you’re actually walking into

🌐 Schedule directly at https://www.teachersintransition.com/calendar

🎬 Links!

Fabergé Organics Shampoo — “Tell Two Friends” Commercial
https://dallasregionalchamber.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/they-told-two-friends-and-they-told-two-friends-and-so-on/

And if today’s episode made you feel a little less crazy, go ahead and tell two friends about the podcast… and they’ll tell two friends… and so on, and so on.

CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

Catch you peeps later.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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What if being labeled “difficult” wasn’t a flaw — but a sign that you refused to walk away from your integrity?

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa continues her anti-shame crusade with a powerful conversation about boundaries, conviction, and why educators who speak up are often misunderstood.

Inspired by Toby Ziegler from The West Wing, this episode explores how integrity can look uncomfortable — and why real change doesn’t always come from being warm and fuzzy.

You’ll also get a practical AI productivity hack to help reclaim your brain space, plus a deep dive into the myth of the perfect resume and how to navigate the modern job search like a journey across different terrains — from jungle-like application systems to endurance-based government hiring processes.

If you’ve been feeling unsettled, protective, or quietly questioning systems that once felt safe… you are not alone.

Ready for More?

If this episode resonated and you’re realizing you might need a guide as you move through unfamiliar professional terrain:

Book a Discovery Session:
https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

No pressure — just clarity, strategy, and support from someone who’s been there before and knows the way out.

Keywords (SEO Tags)

teacher career transition, leaving teaching, teacher burnout recovery, job search strategy, ATS systems explained, USAJobs resume tips, AI productivity for teachers, career coaching for educators, Toby Ziegler West Wing leadership, anti-shame coaching, boundaries for teachers, resume myth, corporate transition for teachers

If This Episode Helped You…

Follow, rate, and share with another educator who needs to hear:

You’re not difficult.
You’re dedicated.

CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Many teachers don’t leave the classroom and instantly feel better—because your nervous system doesn’t clock out just because you did.

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa unpacks Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in a practical, non-diagnostic way: how chronic stress, constant vigilance, emotional suppression, boundary erosion, perfectionism, and moral injury can train your body to stay on high alert for years. And how those patterns can follow you into career transition—showing up as overthinking, fear of visibility, people-pleasing in interviews, and a brutal inner critic.

Then we shift into action: how AI is changing the job search, why networking matters more than ever, and one simple AI prompt to decode job descriptions in plain English so you can apply with clarity (not panic).

If you’ve been telling yourself “I left… why don’t I feel better?” — this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we cover:

• What CPTSD is (and why it’s about chronic stress over time—not “worse trauma”)
• How the classroom can normalize hypervigilance and nervous-system overdrive
• Why survival adaptations can stick around after you leave teaching
• How CPTSD-style patterns can show up in job search: over-preparing, shame spirals, people-pleasing, fear of visibility
• AI as a thinking partner in your search (translation, pattern-spotting, interview prep)
• The plain-English AI prompt that makes job descriptions instantly clearer

Keywords
CPTSD, teacher burnout, nervous system, hypervigilance, moral injury, leaving teaching, career transition, teacher career change, job search anxiety, AI job search

CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Are you a teacher who feels constantly stressed, exhausted, or overwhelmed—but can’t quite explain why it feels so heavy?

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson uses a familiar question—“On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is your pain?”—to explore how teachers slowly normalize burnout, emotional overload, and chronic stress without realizing how much it’s costing them.

Drawing from her own post-surgical experience and decades in education, Vanessa explains why constant strain distorts perception, why “familiar” doesn’t mean “fine,” and how teachers often minimize both their pain and their professional value.

This episode gives language to what teachers are experiencing to help them think clearly, reclaim energy, and make informed decisions about what comes next.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why chronic stress and burnout are hard to quantify—especially for teachers
• How constant emotional and cognitive load shifts your internal “pain scale”
• The Energy Tax Check: a simple question to identify what’s draining you now and later
• Why teachers unconsciously subtract from their own experience and accomplishments
• How to “add the two points back” when describing your work on a resume or in interviews
• What it really means to seek a role with sustainable workload and room for growth

Whether you’re actively job searching, quietly exploring career options outside the classroom, or simply trying to survive another semester, this episode will help you stop second-guessing yourself and start trusting your internal data again.

Because living with something every day doesn’t make it small; it makes it familiar. And familiarity is not the same thing as fit.

🔑 Keywords & Topics

Teacher burnout • career change for teachers • leaving teaching • teacher stress • education burnout • teacher career transition • transferable skills for teachers • job search for educators • emotional exhaustion • work-life balance in teaching

CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Boundaries, Burnout, and Why You Shouldn’t Write Scripted Lesson Plans at Home”

Are you a teacher on the edge of burnout, wondering if your skills have value outside the classroom? You're not alone—and this encore episode is for you.

In this encore presentation, Vanessa Jackson dives into lessons we can learn from the late, great Carrie Fisher (yes, General Leia), especially around boundaries, mental health, and not working for free. You'll also hear:

✨ A teacher hack to reclaim your brain space (goodbye, mental clutter)
📋 A practical DIY skills gap analysis for your career pivot
🚫 A real-talk boundary moment around unreasonable school demands
💪 A reminder that your worth isn’t defined by what administrators say

This episode blends empowerment with strategy to help you move from burnout to breakthrough.

Topics Covered:

• Teacher burnout recovery strategies
• How to transition from teaching to a new career
• Skills inventory tips using job descriptions and ChatGPT
• Mental health and boundaries for educators
• Pop culture meets career coaching: lessons from Carrie Fisher
• Time-saving teacher hacks to reduce overwhelm

Links + Resources Mentioned:

• ✨ “Be Like Carrie” LinkedIn Article
• 📚 Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher (Amazon link)
• 🛠️ Udemy for career skill-building
• 🎯 Tamara McLemore's PMP Bootcamp
• 🎙️ Listen to More Episodes on Buzzsprout

Let’s Connect:
📅 Book a free Discovery Call: TeachersinTransition.com/calendar
💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📱 Text/Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📣 Facebook: Teachers in Transition Podcast Club
📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
💼 LinkedIn: Vanessa Jackson
🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy
🟦 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Originally aired in May 2024, this encore episode might just be more relevant now in January 2026. If your New Year energy already feels like it’s running on fumes, take this as your permission slip to pause.

Vanessa explores the emotional and physical exhaustion teachers face—and how lack of sleep, overcommitment, and guilt get tangled together. She shares a powerful metaphor about “big rocks” and challenges you to re-evaluate how you’re spending your time vs. what actually matters to you.

You’ll hear:

• Why sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival need
• What “big rocks” really mean and how to identify yours
• A teacher hack to boost student confidence (and your own)
• A guided reflection exercise from Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson
• Three guiding principles to start clarifying who you are beyond the classroom

Whether you’re in the middle of burnout, questioning your next move, or just trying to reclaim your sanity—this episode is a compassionate nudge back to yourself.

Keywords:
Teacher burnout recovery, leaving teaching, teacher exhaustion, self-care for teachers, time management for educators, career clarity, Ken Robinson Finding Your Element, big rocks metaphor, prioritizing what matters, teacher stress relief, post-burnout career paths, Vanessa Jackson podcast, Teachers in Transition

Ready to take the next step?
Vanessa helps burned-out teachers transition into new careers with clarity and confidence. If you're ready to explore your options, schedule a free Discovery Session here:
👉 www.teachersintransition.com/calendar

📲 Stay Connected!
📧 Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
📱 Text/Voicemail: 512-640-9099
🔗 Follow on Instagram + Threads @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
👥 Join the Podcast Club Facebook Group
🔗 LinkedIn: Vanessa Jackson
🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy
🟦 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this encore episode, Vanessa breaks down how learning to say no can help teachers reclaim their time, sanity, and future. If you’ve ever felt guilty turning things down or stuck in the cycle of "yes" to everything—this one’s for you.

We’ll also explore:

• A quick, elegant grading hack to save time
• Why “no” is a complete sentence (and how to say it with grace)
• Petal 5 in our What Color Is Your Parachute series: salary, benefits, and value-aligned goals

Resources Mentioned:

• What Color is Your Parachute 2024
• Parachute Budget Worksheet
• F* No by Sarah Knight (Heads up: spicy title, wise advice!)

Have a teacher hack or story of your own to share?
Email me at Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com—I love hearing from you.

Stay Connected

• 💬 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• 📱 Text or voicemail: 512-640-9099
• 🗓️ Book a free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Vanessa Jackson
• 📷 Follow on IG + Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy
• 🟦 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com ! I can’t wait to read them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the Episode’s page at Buzzsprout.

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What if your job search had an engine—and you just needed to spark it?
In this episode of Teachers in Transition, host Vanessa Jackson (former middle school teacher turned career transition coach) breaks down the power of hope, the weight of shame, and the five career hacks every burned-out educator needs right now.

Whether you're exploring new paths or rewriting your résumé mid-meltdown, this episode will help you jumpstart momentum and reclaim your agency.

✨ In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why hope is your starter, momentum is your engine, and habits are your alternator
• Vanessa goes on a crusade against shame and secrecy
• Permission to call out medical gaslighting
• Why your résumé isn’t landing—and exactly how to fix it
• The 20-minute trick that kickstarts your job pivot
• A power paragraph that makes your LinkedIn and cover letters sparkle
• How to answer “Why did you leave teaching?” without the trauma dump
• Why LinkedIn isn’t a stage—it’s a hallway (and how to walk it with confidence)

🎯 This episode is especially for:

• Teachers exploring career transitions beyond the classroom
• Educators dealing with burnout, shame, or medical dismissal
• Women navigating midlife health challenges while still showing up for others
• Anyone feeling stuck and ready for a small but powerful next step

CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

Programming Note from Vanessa’s Assistant:

Vanessa will be off the mic for the next few weeks while recovering from surgery. Tune in to some replayed favorites, and know she’ll be back soon—with updates, real talk, and new resources to keep your momentum going.

You’ve given enough. It’s time to build a future that gives back.

Teachers in Transition is an independently produced podcast created to support educators navigating burnout, change, and what comes next.

If this podcast has been helpful to you, you now have the option to support the show financially. Contributions are completely optional and help cover production costs so this resource can remain accessible.

Whether you choose to support or simply keep listening, thank you for being part of this community.

keywords:

Teachers, Career Change, burnout, hope, habits, New Year's Resolutions, shame, women's health, teachers in transition

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Are you standing at the edge of a new year wondering which way to go and how far you'll go? In this Teachers in Transition episode, Vanessa Jackson invites teachers, career changers, and dream‑seekers to discover their Word of the Year — a guiding compass that turns hope into directional momentum. Vanessa shares her word of the year and her 26-in-26 goals. This episode helps you find clarity and purpose for 2026, with real stories, practical goal‑setting tools, and a little pop culture wisdom.

🎯 Whether you’re thinking about leaving toxic school environments, redefining your life direction, or simply seeking deeper fulfillment, Vanessa shows you how to turn hope into movement — and movement into lasting change.

📬 Find your guiding word. Build the tools that help you get where you’re going.

📍 Resources Mentioned

🎙 Word of the Year Podcast Reference
👉 Happier with Gretchen Rubin Episode 563 – Need a One‑Word Theme for Next Year?
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-563-need-a-one-word-theme-for-next-year-we/id969519520?i=1000739465433

💡 Word Discovery Tools
• MyIntent Word Finder – pick your guiding word: https://myintent.org/pages/word-finder
• MyIntent “What’s Your Word?” Quiz – guided discovery: https://myintent.org/pages/whatsyourwordquiz

🎥 Pop Culture Inspiration

Moana — How Far I’ll Go (Official DisneyMusicVEVO)
🎥 https://youtu.be/cPAbx5kgCJo

Rush — Wish Them Well
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nF7ihyprGtk (YouTube)

📣 Next Steps

Tell Vanessa your Word for 2026!
1. Send a voice message or email to Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
2. Schedule a free Discovery Call:

👋 CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram, Threads & TikTok: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

Keywords

Teacher burnout • teacher career transition • Word of the Year • goal setting • vision + momentum • hope + direction • career coaching • teacher purpose • intentional living •

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Feeling burned out, used up, or overwhelmed as the year ends? You are not alone.

In this Christmas Eve episode, Vanessa wraps up the “12 Gifts of Christmas” series with the final three gifts every teacher needs heading into a new year:
💫 Faith – in yourself, your future, and the world beyond the classroom.
🚀 Momentum – why it matters more than motivation and how to build it gently.
🌟 Possibility – permission to dream again and practical ways to set bold, joyful goals for 2026.

Vanessa shares real stories, teacher wisdom, and powerful tools including:

• A letter to your future self (Faith)
• The Small Wins Action Planner (Momentum)
• The Vision for 2026 worksheet (Possibility)

Whether you’re sneaking in this episode during gift wrapping, or you’ve locked yourself in the car for a breather—you’ll walk away feeling seen, grounded, and reminded that you are worthy of receiving. Not just during the holidays—but every day after.

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Follow Jenny’s peaceful dot art journey: @dotalongak on TikTok and YouTube
• Commit30 Planner: https://commit30.com
• Make your own 2026 Bingo Card: bingobaker.com or myfreebingocards.com
• Gretchen Rubin’s “23 in 23” concept: https://gretchenrubin.com

🛠️ Free Tools from the Episode:

• 📄Letter to Your Future Self – Faith Gift #10
• 📋Small Wins Action Planner – Momentum Gift #11
• 🧭 Vision for 2026 Worksheet – Possibility Gift #12

📌Tags and Keywords

Teacher burnout, teacher career change, transition out of teaching, faith after burnout, momentum over motivation, teacher vision planning, 2026 goals, holiday survival for teachers, career reinvention, Teachers in Transition podcastTop of Form

Bottom of Form

👋 CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Episode Summary

Ever feel like no matter what you do—someone’s unhappy?
As a teacher, it can feel like your job is to keep kids, parents, admin, and coworkers content... all while your own needs take a back seat.

In this week’s episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson shares a powerful parable, a pop-culture reminder, and a personal story about a cup holder (yes, really) to walk you through three powerful gifts that every teacher deserves to claim:

• 🎁 The Gift of Joy: Why choosing joy doesn’t require permission—and how a Joy Bingo card can bring play back into your day.
• 🎁 The Gift of Learning: How to reclaim learning for yourself, not just for your students or your school.
• 🎁 The Gift of Adaptability: How every fire drill, tech glitch, and schedule change proves you're more career-ready than you think.

From Aesop’s fable of the man, the boy, and the donkey...
To Monica Geller’s meltdown over mashed potatoes...
To a water bottle rolling across a 4Runner floor...

This episode reminds you that you’ve already adapted, you’re allowed to laugh, and you deserve to build a future that gives back.

🔗 Links to the Free Gifts Mentioned:

• 🧡 Gift 9: Joy Bingo Card
• 📘 Gift 8: Learning Path Mini Planner
• ✅ Gift 7: Adaptability Checklist

🔗 Links to other things mentionedTeachers In Transition - Episode 179: The Four Rules
Teachers in Transition – Episode 250: Interview with Jenny Long
Happier in Hollywood – Episode 395 Hunting for Disproportionate Joy

🧠 Keywords: teacher burnout, teacher transition, jobs for former teachers, emotional labor, transferable skills, classroom exit plan, teacher identity shift, joy in education, job search for teachers

👋 CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Feeling maxed out this December? You’re not alone. In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson dives into the real root of burnout — capacity overload — and offers three powerful tools to help you begin rebuilding your life and identity beyond the classroom.

Discover how the seasonal pressure of “doing it all” ties into long-term exhaustion, and learn how to shift from survival mode into intentional recovery with the Three C’s: Grace, Clarity, and Connection.

Vanessa shares personal reflections (including how her Christmas tree is decorated for easy post-surgery takedown), explains why networking isn’t gross or gimmicky, and guides you toward tools that can truly support your career transition — without toxic positivity or hustle-culture nonsense.

Whether you're a teacher on the edge or already exploring what's next, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, think deeply, and take one brave step forward.

🎁 Download This Week’s Free Gifts:

• Gift #4 – The Clarity Mini-Inventory: Reflect on what lights you up and what you're no longer willing to compromise.Download Gift #4
• Gift #5 – The Networking Tracker: A simple tool to help you track connections, conversations, and career possibilities.Download Gift #5
• Gift #6 – Grace in Progress Worksheet: Give yourself the same compassion you offer everyone else.Download Gift #6

🔍 Keywords:

teacher burnout, holiday stress for teachers, career change for teachers, clarity and identity, teacher career transition, networking for educators, resume alternatives for teachers, overcoming burnout, second careers for teachers, Vanessa Jackson podcast, Teachers in Transition

👋 CONNECT WITH VANESSA

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Episode Summary:

December isn’t just tinsel and teacher mugs. It’s also the season when most educators crash - emotionally, physically, and financially. In this powerful kickoff to her “12 Gifts of Christmas” series, this episode delivers the first three transformative gifts every burned-out teacher needs:

🎁 Gift #1: Permission to Rest

Why your body’s exhaustion isn’t laziness. It’s the result of systemic design. Vanessa hands you a literal and metaphorical permission slip to stop apologizing for rest.

🎁 Gift #2: A Guided Gratitude Reflection

Gratitude isn’t toxic positivity. It’s a secret weapon in career transition. Learn how to reframe your teaching experience as proof of your strength, skill, and value as a headstart on resumes and an updated LinkedIn Page.

🎁 Gift #3: The Courage to Dream Again

Dreaming is an act of resistance. Vanessa offers a compassionate path back to your future, with baby steps, brave moments, and a gentle reminder that your courage doesn’t need to roar.

Along the way, Vanessa also tackles:

• The real math behind “paid vacations” (spoiler: you’re not)
• How loan reclassifications are gatekeeping leadership roles
• The student loan trap that targets teachers, nurses, and social workers
• Why burnout is not your fault—and what to do with the wisdom it left behind

💌 GRAB YOUR FREE DECEMBER GIFTS:

These three resources are yours to download — no strings attached.

🎁 Gift #1: Permission to Rest
🎁 Gift #2: Gratitude Reflection Guide
🎁 Gift #3: Courage to Dream Worksheet

Need help getting them? Email Vanessa directly at Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com and she’ll send them your way.

👋 CONNECT WITH VANESSA

You are not alone—and you were never the problem. Stay connected for weekly wisdom and resources:

• 💌 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
• 📱 Call or Text: 512-640-9099
• 📅 Book a Free Discovery Call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 🔗 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 📸 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 👍 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
• 🐦 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

🎧 Listen & Subscribe!

Available on Apple, Spotify, Buzzsprout & everywhere you get your podcasts.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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What happens when doing the right thing costs you everything? In this final chapter of the Captain America trilogy, Vanessa unpacks Civil War as a reflection of the teacher’s moral stand—when institutions fail, trust fractures, and standing your ground feels lonely. A powerful Thanksgiving episode on grief, gratitude, and the courage to say: “No. You move.”

In this final episode of our Captain America trilogy, we step into the heartbreak and hard choices of Civil War — a film that isn’t about heroes versus villains, but about conviction versus compromise. Through Steve Rogers’ grief, Tony Stark’s guilt, and the quiet devastation of moral division, we explore what it means to stand your ground when the world wants you to move.

This isn’t just a Marvel movie breakdown. It’s a mirror for every teacher who's ever been caught in the crossfire of politics and purpose. For those who’ve felt the system shift beneath their feet. For those wondering if their compass still points north.

We talk about the weight of standing alone. The danger of division. The cost of holding onto your values when everyone else is asking you to bend. And, ultimately, we offer a Thanksgiving reflection not rooted in toxic positivity — but in sacred, hard-earned gratitude for the fact that you still care enough to stand.

This episode is for the teachers who feel like they're living through their own version if Civil War — and need a reminder that integrity is resistance, and that they're not standing alone.

Captain America: Civil is currently streaming on Disney+

If you're a teacher navigating your own Civil War, let this episode be a balm and a blueprint.

👉 Schedule a free Discovery Call with Vanessa

👋 Connect with Vanessa:

• 📩 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• 📞 Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099
• 🌐 Website: TeachersInTransition.com
• 🔵 Facebook: Follow here
• 📸 Instagram + Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 🐦 Twitter (X): @EduExitStrategy
• 💬 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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This week on Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson uses Captain America: The Winter Soldier to unpack what it means to serve a mission—even when the system behind it is broken. From heli-carriers to hall passes, this episode is a powerful metaphor for the disillusionment teachers feel when the institutions they trusted start to crumble.

Steve Rogers may be a super-soldier, but his real strength is moral clarity. In this breakdown, Vanessa explores how Cap’s battle isn’t just with Hydra—it’s with the realization that even noble systems can rot from the inside. And how, like so many educators, he has to decide: do I stay silent for stability, or speak up for integrity?

You’ll learn:

• Why systems fail by degrees, not disasters
• How to recognize the “elevator moment” in your career
• What Steve’s code of honor can teach burned-out educators
• The difference between rebelling against and rebuilding for
• Practical steps to define your own moral compass — and use it to guide your next chapter

🛑 This is not just a Marvel movie recap. It’s a discussion about moral courage, institutional disillusionment, and rebuilding your purpose from the ashes.

🔗 Episode Resources:
🎥 Stream Captain America: The Winter Soldier on Disney+
💻 Join the community and find career transition tools at TeachersInTransition.com

👩‍🏫 For Burned-Out Teachers Ready to Rebuild:

Feeling the shift? If your school no longer aligns with your soul, you're not broken—you’re awake. Get free resources, community, and coaching at TeachersInTransition.com.

📅 Book a free discovery call: teachersintransition.com/calendar
📨 Email Vanessa directly: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com

👋 Connect with Vanessa:

• 📩 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• 📞 Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099
• 🌐 Website: TeachersInTransition.com
• 🔵 Facebook: Follow here
• 📸 Instagram + Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 🐦 Twitter (X): @EduExitStrategy
• 💬 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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In this powerful kickoff to a 3-part Captain America series, Vanessa Jackson unpacks what makes Steve Rogers more than just a superhero — and how his journey mirrors that of so many teachers today. From being paraded as a symbol to reclaiming his purpose, Cap’s story is one of values, conviction, and courageous action.

Vanessa explores how educators, like Cap, often feel reduced to performance — test scores, politics, or being treated like glorified babysitters — instead of being honored as the impact-makers they truly are. If you're feeling lost in the system or questioning your next move, this episode will help you find your compass again.

🛡️ Discover the power of choosing purpose over permission
🧭 Learn why your values are your real “super soldier serum”
🎯 And explore the moment when it’s time to jump — even without a parachute

✅ Episode Tags

Career Transition, Teacher Burnout, Captain America, Teacher Identity, Purpose, Leadership, Steve Rogers, Peggy Carter, Values, Courage, Burnout Recovery, Women in Education, Teacher to Coach, Education Podcast, Veteran’s Day, Marvel Metaphors, Personal Growth

🔗 Recommended Links for This Episode’s Show Notes:

The DECIDE Course (Self-paced)
Explore the self-paced DECIDE course to see if you are ready to leave the classroom or if you just need a small change.👉 Learn more here.

Discovery Call Calendar
Book a free Discovery Session with Vanessa:
👉 https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

Email: Vanessa@TeachersInTransition.com

Leave a Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099

🌐 Social Links

• Instagram + Threads @teachers.in.transition
• Facebook Page
• LinkedIn
• Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• X (Twitter) @EduExitStrategy

🎬 Pop Culture Context

• Captain America: The First Avenger – available to stream on Disney+

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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In this deeply personal and emotionally charged episode, Vanessa Jackson steps away from her usual format to examine the civil trial of Abby Zwerner, the first-grade teacher shot by a six-year-old student. This is not a story about politics—it’s a case study in ignored warnings, failed leadership, testing culture, and the trauma teachers are expected to survive in silence. If you’re an educator, this episode will feel painfully familiar. It’s a mirror held up to a broken system—and a call to stop accepting the unacceptable.

🧭 Timestamps for Navigation

Use these timestamps in the episode description or show notes so listeners can jump to the parts that resonate most:

• 0:00 – Introduction & Framing
• 4:07 – The Pattern of Ignored Warnings
• 10:05 – The Defense’s Strategy: Deflect, Distract, and Weaponize
• 17:29 – The Test-Score Obsession
• 22:51 – Authority, Safety, and the Functionally Absurd Gap
• 28:47 – Leadership Accountability
• 35:00 – The Human Cost
• 40:50 – Broader Systemic Implications
• 47:47 – In Closing: What Are We Willing to Accept?

Please share this with anyone you feel needs to hear it. And if you want to talk, - contact me. I’m here.

👋 Connect with Vanessa:

• 📩 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• 📞 Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099
• 🧭 Discovery Call: Book a session
• 🌐 Website: TeachersInTransition.com
• 🔵 Facebook: Follow here
• 📸 Instagram + Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 🐦 Twitter (X): @EduExitStrategy
• 💬 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Summary:

Burned out? Buried in makeup work requests? Wondering what life could look like beyond the classroom? You’re in the right place.

This episode of Teachers in Transition is your triple shot of validation, strategy, and possibility.

🎒 Vanessa breaks down:

• Why homework packets (especially for family vacations) are burnout fuel
• A practical way to simplify packet prep using a Custom GPT for lesson planning
• The hidden emotional toll of teacher guilt—and what we can learn from a PetSmart PR fail
• Two clarity tools that help you start untangling your next chapter

🎯 If you’ve ever thought:

• “I can’t do this another year.”
• “I want more, but I don’t know what.”
• “I’m exhausted, but I don’t want to waste my experience.”

…then this one’s for you.

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

• ✨ Build a Custom GPT for Lesson Planning
  Free guide to help you create your own AI assistant for fast, aligned lesson packets.
  👉 Download it here
• 🔥 CLARITY Course + Full Teacher Transition Toolkit
  Step-by-step career transition help—designed by a teacher, for teachers.
  👉 Explore programs

🔍 Keywords:

teacher burnout, teacher exit strategy, makeup work hack, homework packets, custom GPT for teachers, AI lesson planning, career transition for educators, life after teaching, education career change, teacher guilt, how to leave teaching, clarity coaching for teachers

Ready to get real feedback on your resume and strategy? Book a free coaching session at TeachersinTransition.com. Your future is calling - and it doesn’t speak in acronyms.

👋 Connect with Vanessa:

• 📩 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• 📞 Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099
• 🧭 Discovery Call: Book a session
• 🌐 Website: TeachersInTransition.com
• 🔵 Facebook: Follow here
• 📸 Instagram + Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 🐦 Twitter (X): @EduExitStrategy
• 💬 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Feeling like your resume’s written in a foreign language? You’re not alone. In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa dives deep into the language barrier keeping educators stuck in the classroom—and gives you the tools to translate your teaching experience into powerful, job-winning impact statements. From resume red flags to real-world rewrites, you’ll learn how to shift from “classroom warrior” to corporate-ready candidate—without selling your soul.

🎯 Key Topics:

• Why “edu-speak” fails in corporate job searches—and how to fix it
• Resume mistakes that are holding you back (and how to stop)
• A powerful “red pen” audit to upgrade your resume today
• The truth about humility: why underselling is sabotaging your search
• A resume hack that involves highlighters, honesty, and a non-educator friend

🛠️ Plus, Vanessa shares a clever resume clarity hack that might just change the way you see your skills forever.

Tags/Keywords for Search:
Teacher career change, leaving teaching, resume for teachers, transferable skills for educators, career coaching for teachers, education to corporate transition, resume tips for teachers, teacher burnout recovery, job search strategies for teachers, LinkedIn for teachers, interview prep for educators

💬 Call to Action:
Ready to get real feedback on your resume and strategy? Book a free coaching session at TeachersinTransition.com. Your future is calling—and it doesn’t speak in acronyms.

👋 Connect with Vanessa:

• 📩 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• 📞 Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099
• 🧭 Discovery Call: Book a session
• 🌐 Website: TeachersInTransition.com
• 🔵 Facebook: Follow here
• 📸 Instagram + Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 🐦 Twitter (X): @EduExitStrategy
• 💬 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• 🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout: Click here to listen
• Vanessa Jackson podcast
• Teachers in Transition

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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This week, we dive deep into a viral story that’s about so much more than a stolen Hello Kitty Funko Pop. We explore boundaries, respect, and why burnout isn’t just about exhaustion—it’s about disillusionment. Plus, Vanessa shares a simple brain hack for instant momentum (spoiler: it involves a sticky note) and walks you through two powerful frameworks—Finding Your Element and Ikigai—to help you uncover your next career step. Oh, and Rush is going on tour… again.

In This Episode:

• The Red Flag Radar segment breaks down the Hello Kitty theft that lit up teacher Twitter — and what it reveals about systemic failure.
• A quick “5x3 on a 3x5” brain hack to crush overwhelm when you can’t decide where to start.
• What Sir Ken Robinson and Japanese philosophy can teach you about your next career move.
• The magic of being unapologetically you — and how Rush found success by doing exactly that.

🔗 Resources + Links Mentioned:

• 📘 Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson: Buy on Amazon
• 📖 My Effin' Life by Geddy Lee: Buy on Amazon
• 📰 The Mary Sue article on the Hello Kitty incident: Read it here
• 🎵 Info on “The 50-Something Tour” (Rush fans unite): Check tour updates
• 📚 Learn more about Ikigai: Book
• 📘 Start discovering your own Element and Ikigai with this simple, free resource. Download here.

👋 Connect with Vanessa:

• 📩 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• 📞 Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099
• 🧭 Discovery Call: Book a session
• 🌐 Website: TeachersInTransition.com
• 🔵 Facebook: Follow here
• 📸 Instagram + Threads: @teachers.in.transition
• 🐦 Twitter (X): @EduExitStrategy
• 💬 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

🧠 Podcast SEO Tags:

• Teacher burnout recovery
• Career change for teachers
• How to leave teaching
• Ikigai and career transition
• 5x3 focus hack
• Hello Kitty teacher story
• Teachers and boundaries
• Funko Pop theft classroom
• Vanessa Jackson podcast
• Teachers in Transition

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson celebrates cracking the Top 250 in Apple Podcasts Career category 🎉 — and dives into a jam-packed episode covering toxic leadership, classroom chaos, Halloween hacks, and how to discover your personal brand that can actually open doors.

🚩 Red Flag Radar kicks off with a jaw-dropping Reddit story featuring a gaslighting principal, zero mentorship, and why some teachers are sprinting for the exits — for good reason.

🎃 Teacher Hack of the Week: Want to curb the Halloween candy hangover? Vanessa shares a trick-or-treat tip that helps your classroom and your waistline.

💼 Career Transition Strategy: Learn how to build a personal brand that reflects who you really are — and why a wedding PR disaster is a cautionary tale for every job seeker.

This episode is for any educator who’s ever felt set up to fail and wondered, “Is it me?” (Spoiler: It’s not.)
📥 Ready for your next step? Free career tools await at TeachersinTransition.com

✨ Like what you heard?
Help other teachers find this podcast by sharing, rating, and reviewing it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Every star and share helps light the path for someone else.

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzsprout

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Explore how Ghostbusters can help teachers reframe burnout, build resilience, and take bold steps toward a new career.

In this week’s episode of Teachers in Transition, we’re looking at the 1984 movie Ghostbusters through the lens of teacher burnout, career change, and rejection resilience.

If you’ve ever felt slimed by endless rejection emails or haunted by the fear of leaving teaching, this episode will resonate. Just like the Ghostbusters reinvented themselves after losing their university jobs, teachers can learn to take risks, invest in themselves, and use their skills in a whole new way.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• 🎯 How to name and face your “ghosts” — from small frustrations like unanswered job applications to giant fears like rejection.
• 🔋 Why your transferable skills are your “proton pack,” and how to aim them at new career opportunities.
• 🚨 How your resume and LinkedIn can be your “Ecto-1” — a personal brand that gets noticed even if it isn’t perfect.
• 📞 Why networking matters most (“Who you gonna call?”) and how to build relationships that open doors.
• 💸 What Ray’s infamous “third mortgage” scene teaches us about risk, self-belief, and the importance of investing in yourself.

Quick movie recap: Ghostbusters follows three quirky professors who lose their jobs at Columbia and reinvent themselves as paranormal exterminators. At first, nobody takes them seriously, but soon they’re saving New York from Slimer, Zuul, and the giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.

The big takeaway: Rejection isn’t the end — it’s redirection.

🔗 Resources & Links

• 🎶 Watch the original Ghostbusters Music Video
• 📺 Stream Ghostbusters now on Paramount Plus

👉 If you’re a burned-out teacher ready to transition into a new career, prioritize yourself and explore what’s possible beyond the classroom. I can help you discover your transferable skills, build your “Ecto-1” brand, and find the confidence to chase your next chapter.

Keywords

• Teacher career change
• Teacher burnout recovery
• Career transition strategies for teachers
• Transferable skills for teachers
• Ghostbusters movie career lessons
• Job search rejection resilience

✨ Like what you heard?
Help other teachers find this podcast by sharing, rating, and reviewing it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Every star and share helps light the path for someone else.

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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You’re already paying the price - now it’s time to count the cost.

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa pulls back the curtain on what it really costs to stay in a job that’s slowly burning you out. From sleepless Sunday nights to surprise pizza party scams, we’re exploring the Three Coins every teacher spends—Time, Money, and Stress—and what it means to start reclaiming them.

You'll hear:

• Why burnout isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a debt you've been paying in silence
• A personal story about how a fundraiser gone wrong exposed the system’s financial gaslighting
• A 30-second end-of-day hack that helps you leave work at work (for real this time)
• A smarter way to think about clarity—without needing a perfect job title to start
• How childhood joy can become career direction, and why 8-year-old you might know more than you think

If you’ve ever wondered what else you can do or whether it’s time to leave, this episode will help you start asking better questions—before burnout makes the decision for you.

✨ Like what you heard?
Help other teachers find this podcast by sharing, rating, and reviewing it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Every star and share helps light the path for someone else.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Register for the Decide Workshop (Sept 27 @ 2PM CT): https://teachersintransition.com

Schedule your FREE Discovery Session: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

Listen to past episodes: https://teachersintransition.buzzsprout.com

What Color is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles - updated every year and available on Amazon.

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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Feeling burned out and overlooked? In this episode, Vanessa shares how to build a Custom GPT that writes your lesson plans and the resume fixes every teacher needs to land interviews outside the classroom. Save hours, cut the stress, and start building your next chapter.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• 🛠️ How to create a Custom GPT to generate lesson plans faster
• 📂 What to upload and how to train your GPT (without the tech overwhelm)
• 💡 Why your resume might be getting ignored—and how to fix it
• ✨ The 4 must-do resume tweaks if you’re transitioning careers
• 🗓️ Why the Decide Workshop on Sept 27 could be your clarity breakthrough

Resources & Links:

• Register for the Decide Workshop (Sept 27 @ 2PM CT): https://teachersintransition.com
• Schedule your FREE Discovery Session: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar
• Download the GPT Setup Guide: [Insert link here]
• Listen to past episodes: https://teachersintransition.buzzsprout.com

Keywords & Phrases: burnout, teacher burnout solutions, lesson planning, lesson planning help for teachers, AI for teachers, ChatGPT for lesson plans, how to build a custom GPT, save time with lesson planning, resume, resume tips for teachers, resume tips for career change, resume for teachers leaving education, how to get hired outside of teaching, resume mistakes teachers make, applicant tracking system (ATS) tips, job search, teacher career transition strategies, teacher job search tips, alternative careers for teachers, teacher exit strategy, career change, career change for educators.

✨ Like what you heard?
Help other teachers find this podcast by sharing, rating, and reviewing it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Every star and share helps light the path for someone else.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Register for the Decide Workshop (Sept 27 @ 2PM CT): https://teachersintransition.com

Schedule your FREE Discovery Session: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

Download the GPT Setup Guide: [Insert link here]

Listen to past episodes: https://teachersintransition.buzzsprout.com

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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Burned out and job hunting? Vanessa shares a powerful story, a time-saving hack, and a no-fluff resume detox to help teachers transition careers with clarity. Learn what to keep, cut, and reframe for your next chapter.

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, host Vanessa Jackson tackles two traps many teachers face when planning their exit strategy:

1. The ever-rising bar of expectations that leads to chronic burnout
2. Resume overload—how to cut the fluff and showcase what really matters in a non-teaching job search

Vanessa shares a powerful story from her college days, a time-saving planning hack for overwhelmed teachers, and a resume-cleaning framework called Keep / Translate / Delete—designed specifically for educators shifting careers.

Whether you're just starting your job search or staring at a resume full of "teacher speak," this episode delivers clarity, direction, and a few laughs.

Keywords

teacher burnout, resume tips for teachers, teacher career change, resume detox, teacher transferable skills, teacher job search, education to corporate, ATS resume help, leaving teaching, job search tips for educators

🎯 Join the DECIDE Workshop – September 27thhttps://teachersintransition.com/calendar

📆 Book a free Discovery Call with Vanessa:https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

I need your help!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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What if the problem isn’t just how many balls you’re juggling—but the whole game itself?

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson breaks down a powerful framework to help burned-out teachers stop doing all the things—and start identifying what actually matters. You’ll learn how to tag your tasks as glass, rubber, lead, or hot air—and why that color-coded system could save your sanity.

Then we zoom out into the 2025 job market.

What hard and soft skills are in demand now?
Which teacher strengths still matter—and which need a serious reframe?
What’s disappearing from job descriptions—and what’s replacing it?
How can you compete without another degree?

Vanessa also shares how to strategically upskill for free, how to translate “classroom” into “corporate,” and why you already have the communication advantage in the AI age.

If you’re feeling the tug to leave teaching but don’t know where to start—this episode is made just for you.

Keywords

Teacher career change, teacher transferable skills, 2025 job skills, burnout recovery, how to leave teaching, project management for educators, resume help for teachers, teachers in transition, what jobs can teachers do, free upskilling for teachers, best careers for former teachers

🔗 Links & Resources:

Check out https://Jobscan.co

🎯 Join the DECIDE Workshop – September 27thhttps://teachersintransition.com/calendar

📆 Book a free Discovery Call with Vanessa:https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

I need your help!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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Stop Saying “Someday” + Teacher Career Transition Tips from Knight and Day

Ever notice how “someday” sounds like a plan… until it becomes your excuse?

This week, I’m diving into the utterly bananas spy movie Knight and Day—and pulling out some surprisingly relevant lessons for teachers on the edge of burnout. Between Tom Cruise’s calm chaos and Cameron Diaz’s underestimated genius, there’s a message every teacher-in-transition needs to hear:

If you keep waiting for the right time, you’ll wait forever.

🧭 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why “someday” is a career-killing word
• What June Havens teaches us about being underestimated and overqualified
• How Roy Miller’s “go on three” moment is a metaphor for clarity in chaos
• 8 red flags to watch for in new jobs (before you jump from one fire into another)
• How to use your teacher instincts to make better moves

🔗 Ready to Stop Waiting?

→ Join my next DECIDE Workshop (Sept 1 or Sept 27, 2025)
→ Book a free Discovery Call: Click here
→ Or just rewatch Knight and Day and let the metaphor work its magic

🤝 Connect With Me:

📧 Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 512-640-9099
📅 Schedule a free Discovery Call
📸 Instagram,Threads and now TikTok!- @teachers.in.transition
🐦 X: @EduExitStrategy
🔵 Facebook: Teachers in Transition Page
🌐 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

I need your help!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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Hey friend, this one's personal.
If you’ve ever said, “Maybe I’ll just stick it out one more year,” this episode is your invitation to something different. Not a lecture. Not a pitch. A real workshop. A pause. A chance to breathe.

In this short episode, I’m sharing:

• What I mean by the “Invisible Backpack” and why it keeps you stuck
• The truth about “just one more year” (hint: it’s still a decision)
• The 5Ps Framework I created to help you sort the chaos and find clarity

But more importantly, I’m inviting you to join me for the DECIDE Workshop—a live, interactive session designed to help burned-out teachers make career decisions that are grounded in truth, not guilt.

🗓️ Two Dates to Choose From:
September 1 or September 27 at 2PM CT
🎟️ Click here to register now

Spots are limited because this isn’t a webinar. It’s a conversation.

You’ll walk away with:

• Space to set down what’s been weighing you down
• Reflection prompts that cut through the noise
• A personal roadmap—whether you stay, shift, or leave

This isn’t about rushing out the door. It’s about making your next move with eyes wide open

Let’s stop surviving and start deciding.

If you have any questions, reach out to me directly at Vanessa@teachersintransiton.com.

I hope to see you there!

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What does a ridiculous comedy bout dodgeball have in common with the emotional rollercoaster of being a burned-out teacher? More than you think.

In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa uses Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story to explore the hidden truth behind teacher burnout, resilience, and identity loss. From flying wrenches and Globo Gym gaslighting to career pivots and Average Joe’s community, this metaphor-rich episode will help you name your exhaustion, reclaim your worth, and start your exit strategy with clarity.

Whether you're flinching at every new initiative, grieving your former self, or finally whispering, “I can’t do this anymore,”—you’re not broken. You’re rebuilding.

Keywords: teacher burnout, teacher career change, teacher transition, emotional exhaustion, resilience, career pivot, leaving teaching, post-teaching jobs, mid-career reinvention

Listen now and remember: you've given enough. It’s time to build a future that gives back.

Connect!

📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📅 Schedule a free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
📱 Text or leave a voicemail: 512-640-9099
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram + Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
✳️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
🧵 X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy
🌐 Website: TeachersinTransition.com

I need your help!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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To Live Would Be an Awfully Big Adventure (Especially After Teaching)

In this heartfelt episode, we head to Neverland, but this isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s a wake-up call for teachers who feel like they’ve become someone they don’t recognize.

We unpack the 1991 film Hook and its surprising resonance for burned-out educators, creative souls, and those contemplating a career transition.

From the chilling moment Peter is asked, “Have you become a pirate?” to the empowering final message: “Take care of everything smaller than you,” this episode will inspire you to reclaim your spark - and build a life that gives back.

💡 In This Episode:

• 🎯 What Hook reveals about adulthood, burnout, and systemic betrayal
• 🌟 Why creativity is a form of self-care (and how to start reclaiming it)
• 🤝 How to build a “Battle Buddy” support system
• 🧠 Why standardized testing broke more than classrooms—and how we rebuild
• 🔍 A tip to find clarity with a CLARIFY sort of acrostic
• ✍️ This week’s challenge: The 5-Minute Joy Practice & Daily Haiku
• 🎵 And a little sprinkle of Robin Williams magic

🔍 Keywords: teacher burnout recovery | how to leave teaching | career change for educators | jobs for ex teachers | teacher career transition

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

• 🎨 Try this creativity booster: Write a daily haiku (5-7-5 syllables)
• 💼 Career Clarity Tool: MyNextMove.org
• 🎶 When You’re Alone scene from Hook: Watch on YouTube (skip ad)

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

I need your help!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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What can a sci-fi comedy teach us about burnout, imposter syndrome, and teacher career transitions? A lot, actually. In this episode, Vanessa Jackson—former educator turned career transition coach—dives into Galaxy Quest to explore how pretending can lead to reality, why martyrdom in teaching needs to end, and how your “teacher skills” translate far beyond the classroom.

This episode is for every educator who’s ever felt like the “plucky comic relief,” every burned-out teacher who wonders if it’s too late to start over, and everyone who needs a reminder that belief—especially borrowed belief—can be a lifeline.

Takeaways

• A new lens on impostor syndrome (and how it might be your launchpad)
• Reflections on teacher martyrdom and how to break the cycle
• Concrete ways your teaching experience translates into other careers
• A sci-fi-inspired call to reclaim your identity and write your next chapter

💻 Helpful Links & Resources:

• 💬 Book a free Discovery Call with Vanessa: teachersintransition.com/calendar
• 📺 Watch Galaxy Quest: Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies
• 🎧 Missed Episode #261 on Rejection Resilience? Click here to listen

📌 Keywords
teacher burnout, teacher transition, Galaxy Quest, imposter syndrome, career change for teachers, transferable skills for educators, leave teaching, second career, job search for teachers, inspirational podcast for teachers, sci-fi self-help, never give up never surrender, educational career coaching

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

I need your help!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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What do stained glass, jousting, and Geoffrey Chaucer have to do with your next career move? More than you think.

In this episode, Vanessa uses A Knight’s Tale to explore what it means to reinvent yourself without erasing who you’ve been. From burnout to “changing your stars,” we break down how hope, identity, and real-world strategy (hello, skills gap analysis!) can guide you out of survival mode and into something that finally fits.

You’ve been weighed. You’ve been measured. And you have not been found wanting.

🎥 Stream the Movie: Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, or Tubi (free)
🎯 Explore our Self-Paced Courses
📞 Book a Free Clarity Call with Vanessa
🔗 Fun Fact: Kevin Bacon Connections: Oracle of Bacon

Keywords: teacher burnout, career pivot, A Knight’s Tale, podcast, job search strategy, Chaucer, skills gap, subject matter expert, networking tips, identity after teaching, stress

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

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In episode of Teachers in Transition, career coach and former middle school teacher Vanessa Jackson uses the cult classic Groundhog Day as a metaphor for the emotional and professional loop so many educators feel stuck in. Vanessa dissects the 5 stages of grief not only as they appear in Bill Murray’s iconic time-loop comedy, but as they show up in the lives of teachers contemplating an exit from education.

Listeners will discover:

• Why Groundhog Day is more than a comedy—it’s a career transition parable
• How teachers experience denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance in their own version of “the loop”
• The “Pink Sock Strategy” for standing out on job applications
• Tips for building resilience during a job hunt that feels repetitive and demoralizing
• How your quirkiest skills (like Vanessa’s concert pianist degree) may be your secret weapon

Vanessa also shares a deeply personal connection to the film and uses it as a jumping-off point to affirm one simple truth: change is possible, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

If you’re a burned-out teacher wondering, “Is this all there is?”—this episode is a must-listen.

CONNECT WITH VANESSA:
📧 Email: Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
📞 Text/Voicemail: 512-640-9099
🗓 Schedule a Free Discovery Session: Book here
🔗 LinkedIn: Vanessa Jackson
📘 Facebook: Teachers in Transition
🌐 Website: TeachersinTransition.com
🧵 Instagram/Threads: @teachers.in.transition
🌌 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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Teachers in Transition – Episode 260: What School of Life Teaches Us About Time, Teaching, and Taking the Leap

What if the best career advice came from a forgotten 2005 TV movie starring Ryan Reynolds in red Chucks?

In this episode, we unpack the under-the-radar gem School of Life—a story that holds unexpected wisdom about purpose, time, and finding joy in teaching.

• Why Mr. D’s lessons hit harder than any PD you’ve sat through
• What this movie reveals about teacher grief, freedom, and burnout
• How to rewrite your job search story with power and purpose
• A real-world breakdown of what “teaching like you're free” might look like
• Practical steps for building confidence, clarity, and connection in your next chapter

Because let’s be honest: we don’t have that much time. And you deserve to live a story that gives back to you.

🎧 Listen now and take your shot.
🔗 Click here to listen on Buzzsprout

💌 Connect with Vanessa:
📧 Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
📅 Schedule a free Discovery Session
📱 Text or leave a voicemail: 512-640-9099
📘 Follow on Facebook
🧵 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
🌀 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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What can a 2004 sci-fi film teach us about modern AI—and our careers? In this episode, Vanessa Jackson breaks down I, Robot, explores the Two Wolves metaphor, and reveals how teachers can use AI ethically to reclaim time, clarity, and direction offering real-life ways to work with AI instead of fearing it.

💡 Not sure what your next step should be? Start with the DECIDE Workshop.
👉 https://teachersintransition.com

✨ Book your free discovery call to learn more.

Follow Vanessa on Instagram: @teachersintransition

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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Your Job Search as a Goonies Adventure
This week, Vanessa dives into what The Goonies and your own nickname history can teach you about career pivots, found family, and the power of not doing it alone. If you’ve

In This Episode:

• Why some nicknames hit differently
• What the Goonies can teach us about teamwork, courage, and weirdness
• Thunderbolts as the grown-up, world-weary version of the same journey
• How to find your own codename—and why that matters in transition
• Why your career pivot deserves a crew

📌 Links & Resources Mentioned:

· Brad Upton’s Gen X nickname comedy clip: Watch here

· Download the Codename Generator Worksheet: Click here

Ready to Build Your Team?
Vanessa offers coaching, strategy sessions, and self-paced courses to help burned-out teachers transition into careers that give back.

Book a Free Discovery Call
Explore Courses

💌Connect with Vanessa
📬 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📱 Text or Voicemail: 512-640-9099
🌐 Website: TeachersinTransition.com
📘 Facebook: Follow here
🧵 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
🟦 Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
🔗 LinkedIn: Vanessa Jackson

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Vanessa explores How to Train Your Dragon through a powerful lens: not just as a fantasy adventure, but as a roadmap for reclaiming agency, curiosity, and purpose in career transitions. The conversation covers how Hiccup from a collection of children’s books to a live-action movie, themes of belongings, the Huge different between ‘couldn’t’ and ‘wouldn’t’, and finally some career transition tips that are fireproof – even on the inside!

See for Yourself

Animated How to Train Your Dragon (2010) is streaming now on:

• Max (max.com)
• Rent or buy via Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Microsoft Store

💡 Vanessa tip: I encourage checking out the live-action remake in the theaters. It’s an excellent live-action update.

Links

• Read up on Cressida Cowell’s original book series at Wikipedia
• Watch Cressida talk about her newest books
• Music by John Powell – soundtracks on Spotify/Apple Music
• DIY Career Courses Coming Soon – email Vanessa directly for early access to DECIDE, CLARITY, and BUILD at a special reduced rate for the first few enrollees

🗝️ Key Takeaways for Teachers in Transition

• Belong while true to yourself — your unique perspective is your superpower.
• Choice = Power — shifting from “couldn’t” to “wouldn’t” restores control and motivation.
• Lead with empathy — the kindest solutions often bring the strongest outcomes.
• Music moves us—don’t underestimate the power of emotional connection, even in career work.

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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This week on Teachers in Transition, we’re diving into one of Vanessa’s favorite underdog films—The Replacements—to explore what it really means to get a second chance. Spoiler: it’s not about parades or endorsement deals. It’s about the quiet, often-overlooked moments of greatness that shape who we are—and who we’re becoming.

Vanessa breaks down how this lighthearted football flick offers surprisingly deep insights on career pivots, self-doubt, and the metaphorical “quicksand” that keeps us stuck. If you’ve been feeling lost in your job search, grieving your teaching identity, or just trying to find solid ground—this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• How The Replacements mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of career transition
• The “quicksand” metaphor and how to recognize if you’re stuck in it
• Practical, actionable strategies for overcoming fear, reframing failure, and finding unexpected opportunities
• Why the greatness you’ve built in the classroom already makes you a strong candidate—even outside of education

🔥 Quote of the Week:
"Greatness, no matter how brief, stays with a man." — Coach Jimmy McGinty, The Replacements

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, host Vanessa Jackson explores the heartwarming 2003 film Secondhand Lions and what it reveals about identity, respect, and rewriting your personal story. Through the lens of this quiet classic, Vanessa draws deep parallels between the character Walter’s journey and the experience of burned-out educators who are questioning their place in the classroom.

Vanessa encourages teachers to examine the stories they've been told—or have told themselves—about their worth, their career options, and their future. With empathy and clarity, she offers actionable reflection prompts and a powerful reframing exercise to help educators reconnect with their skills, strengths, and sense of purpose.

Whether you're feeling stuck, misunderstood, or just ready for something different, this episode is a call to consider your own second act—and to know it’s never too late to be taken seriously or to begin again.

In this episode:

• A breakdown of Secondhand Lions and its career-relevant themes
• The link between storytelling and self-concept in career decisions
• How teachers can reframe classroom experiences into leadership language
• A guided journaling prompt for LinkedIn summaries or personal clarity
• Why your “middle chapter” isn’t the end—and how to shape what comes next

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Secondhand Lions (IMDb)
• Download the episode transcript or copy from the Buzzsprout page
• Explore Vanessa’s free 5Ps Framework
• Booka free Discovery Call or Coffee Chat with Vanessa

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson welcomes Dr. Shaun Woodly, award-winning educator, speaker, and founder of Teach Hustle Inspire. Dr. Woodly dives deep into the science of behavior, explaining how classroom challenges are often misunderstood signals—not personal failures.

Together, they unpack:

· The five survival drives that fuel student behavior

· Why fear-based classroom management fails—and what to do instead

· How to reframe “class clown” behavior as a cry for belonging

· Strategies for fostering student engagement through curiosity and psychological safety

· Why behavior changes with environment, and how to use that to your advantage

If you've ever felt burned out by behavior management or unsupported by your administration, this episode is your permission slip to do things differently

Connect with Dr. Shaun!
On LinkedIn
Instagram and Threads - @teachhustleinspire
Check out his LinkTree!
His website at teachhustleinspire.com – check out the books tab to find his books!

Favorite Quote:

"If you can understand the conditions that influence someone to feel better, you'll get them to do better." – Dr. Shaun Woodly

If today’s episode struck a chord—maybe you love teaching but hate the stress—you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you're deciding to stay, shifting roles, or planning an exit strategy, I'm here to help.

📥 Download the FREE 5Ps Guide to help with you decision atTeachersinTransition.com

And if you found this episode helpful, share it with a teacher friend—because none of us should have to navigate burnout alone.

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

⭐Rate & Review

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. It helps more teachers find this supportive space.

The transcript to this podcast was create by AliceIO and is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson takes a fun dive into the 1987 movie The Secret of My Success, starring Michael J. Fox. Although it’s an 80s classic with some retro charm, the movie holds valuable lessons on networking, standing out, and navigating the grind of job hunting—lessons that can resonate deeply with teachers transitioning into new careers. Listen in as Vanessa breaks down key themes from the movie and offers insights on how they can help you as you move forward in your career transition. Get ready for a combination of movie magic and practical career advice!

• The Grind of Job Hunting: Frustration and persistence in applying for jobs, even when it feels like you’re not quite there yet.
• Standing Out in the Job Market: The importance of doing something simple but memorable to stand out, like Brantley Foster’s Xeroxed face business card.
• Networking: The power of networking, and how Brantley Foster's success is tied to his aunt’s connections. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and make those connections!
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Why women tend to hesitate when applying for jobs and how to overcome that fear, using transferable skills that you’ve already developed as a teacher.
• Confidence in Transferable Skills: The skills you’ve developed in education—communication, leadership, problem-solving—are highly valued in other industries.

Resources & Links:

• Teachers in Transition – Your resource for career transition support.
• Watch Brantley get turned down at interviews
• The 5Ps Framework – Not sure whether it’s time to leave teaching? Check out the framework at the top of the Teachers in Transition homepage to get clarity.
• Amazon Rental – The Secret of My Success – If you haven’t seen the movie yet or want to revisit it, you can find it available for rental for under $4 on Amazon.

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

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In this buzz-tastic episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa explores what we can learn from bees about burnout, neglect, and leadership. She shares how long-term emotional neglect manifests for educators, how to begin reversing it with intentional self-care, and what transformation might look like when teachers are finally nourished the way they deserve.

You’ll also hear a practical, soul-nurturing hack for “sharpening the saw,” and an in-depth walk through Vanessa’s 5 Ps Decision Framework - a simple but profound tool to help you decide if it’s time to stay in teaching, shift your role, or start building your exit strategy.

If you want to scoot over to the framework section, that starts at 16:03.

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Help Grow the Podcast!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career. You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

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In this empowering episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa delves into the transformative journey of recognizing and embracing your unique value, especially during career transitions. Drawing inspiration from Secretariat's legendary Triple Crown victory, we explore how traits perceived as different or even weird can be your greatest strengths. We also discuss the challenges teachers face in valuing their worth and provide practical strategies to manage time effectively amidst life's distractions.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Your Uniqueness: Just as Secretariat's distinct traits made him a champion, your unique qualities can set you apart in your career journey.
• Recognize Your Value: Teachers often undervalue their skills due to systemic norms. It's crucial to reassess and acknowledge your true worth beyond the classroom.
• Time Management Strategies: Learn to identify and navigate "side quests," "task cascades," and "productivity goblins" to maintain focus and productivity.
• Find the Right Environment: Like the rare car in the story, being in the right setting is essential for your value to be recognized and appreciated.

Secretariat's Historic Races:

Experience the races of Secretariat through these videos:

• 1973 Belmont Stakes Victory: Witness Secretariat's record-breaking 31-length win at the Belmont Stakes.
• Triple Crown Races Compilation: Watch all three of Secretariat's Triple Crown races in one video compilation.
• 1973 Kentucky Derby Full Race: Watch Secretariat's remarkable run in the Kentucky Derby, the first jewel of his Triple Crown triumph.

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
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In this episode, Vanessa talks with Jenny Long - former teacher turned professional artist. Jenny details her journey from Covid to Long Covid through the grief of leaving teaching and how she has found a career she can love that meets her current needs. Jenny talks about the process through which she learned and art, developed the infrastructure for the business side of things, and shares how the business has grown.

Connect with Jenny!
https://dotalongAK.com
Find her on Instagram, Threads, TikTok and Youtube @DotalongAK

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Follow Vanessa on Facebook or join in the conversation!
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
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In this episode, Vanessa talks with Ryan Hennessey about his journey out of the classroom, through self-discovery, and into entrepreneurship. Ryan does adventure retreats, wellness coaching, and still does some math and science tutoring in collaborative sessions through his multi-faceted company.

Connect with Ryan!

· Check out his Substack at @IAmRyanHennessey

· Navigate to his website and see what he offers at
https://Ryan-Hennessey.com

LAST WEEK TO REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOPS!

• Get Registered for the Resume Workshop on May 3, 2025
• Get Registered for the LinkedIn Optimization Workshop on May 4, 2025

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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Feeling buried in classroom chaos? In this episode, Vanessa tackles the teacher hoard, shares a clever space-creating hack, and breaks down how to spot toxic job red flags before saying yes to your next gig. It’s part spring cleaning, part soul-saving truth-telling. Take a breath, clear some space, and tune in.

Episode Highlights:
Vanessa’s back (pollen and all!) with a three-part episode to help teachers feel lighter—physically and emotionally. This week, we’re digging into:

🧹 Your Teacher Hoard:

• Learn how to declutter with compassion and intention.
• Key questions to ask yourself before keeping one more coffee cup.
• Why ditching duplicates, scanning files, and sharing supplies can lighten your load and your heart.

✨ Teacher Hack: Use the “Useless” Space

• How one awkward corner turned into a quilting haven—and what your forgotten classroom corners might hold.
• Real talk on repurposing spaces to spark new joy, hobbies, and peace.

🚩 Career Transition Segment: Red Flags at Work

• A heartbreaking real-life story of systemic failure in education—and what we can learn from it.
• How to reflect on past toxicity to avoid stepping into more.
• What red flags to look for in interviews, job descriptions, and office culture.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Marie Kondo’s "Spark Joy" Method
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
• How to Scan Paper to PDF (Google Drive Tutorial) – Article or Video Tutorial
• Dropbox or Google Drive (backup your scanned files!)
• Get Registered for the Resume Workshop on May 3, 2025
• Get Registered for the LinkedIn Optimization Workshop on May 4, 2025

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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Feeling stuck in your career transition during this economic dumpster fire? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down five toxic myths that are holding job seekers—especially teachers and mid-career professionals—hostage in a broken system.

We’ll talk about:

• Why now is still a good time to pivot
• How “overqualified” is code for “we don’t know what to do with your brilliance”
• Alternatives to the traditional 9-to-5
• The power of the hidden job market
• And the lie that teaching is “all you can do”

This is your reminder that you are not the problem—the system is. So grab a metaphorical trash bag and let’s take out the garbage, one mindset shift at a time.

🧭 Suggested Links & Resources

• “What Else Can I Do” Song from Encanto
• O*NET Online – Explore careers and learn how to translate your skills
• Skills Translator: CareerOneStop – Match your skills to other industries
• Small Habits, Big Change by Dr. Rebecca Branstetter – Reinvent your habits, rebuild your energy
• TeachersinTransition.Com
• How to Find the Hidden Job Market – Harvard Business Review’s take on hidden job search strategy
• The Elephants at the San Diego Zoo – the AP Article, with the Video

Suggested Links

• Get Registered for the Resume Workshop on May 3, 2025
• Get Registered for the LinkedIn Optimization Workshop on May 4, 2025

Connect with Vanessa

• Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
• Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
• Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
• Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here
• Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
• Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

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Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone. In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa shares practical tools to combat stress, avoid burnout, and build your future—one pause at a time. Learn how to manage your energy, set boundaries, and prepare for career moves during uncertain times. Plus, don’t miss the announcement of two FREE workshops: one on resume writing (May 3) and one on optimizing your LinkedIn profile (May 4).
🎧 teachersintransition.com

“A Certain Degree of Determination, Daring on a Different Course” ~Neil Peart

Suggested Links

• Midlife Mastery Summit Registration on April 12, 2025: Register today- LAST CHANCE
• Get Registered for the Resume Workshop on May 3, 2025
• Get Registered for the LinkedIn Optimization Workshop on May 4, 2025 (scroll down the page a little)

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.

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This is just a quick update to let everyone know that we are moving our drop day from Saturday to Wednesday.

Also, mark those calendars! On May 3rd, Vanessa will host a Resume Workshop and on May the 4th, she’ll host a workshop on LinkedIn Optimization. Both workshops will be 2:00PM central and are absolutely free to attend!

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, host Vanessa Jackson explores the concept of branching out rather than narrowing focus in career transitions. She reflects on how traditional education once encouraged broad exploration, whereas today’s systems push students toward early specialization. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of rediscovering curiosity, exploring new interests, and allowing career transitions to unfold organically.

Joining Vanessa is Elizabeth “Liz” Houston, a former teacher who successfully transitioned into a career as a Virtual Assistant and Website Designer. Liz shares her journey from burnout in the classroom to building her own business, discussing the steps she took to leave teaching, save for her career change, and discover her passion for web design. She provides insights into what Virtual Assistants do, the skills teachers bring to the role, and how aspiring Virtual Assistants can find their first clients.

Liz also discusses her business growth, the balance between Virtual Assistant work and web design, and the possibility of mentoring others into this career path. Whether you’re a teacher considering a transition or someone curious about the Virtual Assistant field, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

Tune in to learn how to embrace curiosity, explore new career paths, and break free from burnout!

Plus, don’t miss her invitation to the Midlife Mastery Summit—a free, virtual event for women seeking confidence, balance, and joy.

Suggested Links

• Midlife Mastery Summit Registration: Register today
• Free Discovery Call with Vanessa: TeachersinTransition.com/calendar
• Find Elizabeth Houston: ehoustonstudio.com

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson dives into the challenges of gaslighting in the classroom, how unchecked behavior can escalate, and why teachers should trust their instincts. She also shares a powerful mindset shift: scheduling fun to avoid burnout and maintain well-being. Finally, Vanessa uses a gardening analogy to explore the patience required in a job search, emphasizing preparation, persistence, and strategic networking. Plus, don’t miss her invitation to the Midlife Mastery Summit—a free, virtual event for women seeking confidence, balance, and joy.

Suggested Links

• Midlife Mastery Summit Registration: Register today
• Free Discovery Call with Vanessa: TeachersinTransition.com/calendar
• LinkedIn Learning Courses for Career Changers: LinkedIn Learning

Connect with Vanessa
Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Please Support the Podcast

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, host Vanessa Jackson shares a humorous and insightful story about navigating mishaps as a musician—specifically, how a well-intentioned plan to play Handel’s Messiah on the organ went hilariously off the rails due to an unexpected tech glitch. With laughter and grace, Vanessa reminds listeners that when things go wrong in public, sometimes the best approach is to step back, admire the "egg you've laid," and move forward.

In the second segment, Vanessa introduces the concept of a Prime Directive for Life—a guiding principle that helps simplify decision-making and bring clarity to priorities. Using a memorable story about teaching her daughter to drive, she explores how having a core rule—like "don’t hit anything"—can make even complex choices easier. She then challenges listeners to develop their own Prime Directive, one that keeps them focused on what truly matters.

Finally, Vanessa dives into the fifth step out of the classroom: Attract. After deciding to leave teaching, clarifying strengths, building job search materials, and refining skills, transitioning teachers may still struggle to land a role. The key? Attracting opportunities by positioning yourself as a subject matter expert. Vanessa outlines practical ways to build visibility and credibility in a new field—writing LinkedIn posts, engaging in industry groups, volunteering, and even creating opportunities through consulting or entrepreneurship. By shifting from job seeker to industry contributor, educators can open new doors and confidently step into their next career.

Resources & Links Mentioned:
SUMMIT: Midlife Mastery: A Woman’s Guide to Lasting Confidence, Energy, & Joy

Register today

Have a Prime Directive to share? Drop Vanessa a message—she’d love to hear it!

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, host Vanessa Jackson explores the inspiring lessons we can learn from the Iditarod and how they relate to leadership, trust, and resilience—both in and out of the classroom. Vanessa reflects on the crucial role of lead dogs in a sled team and connects their responsibilities to the challenges faced by teachers navigating career transitions. She also discusses an exciting new feature in ChatGPT—word clouds—and continues with Step 4 of her five-step career transition framework: Refine.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Learn more about the Iditarod: Nome Nugget Facebook Page
• The history of the Iditarod: Iditarod Official Website
• Word Cloud Tool with ChatGPT: Try ChatGPT
• The Call of the Wild by Jack London
• Carl Sagan’s quote on star stuff: Cosmos by Carl Sagan
• Teachers in Transition: Success Path out of the Classroom

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the themes of creativity, resilience, and unconventional problem-solving using cars as a metaphor for teamwork and thinking outside the box.

Vanessa also discusses the reality of career success, highlighting that it’s rarely a straight path. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to change, recognizing one’s value, and making small but impactful adjustments. Drawing from her recent car-buying experience, she relates how many job seekers - especially career changers - struggle with being overlooked because employers focus on surface-level qualities instead of long-term potential.

She shares a few clever life hacks—like using a tension rod to keep grocery bags upright and a binder clip to keep phone chargers in place—illustrating how small, strategic changes can have a big impact.

Finally, she reviews in detail the Build Phase of career transition, guiding educators through essential steps like crafting a resume, optimizing LinkedIn, building a network, and organizing a job search.

Suggested Links

• Resilience & Adaptability in Careers: Psychology Today: Embracing Change – The Path to Transformation
• Job Search Organization Tools: Trello for Job Seekers (requires you to sign up for a free account)

💡 Interesting Links & Resources:

• Teachers in Transition Episode 232
• Teachers in Transition Episode 107
• A Wikipedia history of The Astrodome

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the power of perspective, resilience, and community in navigating the stress and overwhelm that comes with teaching—especially for those contemplating a career change.

She begins with a powerful story about how helping others can instantly boost our mood, sharing a real-life experience of lending a hand and seeing the positive impact firsthand. Then, she shifts focus to the concept of pointillism, using art as a metaphor for the teaching experience—sometimes, we’re too close to the dots to see the big picture.

In the second segment, Vanessa provides a practical hack to combat overwhelm: Drop Some Things. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries and reassessing priorities, especially when the weight of responsibilities feels unbearable.

Finally, she dives into decision-making in times of uncertainty, inspired by an experiment conducted by a Duke University professor. She challenges listeners to consider how they navigate ambiguity and whether their current decision-making strategies align with their long-term goals.

💡 Interesting Links & Resources:

• 5-Minute Guided Relaxation Meditation
• Turtles Helping Turtles
• Stanford Article on the fact that People want to help more than we realize.
• Book Recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Aaron Dinin and the 11:45 class – Questions of Failure and Ambiguity

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

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In this episode, Vanessa talks with Donna King from 360BalanceLiving about her transformation and leap of faith in entrepreneurship. Donna helps women in middle-age and beyond to feel good about themselves again through good food choices, movement, and working towards mental health. Donna shares how she works with her clients to accomplish that and has a great check-up tool for our listeners to see how they are doing in their life.

The Wellness Wheel at 360Balanced Living

Connect with Donna King:
Donna.King@360BalancedLiving.Com

Or Book a conversation with Donna here:

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com

Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here

Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social

Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the mindset of optimism and pessimism, how these perspectives shape our decisions, and how they influence career transitions. With a mix of humor, self-reflection, and insightful analysis, she shares personal anecdotes about her own tendencies, from hoarding supplies and skills to embracing lifelong learning.

Vanessa begins by discussing the nature of optimism and pessimism, illustrating how they exist on a continuum rather than as absolute states. She introduces a quadrant system that categorizes different approaches to expectation and preparedness, helping listeners assess their own outlook. Through an amusing yet thought-provoking analogy of twin siblings—one an extreme optimist and the other a staunch pessimist—she highlights the importance of balance in mindset.

Connecting this discussion to the world of education, Vanessa reflects on how teachers naturally develop hoarding tendencies as a survival strategy, ensuring they have the resources necessary to support students. She examines the broader implications of these behaviors, questioning whether they stem from optimism, pessimism, or a mix of both. Additionally, she considers how personal perspectives evolve over time, using the film St. Elmo’s Fire as an example of how shifting experiences reshape perception.

In the career transition segment, Vanessa provides a valuable resource by identifying approximately 40 alternative careers that teachers can pursue without returning to school. She emphasizes that teachers already possess transferable skills that are highly valued in other industries.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of their own outlook on life and work, as well as practical strategies for approaching career change with a balanced perspective. Tune in to gain insights, motivation, and a fresh way of looking at the next step in your professional journey!

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This week, Vanessa focuses on managing stress, understanding the impact of yelling, and keeping up with evolving resume trends. Designed for educators transitioning to new career paths, this episode provides actionable insights and practical tips.

In Our Segment on Stress Management:

• Vanessa talks about how yelling, whether literal or metaphorical, can activate stress responses such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, leading to feelings of anxiety, guilt, or withdrawal. Recognizing the emotional toll of yelling is essential for maintaining mental health. Strategies to help build resilience are detailed.

Career Transition and Job Search:

• Vanessa advises replacing the “Competencies” section on resumes with a “Highlights” section to showcase 3-4 impactful skills or achievements.
• Keywords from job descriptions should be bolded to improve visibility in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• The rise of short-form video resumes as a new standard for job applications is highlighted, encouraging listeners to prepare for this trend.

Today's Teacher Hack

• Vanessa provides a practical hack for becoming comfortable with short-form videos, emphasizing that discomfort with self-viewing on video often stems from natural facial asymmetry and unfamiliarity with mirrored images. With regular practice, individuals can build confidence in their video presentations.

Links!
Montage from the movie, Real Genius LINK

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa hereFollow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

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Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform.
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In the segment on stress management, Vanessa starts with a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, using the metaphor of a leaf's journey to emphasize resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness. We are leaves on the wind.

Our hack today is all about how phoning a friend can make things better using basic math principles.

And in the segment on career transition and job search, Vanessa explores entrepreneurship as a potential, albeit a little bit scary, career path. While acknowledging the demanding nature of starting a business, Vanessa shares the sense of autonomy and reduced stress that comes from working on one's terms. She shares personal anecdotes about advocating for her children within the education system, illustrating how teachers' unique expertise can be leveraged for entrepreneurial ventures like advocacy or consulting.

The discussion expands on practical steps for aspiring entrepreneurs, encouraging them to identify problems they can solve using their teaching skills.

LINKS!Thich Nhat Hanh Quotes and Teachings:
Explore more wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh: Plum Village Official Website

Entrepreneurship for Teachers:
Article: “10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business”
Free Small Business Courses: SBA Learning Platform

Advocacy and Special Education Resources:
Special Education Advocacy: Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Certification in Behavior Analysis: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

Stress Management and Mindfulness:
Guided Meditations: Insight Timer
Book Recommendation: The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh

Connect with Vanessa
Vanessa@TeachersinTransition.com
Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!
Schedule a free Discovery Session with Vanessa here
Follow Vanessa on Bluesky @beyondteaching.bsky.social
Visit the homepage at TeachersinTransition.com to learn more!

Support the Podcast
Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform.
Share this episode with someone who might benefit from its insights!

The transcript for this episode can be found on its Buzzsprout homepage at https://www.buzzsprout.com/277608/episodes

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In this episode, Vanessa explores the top transferable skills that teachers already possess, making them highly competitive for jobs in 2025. These skills include emotional intelligence (EQ), data literacy, adaptability, project management, strong communication, and problem-solving. Vanessa explains how these abilities align with various career paths outside of education, such as project management, instructional design, user experience research, event planning, and more. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and translating these skills for roles in fields like nonprofit work, tech, customer service, and even voice-over artistry. Teachers are well-equipped for success in numerous industries and can leverage their skills to create fulfilling second careers.

Links mentioned in the show:

1. Microsoft Learning Paths for Data Literacy Certification: Microsoft Learn
2. Teachers in Transition Website: teachersintransition.com
3. Free Virtual Coffee Chat or Discovery Session: Sign up here
4. Email Vanessa for Support: vanessa@teachersintransition.com
5. Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org
   Charity Watch: https://www.charitywatch.org

Please rate and review wherever you listen to your podcasts! It really helps the show.

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In this podcast episode, Vanessa mixes of storytelling, sci-fi references, and actionable advice to emphasize the transformative power of discomfort in personal and professional development. Inspired by Michael Easter’s quote, “Do not go too comfortably into 2025,” She shares actionable strategies and personal stories that demonstrate how stepping outside our comfort zones leads to meaningful growth.

Vanessa underscores the rewards of embracing fear and pushing through discomfort. Drawing parallels to the Star Trek: Voyager episode “Good Shepherd,” Vanessa explores how finding the right environment and overcoming challenges can lead to personal success.

The episode provides practical advice for job seekers, encouraging them to stretch and grow. Vanessa also offers insights into identifying work environments that align with personal strengths and values, along with tips for introverts to ease into networking.

Listeners are encouraged to set weekly “uncomfortable” goals to build resilience and confidence in their job search.

Resources and Recommendations

• Yes.Fit Virtual Challenges
• Star Trek: Voyager, Season 6, Episode 20: "Good Shepherd" streams on Paramount+
• Teachers in Transition - episode 183: Planners Gonna Plan
• Learn more about Michael Easter

Connect with Vanessa:

• Email: teacherintransitioncoaching@gmail.com
• Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099

· Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook!

· Connect with me on Blue Sky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

· Connect on LinkedIn

• A Free Discovery Session with Vanessa

Share Your Story!
Have you recently stepped out of your comfort zone? Share your experience with me! Your story could inspire others! Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them.

Subscribe and Review
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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson reflects on the often underestimated impact educators have on their students and communities, even when the recognition doesn't come immediately. She shares a personal story of reconnecting with a former student, realizing the lasting effect her teaching had – even when it wasn’t best teaching. Vanessa encourages teachers to recognize their contributions and the ripple effects of their work, regardless of the challenges they face in the education system.

Job Hack: Using Music to Manage Transitions in the Classroom Vanessa introduces practical ways to incorporate music into classroom routines to ease transitions and improve the overall atmosphere. She offers tips for both elementary and secondary school educators:

Career Transition & Job Search Tips for 2025 Vanessa provides three essential pieces to jumpstart your job search for 2025 focusing on preparation, navigating job boards, and some emerging job trends.

Vanessa encourages listeners to take actionable steps, such as updating their LinkedIn profile or researching niche job boards, to make 2025 a successful year for their career transition.

Helpful Links:

• The Twilight Zone - "The Changing of the Guard" Episode
• Sample Classroom Transition Songs for Elementary Teachers (Link to Vanessa's resource)

· Industry Specific job boards and More Niche Job Boards

• A Free Discovery Session with Vanessa

Takeaway Challenge:
Take one actionable step this week towards their career goals

o Update your LinkedIn Profile

o Research an new career field that you find interesting.
whether that’s updating your LinkedIn profile or researching an emerging

Connect with Vanessa:

• Email: teacherintransitioncoaching@gmail.com
• Voicemail/Text: 512-640-9099

· Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook!

· Connect with me on Blue Sky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

· Connect on LinkedIn

Don't forget to subscribe, share the podcast, and leave a review. Let's make 2025 your best year yet! Send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Vanessa explores the fascinating philosophical question of identity through the lens of the Ship of Theseus, connecting it to modern-day concepts like biological renewal, trauma's lingering effects, and societal perceptions. Drawing on inspiration from Gretchen Rubin's "Little Happier" segment and Marvel's WandaVision, Vanessa argues that identity evolves while retaining its essence. She further delves into the profound lessons from the monkeys and bananas experiment, challenging inherited beliefs and asking: What are we passing on? Is it still valid or true?

The episode also takes a reflective turn, as Vanessa discusses the shifting perceptions of self-worth, societal constructs like BMI, and how historical standards impact us today. She emphasizes the importance of standing tall in self-knowledge and creating space for meaningful change.

Vanessa introduces listeners to the power of informational interviews as a practical tool for career exploration and personal growth. She breaks down the process, shares real-life success stories, and offers actionable steps to connect with professionals and unlock hidden opportunities.

To wrap up, Vanessa provides a simple yet transformative hack for prioritizing what's truly vital, inspired by a century-old story of productivity advice worth a fortune.

Links Mentioned in the Podcast

1. The Happier Podcast by Gretchen Rubin, Little Happier 16 December 2024
2. Ship of Theseus Thought Experiment
3. Informational Interviews Guide: LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool
4. BMI Standards and Their History
5. Monkey Experiment Overview
6. Height Charts and how they’ve changed through time

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And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa interviews Rebecca Branstetter PhD, creator of the Thriving Students Collective, the Thrive-o-gram, and author of several books, including her new one: Small Habits, Big Change.

Vanessa and Rebecca talk about using the Thriveogram quiz to determine your archetype and how to use that as a springboard to effectively use the habits in the book, tailored to your personality, to manage and lessen your stress.

Check out the Thriving Students Collective online

Take the Thriveogram quiz!

Buy Small Habits, Big Change at Amazon (not an affiliate link)

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook!
Connect with me on Blue Sky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa shares a personal milestone as her son earns his welding certificate, highlighting the rewarding opportunities available in skilled trades. She challenges the traditional “college equals success” mindset, emphasizing the value of career-focused paths that lead to stability and immediate employability in high-demand fields like welding, electrical work, and auto repair.

Vanessa draws inspiration from a Remington Steele story, using a Greek smuggler’s tale to explore the idea of turning setbacks into fresh starts. This compelling metaphor underscores how moments of transition can be powerful opportunities to reimagine dreams and pursue new possibilities without limitations.

She also delves into the question of what’s truly necessary—both in life and career transitions. From physical tools to mental resilience, Vanessa reflects on the balance between preparation and adaptability, encouraging listeners to identify and prioritize their essentials.

Finally, Vanessa offers actionable advice for teachers considering corporate roles. She explains how to translate educational expertise into corporate language, using relatable stories to demonstrate the transferable skills teachers already possess. With practical tips and inspiring anecdotes, this episode empowers listeners to embrace career transitions with confidence and clarity.

Suggested Links

• Learn more about trade careers: Explore the Trades
• Watch George Carlin talk about Stuff (not safe for work! Adult words alert!)
• Vanessa’s podcast archive: Teachers in Transition
• Even Indeed.com recognizes that teachers have transferable skills!

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook!
Connect with me on Blue Sky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson explores the parallels between teaching and acting, inspired by John Lovitz’s "master thespian" character on Saturday Night Live. Vanessa delves into how educators often put on a performance—acting like everything is fine when it’s not, faking enthusiasm, and carrying the weight of stress alone. She emphasizes the toll this constant performance takes on mental health and offers strategies to process stress authentically.

Vanessa also highlights the importance of togetherness, drawing inspiration from Guardians of the Galaxy. The key takeaway: We’re stronger together, whether facing challenges in teaching, the holiday season, or transitioning to a new career. Vanessa provides actionable steps to connect with others, seek help when needed, and embrace collaboration as a source of strength.

To wrap up, Vanessa shares resources for job seekers, including a recommendation for Job Applicant Perspective—a platform empowering applicants to rate companies and access free job search resources. She encourages listeners to reach out, reminding them they’re not alone on their journey out of the classroom.

John Lovitz’s Master Thespian Clips

· SNL Master Thespian Clip 1 (bonus! Robin Williams!)

· SNL Master Thespian Clip 2

Recommended Resources

• The Job Applicant Perspective Website
• The Job Applicant Perspective TikTok Channel
• Articles and Resources at the Job Applicant Perspective

Mental Health Support

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Free Stress Management Tools

Join the CommunityTeachers in Transition on Facebook! - look for the Blue Phoenix!

• join in at the Podcast Club!
• Vanessa’s LinkedIn Profile

Work With Vanessa

• Schedule a Discovery Session
• Contact Vanessa: teachersintransitioncoaching@gmail.com
• Phone: 512-640-9099 (Voicemail or Text)
• Don’t forget to rate, review, and share the podcast with fellow teachers!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to meI look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa explores the challenges introverted teachers face in extroverted environments and provides actionable advice for achieving personal and professional goals in the new year.

Vanessa begins by celebrating the strengths of both introverts and extroverts, emphasizing the value each brings to education. She highlights the unique struggles introverted teachers face, from professional development sessions that cater to extroverted behaviors to classroom observations that prioritize group engagement over quiet, reflective learning.

Vanessa advocates for creating spaces that respect the needs of introverts and extroverts alike. She stresses the importance of fostering understanding and balance, urging us to embrace diverse environments that allow everyone to thrive.

The episode transitions into practical tips for the new year, goal-setting using a bingo card. She shares her own experiences with incremental progress and encourages teachers to set meaningful goals that align with their personal and career aspirations.

For teachers considering a career change, Vanessa outlines an eight-step roadmap, covering everything from crafting personal branding statements to leveraging AI tools for job searches. She highlights the importance of exploration and adaptability during transitions and offers personalized coaching for those needing extra support.

Vanessa closes with an empowering message: whether reducing stress, pursuing new opportunities, or transitioning careers, incremental progress is a victory worth celebrating.

Suggested Links for Show Notes

1. Rebecca Branstetter, PhD – Small Habits Create Big Change

2. Book on Amazon

3. Publisher’s Website

4. Resources for Gaining missing skills

5. LinkedIn Learning

6. Coursera
7. Udemy
8. Microsoft Learn

9. Grow with Google

10. Recommended Reads for Stress Management

11. Rebecca Branstetter's Thriving Students Collective

12. Make your own Bingo Card for the new year at Bingo Baker!

Are you ready to schedule that discovery session to see if you are ready to make the leap? Head over to the calendar and schedule a time for you to talk one on one with Vanessa

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook to stay in the know of all the latest information along with doses of inspiration. Want more? You can join in the discussion on our podcast’s Facebook page!

Come and see! www.teachersintransition.com

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity, especially for teachers juggling classroom responsibilities, family obligations, and festive preparations. In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges of this time of year, offering insights on managing stress, preventing burnout, and embracing imperfection.

Discover practical self-care tips to protect your well-being, like scheduling micro-breaks, setting boundaries with grace, and finding joy in unexpected moments. Learn how to create a “Not for Emergencies” car kit with everyday essentials that save time and reduce stress.

We also tackle networking for those exploring new career paths, with strategies to connect authentically and leverage LinkedIn for building professional relationships. Whether you’re staying in education or considering a transition, these actionable insights will help you thrive during this busy season.

Plus, hear a surprising story about Alaskan wildfires that reframes burnout as a natural opportunity for growth and renewal.

Teacher Hack: Build a "Not for Emergencies" Car Kit with scissors, tape, stamps, and more to handle life’s little surprises.
Job Hunting Tip: Reframe networking as relationship-building and unlock the power of your existing connections.

Links & Resources:
📩 Share your thoughts or tips: teachersandtransitioncoaching@gmail.com
Explore Careers at O*NET Online

Podcast: Those Who Can’t Teach Anymore by Charles Fournier.

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook to stay in the know of all the latest information along with doses of inspiration. Want more? You can join in the discussion on our podcast’s Facebook page!

Come and see! www.teachersintransition.com. Here you can find where to access the Resume Workshop.

Are you ready to schedule that discovery session to see if you are ready to make the leap? Head over to the calendar and schedule a time for you to talk one on one with Vanessa

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In this episode, Vanessa interviews her daughter, Michaela Riggs, about life growing up as a teacher. Got questions for Michaela? Send those to TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com

Save the Date! The next resume workshop will be on November 24th at 2:00 Central time. In this resume, you’ll learn the important pieces of a resume, how to write a resume that will get noticed, and how to put it in a format that is friendly to both the eyes of an ATS system and the eyes of a human.

Are you ready to schedule that discovery session to see if you are ready to make the leap? Head over to the calendar and schedule a time for you to talk one on one with Vanessa

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook to stay in the know of all the latest information along with doses of inspiration. Want more? You can join in the discussion on our podcast’s Facebook page!

Check out our homepage - www.teachersintransition.com

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

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However, the rapid rise came with challenges. Away faced scrutiny when reports surfaced about a challenging internal culture, revealing issues in leadership style, communication, and employee well-being. Some of this was rooted in apparent disconnect between stated core values and the actual practice of those values. This mismatch in values and mission added to a hostile atmosphere which led to multiple articles and exposes. After an unpleasant CEO shak-up it will ultimately be up to Rubio to rebuild.

Leadership failings included an extreme transactional style with no positive rewards to balance corrections. Communications failings included micromanaging and public shaming through slack channels. Employees from minority groups who didn’t agree with her and were caught talking about it on Slack were summarily fired. Employee well-being was put at risk through issues including long areas with no time off. When employees would demonstrate physical or emotional fatigue, Korey would use her core values as a blunt instrument to gaslight the employees.

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In this episode, Vanessa explores the growing gap between teachers’ expectations and the realities of today’s education system. She addresses the frustrations many teachers feel working in an environment that can sometimes feel like “child storage” rather than a place for true learning, where policies like social promotion often outweigh actual educational goals. Today’s mental health tip emphasizes accepting the realities of the teaching profession while finding ways to create meaningful change from outside the system. For those looking toward a brighter future, Vanessa reminds listeners to plan ahead and make a strategy to vote, underscoring the power of choice in creating change.

She also discusses the importance of adapting to the times, noting the growth of fields like AI and data science, especially as traditional roles evolve or disappear. For teachers considering new career paths, Vanessa offers guidance and support to help them take the next steps toward a fulfilling future.

BLS Top 20 rising jobs – Article from the Bureau of Labor & Statistics

8 Disappearing jobs - according to Power to Fly

Save the Date! The next resume workshop will be on November 24th at 2:00 Central time. In this resume, you’ll learn the important pieces of a resume, how to write a resume that will get noticed, and how to put it in a format that is friendly to both the eyes of an ATS system and the eyes of a human.

Are you ready to schedule that discovery session to see if you are ready to make the leap? Head over to the calendar and schedule a time for you to talk one on one with Vanessa

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook to stay in the know of all the latest information along with doses of inspiration. Want more? You can join in the discussion on our podcast’s Facebook page!

Check out our homepage - www.teachersintransition.com

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, host Vanessa Jackson explores how to spend the "in-between times" in a way that reflects and supports your mental health. Drawing inspiration from a memoir by the bass player of her favorite band, Vanessa shares insights on how intentional activities during downtime can either enhance or drain our well-being.

Vanessa also shares a useful organizational hack for teachers, involving adhesive rails that help keep bins neat and accessible. This hack simplifies classroom and home organization, allowing teachers to save time and reduce clutter.

Finally, Vanessa breaks down the career transition process into five clear steps:

1. Decide – The challenging but essential decision to leave teaching.
2. Clarify – Identifying your skills, goals, and exit strategy.
3. Build – Creating the necessary tools like resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
4. Refine – Fine-tuning your application process and expanding your network.
5. Attract – Positioning yourself as an expert in your new field and creating opportunities through networking.

She encourages teachers considering a career change to listen to their inner voice, reflect on their needs, and reach out for guidance if needed

Are you ready to schedule that discovery session to see if you are ready to make the leap? Head over to the calendar and schedule a time for you to talk one on one with Vanessa

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook to stay in the know of all the latest information along with doses of inspiration. Want more? You can join in the discussion on our podcast’s Facebook page!

Come and see! www.teachersintransition.com

The book: My Effin’ Life by Rush bassist and vocalist, Geddy Lee. It is available in hardcover, kindle, and audible versions.

A link to the drawer rails on Amazon. This is not an affiliate link and I make nothing if you click on it.

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa explores the calming power of art therapy—focusing on personal, creative outlets that bring peace and balance. From quilting to painting, art offers a way to soothe the mind and combat stress. We also touch on the importance of reducing social media distractions, particularly in the face of online toxicity. Plus, we discuss five key skills (super skills!) that teachers already possess, which can open doors in various industries—skills like communication, strategy, and creative problem-solving. Tune in for insights on mental health, job search tips, and practical advice for teachers ready to pivot careers.

Come and join us on our Facebook Discussion Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents! And Follow our Teachers in Transition official page on Facebook for regular doses of inspiration, to keep up on the latest info, and to be the first to know what’s coming up!

Peanuts Strip with Lucy

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Vanessa Jackson discusses the often overwhelming feelings teachers experience, especially during tough times of the year. Vanessa reflects on the importance of recognizing these feelings as signals for change and personal growth, using the metaphor of crustaceans shedding their shells and the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which highlights imperfections as a source of strength.

The episode also features a practical life hack involving ice cubes to help with everyday challenges like wrinkled clothes and carpet dents.

Finally, Vanessa continues the interview questions series, covering essential topics such as how to present your resume, identify your unique value, discuss weaknesses constructively, navigate workplace conflicts, and embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Tune in for insights that can empower you to embrace your career transition journey! And this week we have a bonus segment on the importance deconstructing some limiting beliefs.

Come and join us on our Facebook Discussion Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents! And Follow our Teachers in Transition official page on Facebook for regular doses of inspiration, to keep up on the latest info, and to be the first to know what’s coming up!

Check out Jacob_Knowles as he takes the barnacles off a large lobster and educates us on how the barnacles are bad for it.

Learn about the philosophy behind Kintsugi and how it applies to our lives.

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcast’s homepage at Buzzsprout.

Or – just follow our Teachers in Transition official page on Facebook to keep up on the latest info and to be the first to know what’s coming up!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about the effects of leadership on our mental health, a hack that might be both a hack and a job hunting tip about your email account, and finally we’ll talk about why your frustrations with the application process might not be about you at all.

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I can’t wait to read them.

I’d love for you to come and join us on our Facebook Discussion Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents! Or – just follow our Teachers in Transition official page on Facebook for regular doses of inspiration, to keep up on the latest info, and to be the first to know what’s coming up!

Simon Sinek’s anecdote about Noah, the barrista (about 2 minutes long)

Manager’s resume got rejected and people got fired

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcast’s homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast Vanessa talks using a To-Don’t list as a way to ward off stress and improve resilience, a quick hack with magnets that creates beauty and safety and a continuation of potential interview question. In part4 of that mini-series this week, Vanessa touches on some unusually questions that might get thrown at you.

Here are the questions from today’s Part IV:
1. What animal symbolizes who you are?

1. Why is a manhole cover round?

2. Describe your closet.

3. If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?

4. Imagine someone gave you an elephant, and you can't sell it or give it away. What do you do with it?

5. Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?

6. If you were stranded on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring and why?

7. You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

I’d love for you to come and join us on our Facebook Discussion Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents!

Or – just follow our Teachers in Transition official page on Facebook to keep up on the latest info and to be the first to know what’s coming up!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast Vanessa talks about the cyclical nature of life and of job searches, she shares a recommendation from another podcast where they talk about interviewing and interviewing skills. Finally she goes through part three of her series on interview questions and things to think about when answering them.

Another song video from my favorite band about the cyclical nature of life: Far Cry

Onetonline.org Interest Profiler is a place to learn about your preferred style of working.

More Happier: How to Ace A Job Interview, Revisited - a Happier with Gretchen Rubin Podcast.
CORRECTION: In the podcast, Vanessa says it is the Septembe 24th episode. It is the September 7th Epsiode!

I’d love for you to come and join us on our Facebook Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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My apologies on the late drop and the delay with the transcript. The internet in my area was not functioning as it should have been.

Today on the podcast Vanessa talks a little about scorpions and how they can teach us how important it is to take are of ourselves, she shares a hack on increasing happiness while letting others around us know how much they mean to us, and we got over a few more interview questions in what has turned into a short series on interviewing!

Predator vs. The Winchesters: Villain Support

A song video from my favorite band: Chain Lightning

I’d love for you to come and join us on our Facebook Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast Vanessa revisits the topic of Imposter Syndrome in a little more detail and shares some strategies to reframe those negative thoughts and feelings. She shares a couple of hacks unrelated to each other, but one of them has applications with frozen meat AND laptops. And Vanessa goes over some trickier, but common interview questions with some suggestions on how to approach your answer to them.

Link to the Scene in Captain Marvel where Carol gets the full measure of her power.

I’d love for you to come and join us on our Facebook Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast we talk about Carrie Fisher – and why we should be more like Carrie! In our Teacher Hack segment I talk about how to clear some brain, and I have a bonus segment this week about drawing a boundary. Finally in our job hunting segment I talk about how to determine what skills you need when you have decided on which

Here’s a link to Carrie Fisher’s first memoir, Wishful Drinking.

Here’s a link to the podcast episode with Tamara McLemore. You can visit her site at www.iwantmypmp.com

You can check out www.udemy.com to find courses to gain the skills you need. You can also tap into the LinkedIn Learning over at www.LinkedIn.com

I’d love for you to come and join us on our Facebook Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa sits down with author, Starr Sackstein to talk about her new book, “Making an Impact Outside the Classroom” which is a book that explores when teachers may have lost their joy in the classroom and who might want to look at different options.
Vanessa shares a little hack to help you up that book count!

Links:
Starr’s TED Talk and YouTube channel

Her new book, Making an Impact Outside of Education in Kindle and Paperback!

Find Amazon Links to the rest of Starr’s books here.

Send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com!

A link to our Facebook Page! Join the conversation.

Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

If you’d like to sign up with Vanessa for a Complimentary Discovery Call, head over to her calendar and sign up for a time that is convenient for you.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about how to go about creating a bedtime routine to improve! In our tips and hacks section, I’ll introduce you to a quiz and a book to help you better gauge the people you work with – of any age – and how to increase their productivity! And finally in our job hunting segment, I’m going to explore how your internal and external expectations are helping or hurting your job hunt (and probably other areas of your life too!)

Create Your Own Bedtime Routine

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

And the Four Tendencies QUIZ! What’s your tendency? I’d love to know!

Learn more about Gretchen!

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about how to accept a compliment, a recommendation for some fun and comfortable and totally appropriate teacher-wear, and we’ll wrap up by talking about why you need a strategic vision process when making your career transition.

Find fun teacher clothes with POCKETS at https://svahausa.com

The Recipe (from Memory!) from the Nancy Drew Cookbook:
The Case of the Smothered Pork Chops:
Ingredients:
4 pork chops
1 cup uncooked rice
1 can Beef Consomme
1 lemon (4-5 thick slices)
1 onion (4-5 thick slices)

This works best in one of those old Corell square baking dishes with the blue squiggle design on them!

(preheat the oven to 350°)
Pour the rice on the bottom of the baking dish
Arrange the pork chops on top so that they do not overlap
Put one slice of onion on each pork chop
Put on slice of lemon on top of each slice of onion
Pour the can of beef consommé on top of the whole thing.

Bake at 350° for an hour or until the rice is cooked.

Send answers to the movie trivia questions – and any other comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com!

A link to our Facebook Page! Join the conversation.

Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

If you’d like to sign up with Vanessa for a Complimentary Discovery Call, head over to her calendar and sign up for a time that is convenient for you.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Episode 211: Learning about Project Management: with Tamara McLemore

In this episode, Vanessa welcomes a guest to the pod! Tamara McLemore talks about project management and why teachers are such a natural fit for the position.

Check out her webpage! And connect with Tamara on LinkedIn

Here’s the written steps for the Transcription Hack

1. Record whatever you want to your voice app (give it a name)

2. Email that recording to yourself.

3. You’ll download your recording to your laptop

4. Use the Dictation tool in MS Word. There’s ^ sign. Click on Transcribe.

5. Upload your recording into Word. It transcribes it.

6. Choose: Just Text when answering how you want it inserted into the document. Trust me. Only use speakers if more than one person is on the recording.

7. Copy the everything transcribed.

8. Head over to ChatGPT. Use the prompt below, paste in your transcription and voila.

9. Copy and paste where you need it to be (and review it. Because ChaptGPT still need human review.)

ChatGPT prompt:

“Take this block of text and fix the grammar”

A link to our Facebook Page! Join the conversation.

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

If you’d like to sign up with Vanessa for a Complimentary Discovery Call, head over to her calendar and sign up for a time that is convenient for you.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast we are going to make our Resolutions for our new year. In July. These are Resolutions for the new school year and for those still teaching. Then, I have a recommendation for a book that will give you a blueprint to say “NO” more often and stick to it! Finally, in our job-hunting segment, we are going to revisit a Ta-Da list and so you can take a moment to remember how awesome you really are.

Here are some suggestions for Meal Prep Ideas to help you fuel your body with good food.

Here are some ideas to have students decorate your classroom and more ideas to save money on decorating.

The book, FCK No: How to Stop Saying Yes When You Can't, You Shouldn't, or You
Just Don't Want To”* by Sarah Knight, and the Guide: that goes with it.
An Article on Medium from Sarah Knight about her book.

And here is her podcast! Warning: This is NOT SAFE FOR WORK material – there is language that schools consider inappropriate in here. Use earbuds or listen at home!

I’d love for you to come and join us on our Facebook Page! Join the discussion and toss in your two cents!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa addresses different ways that stress affects us and gives some suggestions on dealing with that stress. While it is still summer, take advantage of the time to take a nap!

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us! Vanessa has regained access to all things Facebook!

Two Guys and a Girl (and a Pizza Place) – link to Amazon where you can buy it, and a ilnk to the IMDB page to learn more!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa goes through several careers that teachers are a natural fit for, and has a recommendation to help Leverage your TV binge time!

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us! Vanessa has regained the access to all things Facebook!

“What Else Can I Do” from Encanto (Streams on Disney+)

Leverage – the TV Show

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, in a nod to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vanessa goes over some tips to maintain brain health, as we have just gone past the summer solstice, AKA The Longest Day. Our teacher hack becomes our summer recommendation so we’re starting with a movie, and we are going to wrap up with the importance of organizing that job hunt as well as how to set that up!

Alzheimer’s Association’s The Longest Day

Read more about The Nun Study

Teachers in Transition Ep. 178 – How Stress Affects the Brain

8 Ways to Organize your Job Search – by Indeed.com

Oreos are addictive. By Science Daily – I didn’t want to Oreo shame anyone when we talked about eating feelings, but this article helps explain why we thought we were eatin a few Oreos only to look down and see we have eaten them all!

Secondhand Lions (2003) the imdb page

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast Vanessa talks about the healing power of laughter, a hack to make use games to learn more about each other (or to next year’s teacher inservice more lively) and finally, we talk at least about the cost of teaching. What does it cost to leave? What does it cost to stay?

Our website is ! https://www.teachersintransition.com

Vanessa is still locked out Facebook. Expect a joyous comment in the podcast if that ever changes.

National Institute of Health Article: Humor and Laughter May Influence Health

The Snoopy Waterbed Fiasco: Start on January 14, 1975 and go to January 29, 1975.

IMDB.com links – learn about where you can stream these, check out the trivia, the quotes, and more!

Legally Blonde

The Court Jester (1955!)

Free Guy

The Alto Wore Tweed by Mark Schweizer ( the Kindle Edition is $2.99!)

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions in and Vanessa will answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast, Vanessa tells a story that explains why it’s all good, - it’s just that we don’t know that in the moment. We’ll learn how to save ourselves massive amounts of grief and regret with just a cellphone, and finally we’ll talk a bit about whether you need to hire someone to write your resume.

Come book a time to chat with me about your plan at www.teachersintransition.com

Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks several short games and the lessons we can take from them and even answer some of our questions about ourselves. She shares a hack to help with decision making in our day-today lives when everything seems overwhelming and it’s hard to figure out what to do next, and we’ll talk more in depth in about fear and job hunting. It can be very scary to consider hunting for a job in this market.

Our links today:

The Random Decision Spinning Wheel

Hawkeye and Wanda scene in Avengers Age of Ultron

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Teachers in Transition – Episode 203: Cold Hard Math and Pool Noodles

Vanessa talks about the importance of slowing down and caring for yourself as school lets out. She breaks down the cold hard math on just how much teachers work. She talks about how fear can hold us back from stepping out of our comfort zones, and we’ll wrap up with some fun hacks with POOL NOODLES. And yes, she manages to get some chatter in here about Captain America and a brief Deadpool mention.

Link to the Chris Evans clip where he talks about why he ultimately took the role of Captain America

Go see my My Happy Wall (and yes, that’s a teddy bear in the picture), circa 2008

The Pool Noodle Listen Wall

And yes, the Pool Noodle Large Spider – if you’re afraid of spiders, don’t go here. But this is the friendlier version of one, so maybe use this moment to take that deep breath and do something scary.

Learn more about the artist Mondrian,

What the heck is a FLOAT? – not an ad – just an explanation

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast Vanessa talks about the importance of sleep. You’re not getting enough because it’s May, but everyone should still try. Vanessa shares a story that illustrates prioritizing the important things in life using rocks. In today’s teacher hack, Vanessa talks about revisiting tough topics because it makes everyone feel better even thought that makes no sense when you read it. And finally, we all start our journey in the book, Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson. We start with an exercise that looks at what we do in our daily lives and we learn the three guiding principles.

Our website is LIVE! Come and see! https://www.teachersintransition.com

Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions in and Vanessa will answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast it's all about connecting. We’re going to talk about how connecting is good for our health AND good for our job hunt. We start by talking about a group of women educators who connect all over the globe to make it a better work, and we wrap up with talking about how closely we’re connected to strangers and we don’t even know it!

https://www.broadwaydailybread.net/ - My favorite bakery is the Shavano location!

Our website is LIVE! Come and see! www.teachersintransition.com

Alpha Delta Kappa – a group of women educators dedicated to excellence in educating and altruism.

Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In today’s podcast, Vanessa talks about how we find what we’re looking for, and why it’s important know what we’re seeing, we get a quick hack for staying awake when we’re tired or bored, and we learn about using OnetOnline.org as a tool to help us research jobs adjacent to or completely outside of education.

Onetonline.org

Finding Your Element by Sir Ken Robinson

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!
Remember the resume workshop is April 21, 2024 at 2:00PM Central time. It will be hosted through a Facebook live – all you have to do to attend is to join the group.

Green Lights by Matthew McConaughey (Alright, alright, alright!)

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast, Vanessa talks about the fear we feel when a large change is looming, and we’re reminded how the caterpillar turns into mushy goo to become a butterfly. We also talk about a hack that uses a physical gesture to spark our mental fortitude, and how it is increasingly important to make the decision of whether to stay or go as school districts going into budget season and we see just how valued we are in their budgets.

Scene where Dory teaches Marlin that things have to happen in Finding Nemo

Scene where Thor awakens his power in Thor Ragnarok:

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!
The Resume workshop is April 21, 2024 at 2:00P Central Time and will be through a Facebook Live

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about things you can do for your body to physically recover form the mentally draining state testing days, a hack to save your money and grief, and describes exactly how to get from teaching to the job of your dreams.

A link to a short 5 minute video demonstrating shaking to release stress – it’s not the Hokey Pokey, it’s better

Happier in Hollywood podcast episode 80: Get to Steppin.’ The pertinent part starts at 3:25.

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about dealing with a bad teacher evaluation, shares a few money saving hacks, and teaches you how to be your own best stalker in order to make sure your social media posts are representing you in the way that you want to be represented.

The Podcast episode on the Dies Irae by Twenty-Thousand Hertz

The collegiate science project where she shows that fabric softener makes your clthes more flammable!

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about a few strategies for combatting teacher burnout, why you might need to consider a bridge job to get through to the dream job, and she introduces a new segment about saving money and this week's tip is about DIY in the kitchen with spices!

Jenna Fisher’s Book, “The Actor’s Life”

The Game of Thrones scene in Season 1 Episode 1 where Tyrion and Jon Meet the first time

Emotional Freedom Tapping – Learn how tapping works and see it in action

Webpage with DIY Breakfast Options

Make Your Own Taco Seasoning:

· 1 Tbsp chili powder

· 2 tsp ground cumin

· 1 tsp paprika, preferably smoked paprika

· 1 tsp fine sea salt

· 1 tsp ground black pepper

· 1/2 tsp garlic powder

· 1/2 tsp onion powder

· 1/2 tsp dried oregano

· Pinch red pepper flakes, or cayenne for heat

Store in an airtight container. This makes about 3 TBSN. Make in bulk to really save time. Two TBSN per one pound of ground meat.

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them. Feel free to connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn!

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about how it makes you miserable when you try to make everyone else happy all the time. She actually does the math to see just what is really going on. The next segment talks about checking on those bad habits to make sure they’re not growing and hurting us in other ways. Finally, Vanessa spends time talking about your Linked In Profile – what are the important components to make sure you have when you set it up, how to optimize it so that it helps you in your job hunt, and why it matters.

The Man the Boy and The Donkey Link

How professional do you look? Check out www.photofeeler.com and get honest feedback.

Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn:

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about how clutter can affect us emotionally and a call to action to deal with our accumulated teacher stuff. We talk about why it’s important to rest and what it might mean to you to Sharpen the Saw

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

Books by Peter Walsh:

It’s all too much! (and the workbook)
Does this Clutter make my Butt Look Big?
Lose the Clutter, Lose the Weight

Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin

The Home Edit – Stay Organized and The Ultimate Guide to Making Systems Stick

*Disclaimer – these links take you to Amazon where I can make a few cents if you buy through the link.

All About Filmstrips brought to you by Wikipedia

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them. Would you like to hear a specific topic on the pod? Send those questions to me and I’ll answer them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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Show Notes – Bloom Where You’re Planted – or maybe find a new planter.

In this episode, Vanessa talks about what goes into the decision to think about if you are in the right place for you. Do you want to leave education? Or just the place where you at! This week’s hack is designed to take a moment to check our documents to save untold amounts of surprise grief, and finally, we’ll talk about some strategies for making sure we stand out from a crowd of applicants.

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

Chain Lightning by Rush. Read the Lyrics – just click on Show Lyrics. Hear the Song.

FindaNotary.com – find a notary who will meet you to take care of your notarial needs

The Formula: The Universal Laws of Success – by Albert-László Barabási

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa talks about anxiety – how to spot it and how to deal with it. She also shares a hack to save time and make planning easier, and finally on the job-hunting segment, she gives a brief overview of USAJobs and some of the pros and cons for working for a government.

USAJobs Website

USAjobs page explaining grades and pay level

A link to our Facebook Page! Join us!

History of the Alcan Highway and learn how important African Americans were in its construction.

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa details the importance of exercise in combatting stress, shares benefits of exercise, and some tips to sneak it into your day. We also talk about using music in classroom management, complete with a couple of short samples! Finally, we wrap with talking about using AI in our job hunt. We learn about making good prompts and how to strategically use AI to save time when customizing resumes and researching companies where we might like to work.

Fun video of Pizza Brad vs. Very Fit Craig

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the at Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, Vanessa dives into the fascinating topic of Ask vs. Guess cultures, exploring how these cultural differences affect communication and decision-making. From personal anecdotes to corporate settings and even job hunting, we uncover the challenges you might face when navigating these cultural norms. She discusses the importance of understanding one's network and leveraging connections, especially in the job market, where networking plays a crucial role. Join us as Teachers in Transition discusses strategies for effectively utilizing your network to advance your career prospects and share personal insights into the power of connections.

The Power of No, Episode 184

Consider a Personal Uniform from episode 188

Six Degrees of Separation Article

Six Degrees of Separation Paper

Find more links of your favorite actor to Kevin Bacon at The Oracle of Bacon

Link to my free Resume Workshop sign up form. Remember, there is limited space available and the first to sign up will get a link to join the workshop. This workshop is absolutely free and there is no obligation to buy anything or sign up for anything. If you are finding this episode AFTER the workshop, please send me an email and we’ll see how I can help.

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I look forward to reading them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the at Buzzsprout.

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The Far Side comic strip- - The Elephant’s Nightmare by Gary Larson

Steve Harvey’s YouTube Video on Five Suits

Link to my free Resume Workshop sign up form. Remember, unfortunately there is limited space available and the first to sign up will get a link to join the workshop. This workshop is absolutely free and there is no obligation to buy anything or sign up for anything. If you are stumbling across this AFTER the workshop, please send me an email and we’ll see how I can help.

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I can’t wait to read them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the pod, we are going to talk about what you might need in a support network and ways to get the help you need, we have a very interesting teacher organization hack with a common kitchen item, and in our segment on Job Hunting, we go over about some resume Do’s and Don’ts.

Meet the FLYLADY at FLYADY.NET (at the time the podcast dropped, their website was having a few issues, but I’m sure it will be up and running soon!)

It was in Episode186 where we talk about using menu planning and online grocery shopping to save time and minimize decision fatigue.

JOIN our New Facebook Group: Teachers in Transition Podcast Club

Thank you so much for listening!

And remember to send your comments, stories, random thoughts, and more to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I can’t wait to read them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on episode’s page on Buzzspout.com

A link to a picture of My beloved 2nd place ribbon

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Today on the podcast, we talk about laying the groundwork for your job hunt in your personal life, we learn a hack to help give you time and sanity back as we combat decision fatigue and we continue our journey of self-inventory for our final Petal in the “What Color Is Your Parachute” mini-series by putting laying our purpose and our person mission.

What Color is Your Parachute 2024 and the Workbook

Prioritizing Grid

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I can’t wait to read them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast, Vanessa answers the question, “How old is too old to change careers”, a helpful hack on getting more done in less time, and we continue our journey of self-inventory for Petal 6 in the “What Color Is Your Parachute” mini-series by putting deep thought into our required salary.

What Color is Your Parachute 2024 and the Workbook

Prioritizing Grid

Learning Platforms: Udemy – Masterclass - Skillshare – CodeAcdemy

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I can’t wait to read them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the Episode’s page at Buzzsprout.

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Today on the podcast, we talk about the power of no – and how to use it! We learn a quick teacher hack to save time when loggin grades, and we continue our journey of self-inventory for Petal 5 in the “What Color Is Your Parachute” mini-series by putting deep thought into our required salary.

What Color is Your Parachute 2024 and the Workbook

Parachute Budget Worksheet

The book, “F*** No” by Sarah Knight

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I can’t wait to read them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the Episode’s page at Buzzsprout.

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Planners ‘Gonna Plan

Today on the podcast, we look back at 2023, we talk about which planners are the best, and we continue our journey of self-inventory for Petal 4 in the “What Color Is Your Parachute” mini-series by figuring what knowledge and skills we have and how those might apply in our fields of interest.

What Color is Your Parachute 2024 and the Workbook

Chart – The Fishermans’ Grid (Your interests and collected knowledge)

Favorite Subjects Matrix

Franklin Covey Leadership Planner

Happy Planner

Erin Condren

Commit30

O*Net Online

And remember to send your comments, stories, and random thoughts to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I can’t wait to read them.

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the Episode’s page at Buzzsprout. .

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Today on the podcast, in our segment on stress and health, we talk about overcoming adversity during the winter months when many people deal with seasonal affective disorder, the absolute BEST place to put that family calendar, and we’ll refine our quest to figure out our transferrable skills as we continue our mini-series in the What Color is Your Parachute book. Vanessa shares one of the stories she uses to pull out her skills

What Color is Your Parachute 2024 and the Workbook

PDF of Parachute Skills Grid

Prioritizing Grid

Some prompts for your stories (taken from the book):

· A situation that made you feel part of something larger than yourself

· An experience that stood out because you were proud of what you accomplish

· Helping someone, or making someone else's life better

· Something you did despite others saying that you could not do it

· Something you did that you would like to do again

· A strong skill or interest of yours and how you used it

· Something that was exciting or inspiring to you

· An experience you look back on fondly

· An experience that taught you something even if it wasn't fun at the time

· An experience that required you to take a risk

Gretchen Rubin’s Quizzes

Authentic Happiness Main Page

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Show Notes

Today on the podcast, in our segment on stress and health, we explore the guilt and gaslighting that teachers experience and how to use lists to halt anxiety and overwhelm, and we’ll start figuring out our transferrable skills as we continue our mini-series in the What Color is Your Parachute book.

How to Recognize the Signs of Emotional Abuse

What is Gaslighting and How to Respond

What Color is Your Parachute 2024 and the Workbook

PDF of Parachute Skills Grid

And remember to send stories to me at TeachersinTransitionCoaching@gmail.com! I can’t wait to read them.

Transcript of this podcast

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Today on the podcast, Vanessa talks about how noise affects our stress levels and our health, she shares a teacher hack to that helps increase student focus right before the Winter Holiday Break, and we’ll begin envisioning our ideal work environment as we continue our mini-series in the What Color is Your Parachute book.

Environmental Noise-Induced Effects on Stress Hormones

Drop Dead Healthy by A. J. Jacobs

What Color is Your Parachute 2024 and the Workbook

The Sound of Encroaching Deafness; Two and a Half Men, CBS is the copyright holder.

Transcript of Episode 180

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In this episode, we explore Four Rules and their importance in being flexible in an ever-changing, stressful environment. We also answer the question: Is it weak to cry in your classroom? (Spoiler alert: I say no, it is not). And we start to work on our self-inventory so that know exactly what kind of a job we want when transitioning out of teaching.

Here are the links referenced in the show:
to the article on the Benefits of Crying:
An Amazon link to the book, What Color is Your Parachute 2024 and the companion Workbook
Transcript of episode 179

Remember to follow rate and review!!

Thank you so much for listening!

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In this episode, we explore how stress affects the brain and how to take positive steps to combat the stress. We also explore the importance of a 5-Minute action and how to use that to help you get started on that job hunt or to make the next steps in your search.

Show Notes:
Stress, Burnout, Anxiety and Depression among Teachers: A Scoping Review (from 2022)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9518388/

Neurobiological and Systemic Effects of Chronic Stress: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573220/#:~:text=Stress%20can%20cause%20an%20imbalance,autonomic%2C%20immune%20and%20metabolic%20mediators.

LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-long-does-take-get-hired-get-hired-by-linkedin-news/

Email the podcast at TeachersInTransitionCoaching@gmail.com or leave a voicemail/text message at 512-640-9099

Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to rate and review where ever you listen and please share with a friend.

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In this episode, we get a little peek as Teachers in Transition goes through its own transition. Vanessa talks a little more about how she came to be your host as she started as a teacher, worked in corporate America, and now helps teachers reach their goals. If you like the podcast, please share it with a friend. We always welcome your feedback! Please drop an email at TeachersInTransitionCoaching@gmail.com, or leave a message at 512-640-9099.

Look for new episodes to drop every week to help combat the Sunday Scaries!

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After a long hiatus, Kitty Boitnott returns to #TeachersinTransition to introduce Vanessa Jackson who has bought the coaching business from Kitty after Kitty's retirement.

coachingbusiness #teachersintransition

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In this episode, Kitty announces her intention to retire her business and coaching practice in 2023. And she wishes listeners a Happy Thanksgiving.

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Everyone knows the feeling of having overslept and trying to beat the clock as you get ready to get out of the house on time. To avoid that kind of high-drama morning, you need to make sure you have gotten the sleep you need the night before, that you get up on time and not sleep through the snooze button and that you allow yourself all the time you need to get ready for your day.

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Many teachers who talk with me while mulling their career options wonder if they need to return to school for another degree in a new area. Most of the time, my best advice is  "no." You don't need a new university or college degree, even though you may need training in a new area.

If you decide you need training, do your "due diligence" and make sure you get trained with a reputable and/or accredited program.

Consider WHO you want to become in your next career and HOW you can best become who you wish to be professionally.

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I just got back from a vacation in Key West, Florida. I have had a visit to Key West on my bucket list for a long time, and given that I had a big birthday coming up last week, I wanted to celebrate it in Key West.

I learned about "island time" while there, and it occurred to me that "island time" was just what I needed. So I slowed down, relaxed, and came home feeling rested and rejuvenated.

Everyone needs to take "island time" occasionally to help manage their stress more effectively. When was the last time you took time away from your day-to-day routine? Think about it and plan a trip for yourself. Take time for yourself. Make your version of "island time" to help manage stress proactively. 

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When job hunting, it's important that you use your network of friends, family, and perhaps even your colleagues to help you uncover possible opportunities that you wouldn't otherwise know about. 

In this week's episode, Kitty shares a couple of anecdotal examples of real people who found new jobs by sharing that they were looking for a new opportunity with their network.

You can also use your LinkedIn network, so it's important to expand your network using LinkedIn.

Kitty also shares the importance of learning how to conduct #informationalinterviews when #jobhunting.

To learn more, reach out to Kitty at kittyboinott@boitnottcoaching.com. 

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I am embarrassed that the last podcast I offered was on June 9, 2022, and here it is, the middle of September. I apologize to any of my "faithful listeners" who have been waiting for me to offer something new.

As I explain in this week's episode, the problem with my absence boils down to falling out of my routine.

On June 10, I lost my iPhone. About that same time, I got locked out of my Macbook Pro. I also dropped and broke my iPad at about that same time.

If you are a Mac user or you know one, you know that everything is interconnected and while I had loads of stuff on the "cloud" I couldn't get to it, and I couldn't get to my 

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This week, Kitty talks about the importance of preparing for an interview whether it is a telephone screening call, a virtual, remote interview by Skype or Zoom, etc., or in person.

She stresses the importance of preparing by doing research on the company and understanding as much as possible about the company, its mission and vision, its culture, and the role you would be playing if you got the job.

Learn what you need to do to prepare including preparing questions to ask at the end.  For suggestions for the kinds of questions to ask at the end of the interview, check out this article from The Muse: “When Your Interviewer Kicks It to You, Ask These Smart Questions.”

For more help, contact Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. If you would like to make an appointment, you can do that at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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In this week's episode, Kitty shares statistics from a recent survey conducted by AdoptaClassroom.org. You can check out the survey results in the article entitled "The State of Teaching 2022."

If the stress of teaching this year and dealing with the lack of resources and support has forced you to think about making a career change, reach out to Kitty at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar for a complimentary Discovery Session to discuss your options.

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As the school year winds down, Kitty talks about how teachers who made it through the year may want to consider their options for next year. She is rolling out a new Membership option for accessing her "Jumpstart Your Job Search Program" that is available in the DIY version for as little as $27 a month.

Listen to Kitty explain the difference between the membership plan and the ownership plan.

And if you would like to hear her talk about the program, enroll in the live webinar workshop that she is conducting Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 7:00 PM EST. If it isn't too late to catch it, click here to register: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/50/27l48all

To learn about the various membership options, check out these links: Link to $27 membership plan: https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/monthly-membership-in-the-diy-jumpstart-your-job-search-20-membership-program/

Link to $47 membership plan: https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/monthly-membership-plan-with-email-added/

Link to $97 membership plan: https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/monthly-membership-plus-email-support-plus-one-one-on-one-session-per-month/

To ask Kitty questions directly, email her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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In this week's episode, Kitty acknowledges teachers who are winding down the 2021-22 school year. Those who have stuck it out should give themselves a pat on the back because not everyone did.

During these stressful last weeks of the school year, Kitty offers that a little bit of chocolate may go a long way in boosting lagging energy, not to mention morale. It's a known fact that chocolate directly affects dopamine levels. Research points to the various ways that chocolate can lift your mood and your energy level. One such article can be found here, titled "Chocolate and Dopamine."

This is perhaps the busiest time of the school year, and making plans for next year may be the last thing on your mind right now, but once school is over if you want to talk to Kitty about career options, make an appointment at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar for a complimentary Discovery Session.

If you have ideas or suggestions about future episodes, please contact Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

And please rate and review the podcast to help other people find it.

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In this week's episode, Kitty offers the importance of listening to one's intuition--their gut--as one pays attention to how potential employers handle their questions or provide information. She tells a real-life story that serves as a cautionary tale about why paying attention and asking the right questions can save a potential job hunter a world of pain and heartache.

If you have questions or want to submit topics to Kitty for future episodes, contact Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

If you would like to talk to Kitty about your specific job search situation, make an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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Stress is at an all-time high in this country, and for many good reasons. Inflation is on the rise, student debt is back on the table, racial strife abounds and gun violence is an ever-present danger in too many of our cities and suburbs.

The thing is you can't let it get the best of you. So, use strategies to help you get a handle on it before it makes you sick.

In this week's episode on stress management, Kitty offers an article from Healthline.com on  16 ways to relieve stress and anxiety. To read the article, click this link:   https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety.

If your job is what has you down, then, consider attending the webinar workshop that Kitty is offering FREE Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 7:00 PM. She is going to offer seven (7) specific ways to get in touch with your passion and purpose in life. To register, click here:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/49/y80l4u7q.

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Too many people live their lives feeling like something is missing. If that sounds like you, perhaps what is missing is a sense of purpose and a lack of passion for your work. In this episode, Kitty talks about the place where purpose and passion can help you find great job satisfaction as well as help you manage your stress more effectively.

Kitty also promoted a free webinar workshop that is coming up next Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 7:00 PM EST. To sign up, click this link:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/49/y80l4u7q.

Want to talk with Kitty about your specific situation to see if she can help? Set up an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session at teachersintransition.com/calendar.

Have suggestions for a podcast episode? Email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

Please review and rate this podcast to help other people find it.

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"Self-Exploration:  The First Step in the Job Seach" by The Bridgespan Group at   this link:  https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/library/careers/self-exploration-first-step-job-search?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmPSSBhCNARIsAH3cYgafkLldy7FFG167RDy1eGBKa1a9Q0p7JmE0VnX8EBlSfqifM2T6kAQaAsBtEALw_wcB

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This week's topic is stress and how to manage stress during some of the most stressful times teachers have ever experienced. In addition to what is going on in their classroom, teachers have to deal with angry parents who are banning books and censoring what teachers can and cannot say. And add to all that, a war is going on that keeps most of us riveted to the horrifying images that words cannot describe.

Kitty struggles to find anything new to say about stress management during the weeks that stress is the week's primary topic. But she has managed to find a new article to reference. It's not just for teachers. It is for anyone living in today's uncertain times.

The article that Kitty references is entitled "How to Stay Sane in an Insane World:  Ten Tips for Reducing Stress During Troubled Times" by Valerie Carter, published on August 23, 2020, and updated on November 9, 2020. The link to the article is https://www.gracesigns.org/post/how-to-stay-sane-in-an-insane-world.

If you have questions or comments, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@boitnottcoaching.com. If you  have suggestions for other topics you would like to hear Kitty speak to send them to her at that address. 

Please rate and review Teachers in Transition, the podcast so that others can find it more easily.

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Link to The American Institute of Stress:  https://www.stress.org/

Calendar link:  https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

The Rosch Stress Profiler - $19.95 

Stress Mastery Quiz - $19.95

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In this week's episode, Kitty talks about an upcoming webinar workshop (March 24, 2022, at 7:00 PM EST) on the topic of the "3 Secrets of EVERY Job Search." To register for the free event, click on this link:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/46/5724ka3x.

Kitty suggests that the biggest challenge most job seekers face and the first "secret" of hunting for a job is knowing what you want to do next. And that poses a challenge for most people. Listen to how she talks about how you might discover what it is you would like to do next in your career.

careerchange #jobsearch #careertransition #teachersintransition

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This week, Kitty interviews Virginia teacher and yoga therapist Lisa Haskins. Lisa has been a teacher in the Alexandria City schools for over 20 years and a yoga practitioner for over 30 years.

Lisa has training as an Advanced Teacher of therapeutic yoga through the Kripalu School of Integrative Yoga. She has also studied Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction at the Center of Mindfulness.

She is a certified Positive Psychology trainer who has completed foundational training in Trauma Center- Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY).

Lisa has guided and facilitated workshops on therapeutic yoga for stress and anxiety regulation and management, boundaries and compassionate assertiveness in communication, and intention setting for lifestyle balance and self-care.

Listen to the conversation between Kitty and Lisa on the cross-connection between the work they both do in stress management for teachers.

For more information about Lisa, check out her website at https://lisajhaskinsyoga.com or email her directly at lisa@lisajhaskinsyoga.com.

To contact Kitty, you can reach her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. If you would like to make an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session to talk about a career transition out of the classroom and into another career, go to her calendar at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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In this week's episode, Kitty distinguishes hard skills and soft skills and talks about what they are and how they are different. She also recommends that if you are undertaking a job search, start keeping an inventory of all your skills and distinguish between hard and soft skills for use in your resume. Hard skills are those things that you KNOW and can DO. Soft skills are the people skills that, frankly, many employers consider givens these days, but they are still essential and should not be forgotten.

Kitty also mentions that it's important to read job descriptions carefully to don't waste time applying for jobs you aren't qualified for. Don't skip over terms that you don't understand or think you could learn. Employers write those job descriptions because they look for people who have the skills and knowledge to do them. So do yourself a favor and don't waste time applying for jobs you aren't qualified for.

If you want to submit a question or suggestion for a future episode to Kitty, reach out to her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

And please rate and review this podcast to help other people find it.

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In this week's episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty talks about an article she found that might help reframe how stressed teachers think about managing their stress more proactively and effectively. She is using an article by Amber Osuba at Everfi.com. The article's title is "Stress Management for Teachers:  16 Activities to Reduce Teachers' Stress," and can be found at  https://everfi.com/blog/k-12/strategies-to-support-stress-management-for-teachers/.

This article is different because it clusters the strategies into 4 clusters:  "Avoid, Alter, Adapt, and Accept." Listen to this week's episode to hear Kitty's take on the list of strategies. To learn more, check out the blog post.

If you want to check in with Kitty about anything, you may email her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. Also, if you are interested in a career transition, book a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

If you would like to recommend a topic for Kitty to explore, send an email. And don't forget to rate and review the podcast to help other teachers find it.

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If you are sitting on the fence trying to decide if it's time to stay or go from your teaching career, it might help if you explored what exactly is holding you back? What are you really afraid of? And might it be possible for you to start a preliminary job search without committing one way or the other so you know what you're getting into before you commit to quitting your current job?

You may also want to take an inventory of the skills you have and make a list. Consider how you need to translate those skills into keywords that a hiring manager or recruiter will understand because rest assured, they won't bother to learn your language.

Play in the field of possibilities as you consider whether a career change is right for you. Maybe it isn't feasible for you to change careers. Then might it be possible for you to change schools, districts, or subject matter?

Listen to hear more about what Kitty has to offer this week on the subject of what is holding you back?

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This week, Kitty talks about the connection between stress and self-esteem. She used a book that she had from back when she was studying to become a stress management coach. In this episode, Chapter 3 offers thoughts about stress and self-esteem. If you are interested in learning more, you might check the book Kitty references in this episode: The Everything Stress Management Book: Practical Ways to Relax, Be Healthy, and Maintain Your Sanity by Eve Adamson.

If you would like to talk with Kitty about your specific situation, make an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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It's already the middle (almost) of February, and while reports say that teachers are leaving in droves, the question is where are they all going? And do you want to be one of them?

If you are a teacher hoping to make this year your last in the classroom, you have got to start looking NOW for where you want to land next. Download this free checklist of the "Checklist of 10 Things You Need to Know & Do if You Want to Change Your Job or Career" at https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/checklist/.

If you would like to chat about your specific situation, make an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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Kitty loves interviewing clients who have successfully transitioned from the classroom into a new professional adventure. In this week's episode, Kitty interviews Rosa Everson, who turned her organizational skills as a classroom teacher into a business organizing the living spaces of her clients. As a result, she has started a business called A Home 4 Everything. Listen to the interview to learn more.

If you would like to talk with Kitty about your future plans, set up an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

entrepreneurialendeavor #startingabusiness #teachersintransition

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In this week's episode, Kitty talks about stress management and offers four "A's" of stress management offered by the Mayo Clinic. The link to the article is provided here:   https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-4-as-of-stress-relief

Listen and learn what the 4 A's of stress relief are. If you have questions or comments, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. Please review this podcast to help others find it.

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When I have a client who has been successful, I like to share that success. So, today I am excited to share the success of Brittany Rotskoff.

When I first met Brittany during the summer of 2021, she was a young stay-at-home mom who had quit her teaching job because of COVID. She was worried about going back to in-person instruction because she had a baby at home, and she did not want to risk her health or the health of her child.

A National Board Certified Teacher, Brittany was always clear that her career change should be part-time to start because she didn't want to leave her baby too much of the time. She was also very clear that she wanted to work in a museum or library. But she wasn't sure how to make that happen.

She took the Jumpstart Your Job Search Course that I offer, and with the help she gained from that program on how to best position herself for a new job search, and with the help of her sister who helped her with introductions, she has landed a new job as a Part-Time Visitor Experience Associate at the Kemper Art Museum which is associated with Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

The job is exactly what she was looking for. You can hear her talk about it and her job hunting experience in this episode of Teachers in Transition.

If you would like to learn more about Kitty's Jumpstart Your Job Search Program, check out this link on her website https://teachersintransition.com/jumpstart-your-job-search-2-0-program. If you would like to learn if the program is right for you, make an appointment with Kitty for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

For more information or with suggestions for other topics, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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As we begin 2022, there are still many unknowns and uncertainties and we all wish we could have behind us already. COVID variants, political unrest, and climate change are just a few of the issues that come to mind that can cause stress.

In this week's episode, Kitty offers tips from an article from verywellmind.com. You can find the article in the link below.

"10 New Year's Resolutions for Stress Relief" by Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D., Updated on March 21, 2021, and medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, Ph.D., FTOS:  https://www.verywellmind.com/new-year-resolutions-for-stress-relief-3144722.

For more stress management tips and strategies, check out Kitty's website at https://teachersintransition.com/. To make an appointment to talk with Kitty about stress or career transitioning, go to her calendar at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

To email Kitty directly, you can email her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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This episode promotes Kitty's program, "Jumpstart Your Job Search" offered for the last time for 20% off. Listen for more details or check out the program at https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/jumpstart-your-job-search-program-2-0-program/.

If you would like to chat with Kitty about how this program might work for you, make an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

Or send Kitty an email at kittyboitnott@boitnottcoaching.com.

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The holidays are a "happy" time of year, but they can also be stressful. Many people are missing loved ones who have passed away, and while it is always bittersweet, those "firsts" can be especially hard, especially the first Christmas. I know because I lost my brother this year, and this will be the first Christmas without him.

Thankfully, there are things you can do for yourself to help you de-stress and manage your stress more proactively and effectively--not just during the holidays but throughout the year. For a cheat sheet on how to de-stress during the holidays, click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-how-to-de-stress-during-the-holidays/

And if one of the ways you are thinking that you might de-stress during the holidays includes changing jobs in 2022, let's talk. Set up a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com.

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It may sound counter-intuitive, but if you are job hunting, you should keep it up during the holidays rather than taking a break during these weeks leading up to Christmas and the New Year. I offered advice about that in Episode 39 of "Teacher in Transition" and I have written about it including an article in Forbes  entitled  "Job Hunting During The Holidays: Should You Wait Until The New Year?"

If you want 2022 to be the year of a new job or a career change for yourself, you need to start preparing for it now. Kitty just shared that she saw that it is taking 29 weeks to make a career change these days which is a little over 7 months. You can't afford to waste any time.

Kitty is offering a free webinar masterclass on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at 7:00 PM EST and again on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 3:00 PM EST. To register for FREE, click here:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/45/nk4ozb7q.

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Everyone deals with the holidays differently. And for some people, stress and depression are part of the holiday landscape.

A lot goes on during the holiday season. If you feel additional stress, that's okay. The Mayo Clinic offers an article entitled, "Stress, Depression and the Holidays:  Tips for Coping." 

Looking to celebrate the season without all the stress? 

7 ways to de-stress during the holidays.

Just enter your email below and we'll deliver the guide to your inbox! Just click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-how-to-de-stress-during-the-holidays/.

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Today's episode was inspired by a list of 7 things you should do if you want to start a new job search. Kitty took issue not so much with the 7 things themselves but with the order of the items.

Listen to Kitty's rationale for why she would re-order the 7 things and what one thing she would add to the list.

To ask Kitty a question, email her at kittyboitnott@boitnottcoaching.com. Make an appointment at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

And please share and review this podcast to help other people to find it more easily.

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A short and sweet Thanksgiving message from Kitty Boitnott, Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach to burnt-out teachers who are ready for a change.

For more information, contact Kitty at kittyboitnott@boitnottcoaching.com.

For a free checklist of the 7 signs of teacher burnout, click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/7-signs-of-teacher-burnout/ 

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The news media is hyping the "Great Resignation," and people are indeed leaving their jobs in record numbers. Unfortunately, it's also true for teachers. Many are just fed up and ready to look for something new to do with their lives.

This week, Kitty talks about the Great Resignation and what that may mean for teachers.

To make an appointment to talk with Kitty about your situation, set up a complimentary appointment at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

To suggest a topic for Kitty to talk about, email her at kittyboitnott@boitnottcoaching.com.

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Everyone is stressed and many are trying to figure out ways to deal with the stress. This week, Kitty talks about the way we think about stress and offers that based on research and the work of Kelly McGonigal, it is possible to feel differently about stress by reframing the way we think about stress. To hear Kelly McGonigal's TED Talk about that topic, click here:
 https://youtu.be/RcGyVTAoXEU.

Kitty mentioned that some teachers are so stressed that they are thinking about a new job, and for those folks, here is a checklist of things you should know and do before you start making a change:
"10 Things You Should Know and Do if You Are Ready for a Career Change"  Checklist. https://teachersintransition.com/checklist

If you need a cheat sheet on how to manage your stress more proactively, you can click on this link:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/free-stress-management-cheat-sheet-11042021/

And if you would like to make an appointment to talk about your stress or your desire to look for a new job, you can book an appointment by clicking here:  https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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Many teachers feel stuck when they start to think about leaving the classroom. They can't imagine what else they are "qualified" to do, and it makes them feel helpless and even hopeless.

In this week's episode, Kitty urges people to not let who are ARE define who they want to become. When transitioning from one career to another whether it is teaching or any other career, imagine what you would like to do instead and then plot out a way to help you get there.

What you do now does not need to limit you to one particular path in life. Listen to see what Kitty has to say about that.

teachers #teacher #teachersintransition #careerchange #careeradvice #jobchange #jobsearch

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There are three kinds of stress that you may experience at any point in time:  acute anxiety, episodic stress, and chronic stress.

Since the pandemic arrived, it has occurred to me that we have all gone from experiencing the whole gamut. We've gone from acute stress to episodic stress to chronic stress all at once and we are all experiencing it collectively.

The point is that you should be aware of the different kinds of stress and their effects on your body, mind, and spirit.

This week's episode is about how we respond to stressful events and the harm that chronic stress can cause to the human body and mind.

To assess the level of your stress, take advantage of this free stress management tool:  https://teachersintransition.com/stresstest.

stress #acutestress #episodicstress #chronicstress #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressreliefforteachers #stressmanagementforteachers

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We have gotten so conditioned to "instant gratification" that when things don't happen as fast as we want them to, we get impatient. "Why is it taking so long?"

Our impatience can pop up when a website is too slow in coming up, when the service in a restaurant is slow or when a slow-moving line at Starbucks wears your patience thin.

It's no different when it comes to job hunting, but unfortunately, job hunting takes time and is every as "easy" or as fast as you would like it to be.

In this episode, Kitty talks about how you need to be prepared to do the work and work through the process of a successful job search. It may take time, but if you spend quality time figuring out what you want to do and then go for it, your chances of success expand exponentially.

Want to learn more about the job search process? Reach out to Kitty for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

Want a free checklist of the 10 things you need to know and do if you want a new job? Click on this link:   https://teachersintransition.com/checklist.

Email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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There is research to support that teachers go through a typical cycle every year. You can read about it and see a graphic of the cycle here:  https://www.washoeschools.net/cms/lib/NV01912265/Centricity/Domain/189/Program%20Information/Phases%20of%201st%20Yr%20Teaching%20Combined.pdf

In this episode, Kitty talks about this cycle and how it is becoming increasingly unsustainable.

If you decide you want to take advantage of Kitty's Birthday celebration by saving $100 on the DIY Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Program, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com

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In this week's episode, Kitty talks about Simon Sinek's books, Start Your Why and Find Your Why.She read the first paragraph from the "Foreword" which states the importance of finding your "why."

To talk to Kitty about your "why," make an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

Kitty also mentioned that she is offering a special discount on her "DIY Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Program" in honor of her upcoming birthday next week. To get the special price ($197 instead of $497) on this program, click here: https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/diy-jumpstart-your-job-search-20-program/.

As always, if you have questions, you can email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

You can also check her YouTube channel, follow her on LinkedIn or connect with her on Facebook.

To learn more about @SimonSinek by checking out his website here: https://simonsinek.com/.

career #careerchange #careertransition #jobsearch #jobsearchchange #simonsinek #findyourwhy

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Self-care is so important during times of stress, and we all know these are certainly days of stress, right?

In this week's episode, Kitty shares that she has recently written a post about "The Importance of Self-Care for Both Your Mental and Physical Health," and she shares a few of the strategies from that post.

To read the post yourself, click here: https://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/newsletters/the-importance-of-self-care-for-both-your-mental-and-physical-health.html?cld=5ed53726fbb581dc68c233c4

To send Kitty questions about today's episode or offer suggestions for future episodes, write to her at KittyBoitnott@gmail.com.

Also, please review the "Teachers in Transition" podcast to help others find this podcast.

stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #selfcare

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Many teachers think that when they want to change jobs, they need to write a resume that sums up everything they have done throughout their careers. The problem is that your resume that is all about your teaching experience may not be the proper resume for the job you are applying for.

This episode points out how teachers should approach writing their resumes. And for those who may be interested in inexpensive training, you may want to check out a recorded workshop on "Writing a Resume that Will Get You Out of the Classroom."

It's available for $45, and there is an optional add-on for a video review of your resume and an additional add-on for a one-on-one session for $50.

Check it out at https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/writing-a-resume-that-will-get-you-out-of-the-classroom/

If you are interested in learning everything you need to know to leave the classroom for a brand new career, check out the online course, Kitty has created. It is called "Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Program." Check it out at https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/jumpstart-your-job-search-program-2-0-program/

If you have questions, contact Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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I know you might not like to hear it, but if you are constantly stressed out, you need to look in the mirror to see the real culprit. At the end of the day, you are the only one who can do something about your stress. You either give up something so you have less on your plate to manage or you continue to juggle so many things that you wind up making yourself sick.

You are the only one who can manage your stress. And if your job is the source of your stress, you either change the way you approach your job or you change your job.

If you are thinking you want this to be your last year in the classroom, I am offering a free workshop on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 7:00 PM EST. If you are interested in attending click here:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/44/v97m4tv5.

You can also sign up for a free checklist of the 10 things you need to know and do if you are ready for a career change. To get that checklist, click here:  https://teachersintransition.com/checklist.

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Going back to school this year is even more stressful than in years past. Whether you are in an area where COVID is under control or you are in an area where it is totally out of control, it has an effect on you. We are in a stage of the pandemic where we have to be constantly vigilant and it's exhausting.

That's why it is more important than ever that you take care of yourself above everyone else right now. You cannot afford to become sick. Practicing healthy habits right now is not an option--it's a requirement.

So, you need to practice healthy habits and be proactive with your self-care and stress management. If you need help, you might want to download my free ebook called Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed:  A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Worklife Balance.To get free your copy, just click right here:  https://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

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If you are a teacher who is ready for a career change, you need to do several things before you start your job search.

First, you need to decide what is it that you want to do instead, and you may have to sit with that and think about it--even research it--before you know for sure that it's the job for you. You may need to do some assessments. Get in touch with your strengths, aptitudes, gifts, and talents.

Then you need to learn how to read a job description and determine the keywords you need to use. A word-cloud program like Tagcrowd or Wordle.net might help. If you want to get through the Applicant Tracking System, you have to identify the keywords that will get you through it.

And then, there is the writing of the resume itself. It needs to convey what you know and can do without too much emphasis on your teaching career unless you want another teaching job. If you are looking to spring out of teaching, you may need to consider writing a functional resume--one that conveys your abilities over your work history.

If you would like to learn more about how to write a resume, join me on September 2, 2021, at 7:00 PM for a paid workshop "Resume Workshop for Teachers Who Want a Career Change." To register, click here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/43/47l41axo.

If you have questions, email me at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you.

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The time for going back to school is fast approaching for millions of teachers and students, and in fact, millions are already back in some parts of the country.

I know we had all hoped that this year would be better than last, but because of COVID and the delta variant, it is already shaping up to be a bad year for kids and their teachers.

This week, I wrote a post entitled, "Are You Excited About the Upcoming School Year? Or Are You Dreading It?" The link for the post is https://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/newsletters/are-you-excited-about-the-upcoming-school-year--or-are-you-dreading-it-.html?modify=1&coach_preview=1.

If you aren't anticipating going back with excitement and enthusiasm but feel a sense of dread instead, it may be time to start looking for something new to do with your life. It may be too late for this year, but you can start creating your exit plan now. The sooner the better.

If you would like to talk about making a change, schedule a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

Also, I am offering a free, live Masterclass on August 19, 2021, at 7:00 PM EST on "How to Leapfrog from the K-12 Classroom Into a Brand New Career." If you would like to attend or have a friend who might be interested, feel free to share the registration link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/40/xo9xnhmr.

I would love to see you there!

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In a recent conversation with a prospective client, the topic of quitting one's job out of impulse as opposed to intention came up. Sometimes people quit their jobs in a moment of frustration or anger. That's fine if you have thought it through ahead of time and you have created a Plan B. You know how you will manage financially for the next few months while you job search. Because the average job search will take anywhere from 4 to 9 months--and that is everything goes relatively well.

If you don't have the financial resources to get you through months of no paycheck, you may need to stick with the job you hate for a while longer, but you also need to be developing your Plan B now rather than later. You need to start figuring out what else you can do that you will enjoy and will compensate you properly.

I offer a course called "Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Program" that teaches everything you need to know about teachers and job hunting. And I am offering the Do-It-Yourself version of the program for only $297 or 4 equal payments of $77 each. You can access that program at https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/jumpstart-your-job-search-20-program-diy-special/.

I also offer other packages that provide help through email and group coaching with additional help as needed, but this is an affordable option for the teacher who doesn't have a lot of discretionary income to spend on career coaching.

If you want to talk about what your various options are, take advantage of the complimentary Discovery Session I offer. You can sign up for a session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

If you have questions or thoughts you would like to email me, you may do that at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

And if you would like to attend my upcoming Masterclass on "How to Leapfrog from the K-12 Classroom into a Brand New Career," register here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/40/xo9xnhmr.

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In this week's episode, Kitty talks about the importance of establishing and maintaining routines. You need a morning routine whether it includes exercise, meditation, or a morning reading to set the tone for the rest of the day. Likewise, you need an evening routine around getting ready for bedtime so you can signal to your brain that it is time to go to sleep.

To hear more about what Kitty has to say, listen in. To ask questions or offer suggestions for future episodes, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

To learn more about Kitty and her services, check out https://teachersintransition.com.

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If your job search isn't going as quickly or as smoothly as you wish it would or thought it would, you might want to take a look at what is holding you back.

Do you have a resume that speaks to the job you are applying for or for the job you are trying to leave? If you don't use the right amount of keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter, you're going to run into problems.

You also need to be careful about applying for any old job you see that you think you "might like" instead of being strategic and laser-focused on the job you want moving forward.

You may need help, so consider enrolling in the DIY Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Program to learn everything you need to know about the job search process and how to set yourself up for success.

Or you may benefit from sitting in on the Masterclass I just recorded recently on "How to Leapfrog from the K-12 Classroom Into the Career of Your Dreams."

If you have questions about anything offered in today's episode, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. She will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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It's summertime and time for teachers to enjoy their much-deserved time offer to relax and recharge.

If you are a teacher who is having trouble relaxing, you may find this week's episode of "Teachers in Transition" helpful. This week, Kitty shares tips from an article she found by Kalena Baker, and her blog post entitled, "A Summer Checklist for Teachers: 13 Ways to Relax" from Kalena's blog, Teaching Made Practical: Resources for Upper Elementary.

The link to the article that Kitty shared is https://teachingmadepractical.com/relax/.

Kitty also mentioned that she had free mandalas to offer for adults to color, and they are available at this link: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/opt-in-for-5-mandalas-for-stress-relief/.

And near the end of today's episode, Kitty mentioned that she is offering her DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Program to any teacher who is ready to start a job search because they just don't want to go back to the classroom in the fall. The new price for that program is only $297 (down from the original $497) with a payment plan of 4 equal payments of $77 for those who need a budget-friendly plan. The link to the DIY Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Program is here: https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/diy-jumpstart-your-job-search-20-program/#/sc-checkout.

If you aren't sure that a program like this is right for you, but you are struggling with whether you want to go back in the fall, let's talk. My complimentary Discovery Session is available at this link: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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I initially meant to use this interview as a Case Study, but I decided it was just too good to keep to myself, so I am using it as this week's podcast episode in addition to using it as a Case Study.

Listen to Jillian share how fast she is progressing just since getting her new job in April, and how she is enjoying the extra time she now has to be a better wife, mother, and friend.

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Now that most schools are closed for the summer, it's time for teachers to recharge and rejuvenate themselves. Teachers need to use this summer to engage in self-care. I offer a free cheat sheet on stress management strategies for teachers at https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/.

This is a great time to take for yourself to get the rest you need and to reconnect with your Higher Power as well as to concentrate on having fun and unplugging from the activities of the school year.

Rest up. This fall when school starts again, students will need you to help them navigate getting back to school in person. Everyone needs to be gentle with themselves as we recover from this past year of the pandemic.

For more assistance, check the website at https://teachersintransition.com for more resources on how to manage teacher stress.

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LinkedIn is a critical tool that every job seeker needs to have fully complete and up-to-date. Many teachers don't realize the importance LinkedIn has in their job search, so they overlook the need to make sure that their profiles are complete.

In today's episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty talks about the importance of paying special attention to certain aspects of your LinkedIn profile. Tune in to hear exactly what you need to do to get your LinkedIn profile noticed by recruiters.

The resource mentioned in the episode is PhotoFeeler.com.

To reach out to Kitty for more information, contact her by email at kittyboitnott@gmail.com or make an appointment at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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As we turn the page on the pandemic, we start to get back to some sort of "normal" and for many people, that may be viewed with some mixed emotions. Many of us are eager to get back out into the world to start seeing family, friends, and co-workers again. But many are filled with dread because they are nervous about how they will handle social situations. Approximately 400 million people in the U. S. or 18% of the population suffer from some form of social anxiety.  For those people, getting back out into social situations may cause more anxiety and happiness.

Kitty wrote an article this week that offers some tips for how to face social anxiety as we get back to "normal." If you would like to see the article, email Kitty at KittyBoitnott@gmail.com and ask for a copy. Be sure to offer your email address.

If you are one of the millions who suffer from some form of social anxiety, take heart. You are not alone. And the tips in the article Kitty offers this week may help. The main thing is to take it slow, don't force yourself to go too big too soon and find groups that you can enjoy being with while you get your social muscles working again.

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Teachers are well educated and are required to keep up their certificates with ongoing professional development courses and college credits. But sometimes, those courses don't provide the kind of training you might need if you were to start looking for a new job outside of education.

Whether you are job hunting or not, it's a good idea to keep your skills updated and stay current with the technology which is always changing. If you want to be marketable, you have to have skills that make you competitive.

In this episode, Kitty offers some suggestions on how to keep current without getting a new degree or another Master's degree.

If you are ready to look for a new job or career direction and need help, Kitty can provide that help. Talk to her to see if her program is the right fit for you.

Make an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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This has been a very stressful year for all of us but for teachers in particular because there have been so many changes and demands put upon them. In this episode, Kitty offers an article that she ran across entitled, "17 Simple Ways to Relieve Worry, Stress, and Anxiety" by Linda Bjork | Oct 17, 2019, available at this link: https://hopeforhealingfoundation.org/17-simple-ways-to-relieve-worry-stress-and-anxiety/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwktKFBhCkARIsAJeDT0gBQW_hYvfu11QAraD8v2_xbfGJE1vJxCUg-7jq25MqLBw-CYVQ_4gaAv6oEALw_wcB

Kitty doesn't try to cover all 17, but she does speak to the benefits of several of the ways that were mentioned in the article. Listen to hear for yourself the various ways to relieve your stress as we enter the summer season.

Kitty also mentioned that this is the week she is offering some Masterclasses on "How to Leapfrog from Teacher Into the Career of Your Dreams." If you are interested, here is the registration link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/26/27l48aml.

As always if you would like to make an appointment for a complimentary Discovery Session, click here: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

You can also email Kitty directly at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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Kitty is preparing for a new Group Coaching cycle to help teachers who are ready to make a career change but don't know where to start. In Masterclasses that Kitty is offering on different dates and at different times the week of June 1st, Kitty will be talking about what you need to know to start a successful job search.

The dates for the Masterclasses that are coming up are as follows:

Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at noon EST (9:00 AM PST)
Thursday, June 3, 2021, at 8:00 PM EST (5:00 PM PST)
Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 1:00 PM EST (10:00 AM PST)

These Masterclasses are free, and Kitty will be offering an opportunity to sign up to join her next coaching cycle. Still, whether you buy anything or not, the presentation will offer valuable information that you may use if you are interested in changing jobs in the coming months.

To register for the presentation that works for your schedule, click here:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/26/27l48aml

If you would prefer to speak with Kitty directly, sign up for a complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

Email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com if you would like to email Kitty directly.

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This is the time of year that many teachers are feeling more stressed than ever. There is so much to do and so little time in which to get it all done!

For some, it may be time to ask for help. But in this episode, Kitty shares her perspective about how and whom you should ask for help if you decide you need it.

If you are feeling overstressed and overwhelmed, you may need to talk it out. Find someone you can talk to. Take advantage of your Employee Assistance Program. Find a therapist you trust if you feel that's the kind of help you need.

And if you want this to be your last year of teaching, you need to start your job search NOW. Kitty can help with that. Make an appointment to talk at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar. Kitty offers a complimentary Discovery Session.

Or contact Kitty directly by email at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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People are usually so focused on getting through the interview in the job search process that they aren't thinking about the next step which is to negotiate their salary. It probably isn't a great idea to take a job without discussing the negotiables like salary, work terms, and benefits.

In this episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty offers some sage advice on how to approach the salary negotiation phase of your successful job search process. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you can negotiate the terms of your employment after you have agreed to THEIR terms.

For help on how to approach this phase, check out these resources:

"9 Resources You Need to Check Out Before You Negotiate Your Salary" - https://www.themuse.com/advice/9-resources-you-need-to-check-out-before-you-negotiate-your-salary

"How to Negotiate Salary: 37 Tips You Need to Know" - https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-negotiate-salary-37-tips-you-need-to-know

If you would like to schedule a complimentary session to discuss your personal situation, click here: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

For questions by email, contact Kitty at KittyBoitnott@gmail.com.

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One cause of stress is the lack of healthy boundaries both at work and home. In this series on how to better manage your stress, especially if you are a teacher finishing up the last months and weeks of the school year, Kitty deals with the importance of setting boundaries at work. Listen to specific tips that she offers on how to set--and keep--boundaries that will ultimately give you more time for yourself and your family.

For more information, check out these resources:
"Are You Setting Appropriate Boundaries?" - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-setting-appropriate-boundaries-kitty-boitnott-ph-d-nbct/

"The Art of Setting Boundaries and Saying No" - https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/the-art-of-saying-no-and-setting-boundaries

"Stress Management Tools for Teachers: 7 Tips for Surviving the Rest of This Year" - https://teachersindistress.wordpress.com/2017/04/08/stress-management-tools-for-teachers-7-tips-for-surviving-the-rest-of-this-year/

To set up a Discovery Session with Kitty, click on this calendar link: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

To email Kitty with questions or comments, contact her at KittyBoitnott@gmail.com.

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Most people don't realize that it is just as important to prepare properly for an interview as it is to execute it with precision. Listen to Kitty talk this week about how you need to prepare and what you need to do to make sure you make the best possible impression during your interview whether it is in person or online.

For more help on how to prepare for an interview, make an appointment with Kitty at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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Stress can show up in lots of different ways and forms, and procrastination can be the cause of a lot of stress. Putting things off until the last minute, missing important deadlines because you waited too long to start on something for work--these are the varying ways that procrastination can cause problems for people that lead to stress.

In this episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty offers a resource that listeners might find helpful in dealing with procrastination as a cause of stress. Mel Robbins, author, speaker, and life coach wrote a book called, The 5-Second Rule. I think you might find it helpful in tackling procrastination if that is a problem for you.

Kitty also mentioned Mel's YouTube channel and TedxTalk. You can find one such talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prR9HdfZM-o

Mel Robbins offers lots of information and provides many resources that people find helpful in a variety of ways in managing their lives. Give her a look and a listen.

As always, if you have any questions, thoughts, or comments for Kitty, email her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

You can find out more about Kitty at https://teachersintransition.com/ and if you would like to set up a complimentary Discovery Session to see if working with Kitty would help you make the career change you seek to make, check her calendar at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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Informational interviews are a great way to learn about jobs you may be interested in, as well as what it is like to work for a particular company or in a particular industry. In this episode, Kitty talks about the best strategy for setting up and executing an informational interview as part of the job search process.

To reach out to Kitty, email her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.  Check out her website at https://teachersintransition.com/, and to set up a complimentary Discovery Session, go to https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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In this week's episode, Kitty talks about another way to help teachers better manage their stress. This time of year (spring) can become extremely stressful with all the preparation for testing, and the actual testing, not to mention all the other end-of-year events that take place in any given year.

In this episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty talks about how you might better manage your stress by managing your workload and she offers specific strategies.

One link you might want to check out is a Facebook page called "Teaching Ideas" at
https://www.facebook.com/TeachingIdeas.

You may also find this document useful. It is entitled, "Time Saving Tips for Teachers." You can find it at  http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/sites/default/files/timesavingtipsforteachers.pdf.

Kitty offers a free webinar workshop on stress management for teachers. You can watch it here:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/28/97l4mag2. It's free!

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In this week's episode, Kitty brags on three of her clients who have just landed new jobs in the last couple of weeks. This is significant because the pandemic has slowed down the hiring process, and the last "success story" Kitty knew about from any of her clients was from last May when a client landed the job of her dreams.

These three individuals were successful in their job search because they were diligent in their search and that stuck to the process even though it was such slow going. The pandemic has been a factor as many companies slowed down their businesses and thus, slowed down their hiring. These success stories indicate to Kitty that things are [finally] on an upswing.

Listen to what Kitty shares about the clients who landed their new jobs for some inspiration, and if you think you might be ready for a career change, think about setting up an appointment to chat with Kitty. She offers a 20-minute Discovery Session. Her calendar link is at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

If you aren't ready to talk to Kitty yet, you might be interested in a webinar presentation that she shared with the University of Virginia's Alumni Career Center recently. You can watch it by clicking on this link:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/27/37l4qalx.

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In this week's episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty continues in her series on dealing with the stress of the remaining months and weeks of the school year. This week, she talks about what you may need to do if you find yourself working in a toxic environment.

A toxic environment is generally thought of as a place where you don't feel supported and, indeed, sometimes feel that you are being sabotaged or set up to fail. This happens way too often to far too many teachers.

You may find yourself working with colleagues who fail to be supportive, or you may have an administrator who is undermining you at every turn. Regardless of the cause, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself, and that's what Kitty talks about in this episode.

If you would like to listen to Kitty's webinar presentation, "Stress Management Tools for Teachers" you can do that by clicking here:https://event.webinarjam.com/register/28/97l4mag2**.

For a cheat sheet** on stress management, click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/.

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If you are looking at a job description and considering if you are a good "fit" for it or not, you might want to consider the questions Kitty asks in this week's episode of "Teachers in Transition."

Resources that were mentioned in the episode include:

Udemy.com
O*net
Jobscan.co
Wordle.net or Tagcrowd
Jumpstart Your Job Search for 2021 for Teachers Webinar Presentation

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This year has been a profound stress for many teachers, whether they were teaching in-person, hybrid, or virtually. Many have thought about quitting. Others have tried to find ways to manage and mitigate stress.

This week's episode is a continuation of the series on stress that Kitty started a couple of weeks ago. And today, she touched on the healthy habits one should practice to help with stress.

Kitty also shared that she has recorded a webinar presentation on all seven of the strategies she has thought about to help teachers better manage their stress during the final weeks and months of this school year. Check it out here:

"Stress Management Tools for Teachers" webinar presentation:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/28/97l4mag2

For those who have decided they have had enough, and it's time to find a new job, here is another recorded webinar presentation that you might find helpful:

"Jumpstart Your Job Search for 2021 for Teachers" webinar presentation:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/27/37l4qa

Check them out, and if you have questions, as always, feel free to email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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In this week's episode, Kitty reflects on two interactions she had with teachers who are changing jobs. The first individual was still struggling with what he wanted to do next in his career, and the second individual had shared a resume that came through email as a jumble instead of a formatted resume.

There are two take-aways from this episode. If you want to change your job or career, before you start writing your resume, you need to spend time thinking deeply about what it is that you want to do next.

Once you have figured that out, you need a simple resume format that will make its way through the Applicant Tracking System and will also make the case in just a few seconds that you are a viable candidate for the position. You have, on average, six to eleven SECONDS to make it apparent that you deserve a deeper look.

Listen to learn more about what Kitty has to offer to help you make headway on your job search journey.

And if you would like to hear more about how to transition from the classroom to the career of your dreams, listen in and watch Kitty's most recent webinar presentation which has gone live this week at https://event.webinarjam.com/register/27/37l4qalx. It's FREE! The title of the presentation is Jumpstart Your Job Search for 2021 for Teachers: How to Transition from the Classroom to the Career of Your Dreams! (And Avoid the Mistakes Most Beginner Job Seekers Make) Specifically for the Teacher Who is Considering a Career ChangeAs always, if you have questions, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com

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For the next several weeks, during episodes when Kitty concentrates on stress management tips, she is going to be offering specific tips from a presentation that she is planning to help teachers manage their stress during the final months of the school year.

With all the emphasis on testing and the added stress that COVID has added, teachers may be more stressed this year than ever before. They need tools to help them cope more proactively and effectively. In this week's episode, Kitty talks about the importance of minding your mindset. Pay attention to your thoughts. Turn negative thinking around. The practice of managing your thoughts can make a huge difference in how you manage your day-to-day stress.

Here more in this week's episode on "Tips for Managing Teacher Stress."

stress #teacherstress #teacherburnout #stressmanagement #stressrelief #teachersintransition

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When you start to think about changing your job or career, you can't just make the change overnight. It's a process that may take some time and one part of the process is doing some deep thinking about what you want in your life and career. This is a good time to do some self-assessments, and there are plenty to choose from.

The most recent tool I have become familiar with is CareerFitter.com. You can take the assessment for a free report and you also have the option of upgrading for a premium report for only $19.95. 

I also offer an even more complete assessment which is called the Pathway Planner.

The point of taking assessments like these is to get in touch with who you are, what your strengths and weaknesses are, what your aptitudes and natural gifts happen to be, etc. This self-discovery and self-reflection can ultimately help lead you toward the career of your dreams.

If you are interested in these assessments, check them out.

If you would like to talk about how I might help you discover your next career, make an appointment at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar for a 20-30-minute Discovery Session.

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This week, Kitty talks about the level of stress so many people feel in the world of COVID and all that goes with it. She suggests that you can imagine a continuum of 1 to 10 to gauge your own stress level if you are on the lower end of the spectrum, somewhere between 2-4, congratulations! You are doing great! If you are around 5 to 7, you need to do some extra things to tend to yourself and take steps to get your stress under control. If you feel that you are at the upper end of the scale, hovering between 7 to 9, you need to ask for help. You can start by asking your spouse and older kids for use around the house. You don't have to try to do it all! But if you don't have anyone to ask or you feel like you are at a full-blown 10, you may need to consider seeking some professional help.

Listen for more of what Kitty says about stress and how sometimes we just have to recognize we need help dealing with what life is throwing at us.

She also mentions her ebook,Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed, because there, she shares some of her own experiences with stress, including living with a spouse who had a bipolar disorder.

To download the free ebook, click here: https://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

P. S.

Kitty rolled out a new FREE online career quiz this week. If you are interested in taking a look, click here: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=1162. Use it to determine your work personality strengths and best careers.

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This week's episode is based on an article that is entitled,  "5 Tips for Finding and Landing a New Job in 2021, According to Glassdoor's CEO," written by  Courtney Connley and published January 7, 2021.

Posts referred to in this episode:

"5 Tips for Finding and Landing a New Job in 2021, According to Glassdoor's CEO," by Courtney Connley:  https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/07/5-tips-for-landing-a-new-job-in-2021-according-to-glassdoors-ceo.html

Calendar link to Kitty's Discovery Session for anyone who wants to talk about their personal situation to see if Kitty's help is needed:  https://teachersintransition.com/calendar

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When we are stressed, it is not unusual for it to negatively impact our ability to sleep. But sleep is critical to our ability to cope with stress and to stay as productive and creative as possible, avoiding the cranky irritability that goes with not getting the quantity or quality of sleep we need.

In this week's episode, Kitty talks about an article she found that offers some tips on how to improve the quality of your sleep. The article is entitled, "Improving the Quality of Your Sleep," found at "Set to Go" (https://www.settogo.org/improving-your-quality-of-sleep/).

Kitty also mentioned that she was promoting her "Jumpstart Your Job Search for 2021 Program" and the promotion will be ending on Sunday, January 31, 2021. If you are interested, take a look here:  https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/jumpstart-your-job-search-program-2021-group-coaching/.

If you would like to talk about whether the program is right for you, set up a time to chat using my calendar link at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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My former career coach was fond of saying, "Every job is temporary," and "You are a business of one." She meant that given the fast-paced changes in the economy, becoming too dependent upon a job with benefits is not a good idea because that job and those benefits can disappear pretty quickly when things change. In this week's episode, I stress the importance of upgrading your technology skills while considering whether you want to change your job or career. You can go to different places for help, like your local WorkForce centers or online services like Udemy.

You should also think seriously about what you want in your next job or career. What kind of people do you want to work with? What kind of culture do you want? Chances are you are trying to escape your current workplace's toxic culture, so paying attention to these things is important.

If you think that 2021 is the year you want to make a career change or undertake a new job search, don't miss out on one of the Masterclass presentations I am offering this week. The first one will be Thursday night, January 21, 2021, at 7:00 PM EST. The second will be offered on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 1:00 PM EST, and the final presentation will be Monday, January 25, 2021, at 4:00 PM EST. Register at https://event.webinarjam.com/register/26/27l48aml.

I hope to see you there!

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Well, 2021 has gotten off to quite a rocky start, but since this week's topic is about stress management, I am offering information about how to manage stress using a PDF from the World Health Organization, and I am providing some links to material that you might find useful as you work your way through your own emotional response to what has been happening in the news this past week or so.

The first link is to a report by the World Health Organization entitled, "Doing What Matter in Times of Stress." To download the PDF, click here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003927?gclid=Cj0KCQiArvX_BRCyARIsAKsnTxMWSSpjtakpX_WvTg5IO1V_NxUPb3jC51hmhEqfBGLZg4Cq18tN-u4aApNeEALw_wcB

I also offered to provide you access to the Cheat Sheet I created on stress management, You can download it here: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/

And finally, I offered to allow you access to the ebook that I wrote a few years ago on stress management. The ebook is entitled, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed: A Guide to Managing Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Work-Life Balance. To download a copy, click here: https://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

Please leave a review of the podcast. If you have questions, please email me at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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If 2021 is your year for looking for and finding a new job or career. you will want to tune in to today's episode along with future 2021 episodes where Kitty will be offering advice on how to jumpstart your job search in 2021. You want to be sure to start with developing the mindset of a job seeker and then learn the components of a successful job search.

When trying to decide what you want to do next in your career, you need to first do some self-reflection and assessments. Determine your strengths. Figure out what you love to do. Explore possibilities. And decide what you want to do to make the biggest impact on the world.

If you are interested in taking the "Find Your True Purpose" quiz that I shared a few weeks ago, click here:  https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/5fd4e1c91452b400168b5345

To download the "Career Change Roadmap," click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/career-change-roadmap/

To set up a 20-minute complimentary Discovery Session, click here:  https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

jumpstartyourjobsearch #jobsearch #careerchange #jobhuntingtips

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This week's episode offers a "so long 2020" and a welcome to 2021. Let's celebrate that it's time to enter a brand new year with hopes for improved opportunities to get together in person at last.

This is also a time for reflection on the old and considering what you want to change in the new year, so this week, Kitty offers a post on how to create your coals for 2021. Click the link below to access it:    https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/create-your-goals-for-2021/

Kitty has also been offering an end-of-year special price on her "Jumpstart Your Job Search for 2021" Program. You can get it through midnight on December 31st for a 40% savings (that translates to $400).

To access the Jumpstart Your Job Search Program for 2021 at the sale price, click on this link:  https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/jumpstart-your-job-search-group-coaching-during-the-pandemic/

Enjoy the episode!

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As a Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach, my approach to career coaching a little different, I think, from the average, run-of-the-mill career coach. I start by asking each of my clients to ponder what they want to do rather than what they think they might be "qualified" to do or what they might be willing to settle for in their next career. Why? Because I believe that we each have a purpose in life, yet most of us struggle with identifying it or knowing how to put it to its best use.

If you have ever wondered what your true purpose is, you might enjoy taking this quiz. It could shed some light on your unique purpose and offer some insights on how you should be using your purpose to its best effect in your life.

To take advantage of the quiz, just click on the button that says, "Take the Quiz."

After you have taken the quiz, you might like to share it with your friends just for fun, so feel free to share it on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

And if the results of the quiz get you to thinking about how you could best use your unique purpose in your life, I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me. Just reply to this newsletter, and let me know your thoughts or your findings.

If you are not living a life that is allowing you to live your true purpose, maybe it is time to think about making a change. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we cannot take a day for granted. I suspect we have all individually and collectively lost someone this year whether it was to COVID or something else. When someone we know dies--especially if it is unexpected--it serves as a reminder that it does not pay to put off too long the things that we truly desire.

I have been lucky in my life that I found my life purpose early in life--and I have been double lucky to have found a new purpose in what I am doing now. My current purpose is helping others find their purpose, and it just doesn't get much better than that.

If you are feeling stuck in a job or career you no longer love, it's time to consider your other options. So, take the quiz, and see where it takes you. I hope you enjoy it. The link to the quiz is here: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/5fd4e1c91452b400168b5345

Until next time.

P. S.

If you are thinking that 2021 is the year that you are going to break free of your current job or career to find something more fulfilling and perhaps more fun, I am offering a Masterclass on December 26, 2020, at 2:00 PM EST on how to "Jumpstart Your Job Search for2021: The Step-by-Step Master Plan for How to Leave the Classroom for the Career of Your Dreams."

To register for the Masterclass, click here: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/jumpstart-your-job-search-for-2021/.

If you aren't interested but have a friend or family member who might benefit from listening in, feel free to share the link.

I hope to see you there!

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In November, I received an invitation from Sharon Coleman, "The Joy Mentor," to be part of her "Winning the Happiness Game Summit." You might remember that I offered an invitation to sign up for the summit a few weeks ago.

We also talked about the following topics:

• 7 Tips to build resilience
• Permit yourself to consider your happiness at work
• How to transition from a burnt-out career
• How stress affects your health
• How to ensure you get restful sleep
• How sleep clears out our neuron toxicity
• Help for stressed-out teachers
• How Alzheimer's is linked with sleep
• Advice on sleep (I am a Certified Sleep Science Coach)
• And so much more!!

If you would like to hear the conversation Sharon and I had, you can click on the image below and be taken to YouTube for our episode:

Sharon Coleman and Kitty Boitnott Talking about the Winning the Happiness Game

To get the ebook, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed: A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Work-Life Balance, click here: http://teachersintransition.com/ebook.To download your cheat sheet on "Cheat Sheet on How to De-Stress During the Holidays" by clicking here: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-how-to-de-stress-during-the-holidays/

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Many people think that when the holidays arrive, that means they have to take a holiday away from job hunting but that is not the case. You can lose too much momentum and important time if you take a break now. So, if you are job hunting, keep it up. If you are just starting, go ahead and start. Make good use of this time and who knows? Companies are still hiring. You might be lucky and land the job you are looking for. If not, 2021 is right around the corner, and you don't want to be starting from scratch in January if you want to get a good start on the new year.

For more information about job hunting during the holidays, take a look at this article that I wrote for Forbes Coaches Council:  "Job Hunting During the Holidays:  Should You Wait Until the New Year?" The link is at. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/12/20/job-hunting-during-the-holidays-should-you-wait-until-the-new-year/?sh=713218ee5ee5

Enjoy.

If you think you might be suffering from burnout, take advantage of this free checklist of the 7 signs of teacher burnout:  https://teachersintransition.com/7-signs-of-teacher-burnout. It's free!

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Note: This is Episode 86 not 85 as Kitty said in the intro.

In this episode, Kitty offers an invitation to an upcoming Masterclass that she is offering the weekend of Thanksgiving.

The first presentation will be Friday, November 27, 2020, at 1:00 PM EST.
The second will be Saturday, November 28, 2020, at 11:00 AM EST.

To register for either presentation, click here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/19/47l41ao

This Masterclass will be offering what Kitty believes are the 3 "secrets" of every job search or career change, regardless of the career you happen to be in at the moment.

If you are considering making a change in your job or career and want to be in place sometime in early 2021, now is the time to be getting your job search underway.

But before you begin your job search, you need to know the fundamentals. And that is what Kitty will be offering in this Masterclass.

So, sign up here if you would like to learn how to ensure your job search success: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/19/47l41ao

To download your free "3 Secrets of EVERY Successful Job Search or Career Change" pdf, click here: https://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/uploads/supplements/3-secrets-of-every-successful-job-search-or-career-change_950cc00c6f13f.pdf

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Everyone struggles with staying focused and being productive on occasion even in the best of times. But when experiencing stress during times of high stress like we are all experiencing now, it becomes even more difficult to stay on task.

This week, in my weekly newsletter, I wrote about this. You can take a look at it at https://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/show_client_newsletter/?id=5fa1a2aefbb5814f3e33f289&cld=5ed53726fbb581dc68c233c4.

Use it to learn some tips for how to stay focused and productive in spite of the stress of a pandemic, elections, and all the other major events we are currently experiencing today.

If you would like to make an appointment, feel free to sign up for a complimentary Discovery Session at http://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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In this episode, Kitty offers some more of the suggestions that are included in her Checklist of the "10 Things You Need to Know and Do If You Want to Change Your Job or Career. "She talks about the importance of understanding how the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) works, how important it is to tweak your resume for every job you apply for, and the importance of writing a personalized cover letter that is compelling and not just a regurgitation of your resume.

If you would like to download the checklist, click here:  https://teachersintransition.com/checklist.

If you have questions for Kitty, please email her at kttyboitnott@gmail.com.

And if you would like to chat with Kitty about the possibility of changing your job or career, make an appointment for a 20-minute complimentary Discovery Session at https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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"10 Relaxation Tips That Zap Stress Fast" by Jeannette Moninger. https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot##1

Stress Assessment Tool:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/stress-assessment/

Cheat Sheet - 7 Strategies for Better Managing and Reducing Everyday Stress:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/

Discovery Session Sign Up:  https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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Teachers often think about changing their job or career for a long time before they take any action. They aren't sure what else they would be qualified to do, and sometimes they just don't know what they would want to do if they left teaching.

In this episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty talks about a checklist she recently devised called "10 Things You Need to Know & Do if You Want to Change Your Job or Career." She also mentions some books that one might enjoy reading for information and inspiration and she offers the name of some online assessments that one might take if they are looking to determine their strengths and interests.

Kitty also mentions that she provides a paid assessment entitled the Pathway Planner. For more information about that assessment, reach out to Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. Likewise, if you have any questions about anything else that was mentioned on this episode, email Kitty at that email address.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

"10 Things You Need to Know & Do if You Want to Change Your Job or Career" is available at http://teachersintransition.com/checklist.

What Color is Your Parachute (by Richard N. Bolles)
Coach Yourself to a New Career by Talane Miedaner
Careerealism by J. T. O'Donnell
StrengthsFinder 2.0 (by Tom Rath and Donald D. Clifton)

Assessments that were mentioned:
16 Personalities at https://www.16personalities.com/
Myers-Briggs Personality Profile at https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/
Truity at https://www.truity.com/
Pathway Planner at https://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/uploads/supplements/pathway-planner-brochurer-copykb_7d45c71e6409e.pdf

For help with stress, check out these resources. A Stress Assessment tool is available here: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/stress-assessment/

A Cheat Sheet on Stress Management is available here: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/

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Teachers are more overloaded and overwhelmed than ever. They have always had a lot thrown at them, but now they are being asked to go the extra extra mile. Some are teaching remotely. Some are teaching a hybrid model. Some are teaching in-person with or without the proper precautions in place. And some are being asked to do both!!!

It isn't sustainable!

As teachers, you must start to take care of yourselves or you will buckle under the pressure. That is why I am offering a free webinar workshop on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at 2:00 PM EST for teachers--or anyone--who can use specific strategies for better managing your stress.

To register for the workshop, click here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/18/77l4rag

If you would like to take the stress assessment test that I mentioned in this episode, click here: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/stress-assessment/

If you would like the cheat sheet on stress management I mentioned, click here: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/

And if you would like to download the ebook that I wrote a while back called, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed: A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Work-Life Balance

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If you are ready for a job or career change, the first place is in the space in your head. You need the mindset of a job seeker, and you have to believe that you can successfully navigate a job or career change if you want to be successful.

Once you have developed the proper mindset, then you need to do research about the type of job you are interested in along with doing research on the companies and the industry. You don't want to switch to an industry that may be on a downward trend, for sure.

You will also need to create a marketing plan for yourself. This is a document that contains all your skills and competencies. Make a list of everything you might bring to a potential job or career that you are interested in. And then make a list of all the companies and industries that you might be interested in pursuing.

If you are interested in receiving a template of a research/marketing plan, email me at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

If you are interested in attending the webinar workshop that I mentioned in the episode on stress management for teachers, use this link to register:  https://event.webinarjam.com/register/18/77l4rag.

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We have been living in unprecedented times of upheaval and stress. ALL of us. From the pandemic to economic fragility to social unrest, and here in the U. S. a high-stakes election. Regardless of which side you may be on, you feel like it's "high-stakes."

All this upheaval can cause stress. So, you may need some new stress management strategies.

In this episode, Kitty talks about how to deal with upheaval that is outside your control--and everything we just mentioned is. Learn some strategies for how to deal with the upheaval so you can manage your stress more effectively.

For the article that Kitty mentioned in the episode, click on this link:
https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/dealing-with-upheaval-that-is-outside-your-control/

And if you are ready to talk to Kitty about your stress or your desire to change your job or career, use this link to set up an appointment for a 20-minute Discovery Session:  http://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

upheaval #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #stressmanagementstrategies

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Normally, I wouldn't be talking about teacher burnout until later in October, but this is not a normal year, is it? I know that a lot of teachers are feeling more overwhelmed than ever. They feel like hamsters on a hamster wheel. They are moving as fast as they can and not going anywhere.

If you are feeling overworked and overwhelmed don't know if you can call it "burnout" or not, check out this week's free gift. Download your copy of the checklist, "7 Signs of Teacher Burnout." It's free. If you answer even one of the questions on this checklist with a yes, you may be suffering from the start of burnout. Click this link to get your checklist:
https://teachersintransition.com/7-signs-of-teacher-burnout

If you feel you are approaching a breaking point and it's time to think about looking for a new career path, let's talk. Make an appointment for a 20-minute complimentary Discovery Session at http://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

Email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail for more information about services and programs available at Teachers in Transition.

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In this episode of "Teachers in Transition," Kitty talks about the new checklist she just created entitled, "10 Things You Need to Know & Do If You Want to Change Your Job or Career." This list outlines all of the considerations one should take into account when thinking of changing their job or career. To get your free checklist, click here: 
https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/10-things/
Kitty also mentioned how helpful a tool call Jobscan is in helping you tweak your resume every time you apply for a new job. To access Jobscan, click here:  http://jobscan.co.

Before downloading your checklist, listen in as Kitty talks about the importance of each item on it if you want to conduct a successful job search or career change in the near future.

For questions, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

To make an appointment to talk with Kitty about her services, schedule it using this link to her calendar:  http://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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Recent information has come out about "Work From Home Burnout." I have long studied the ill effects of job burnout and the need for work-life balance in our lives, but when you are working from home, the lines start to blur and studies show more and more remote workers are working longer hours and not taking time off for a  mental--or physical--recharge.

In this episode, I offer some tips on how to avoid  WFH burnout. I hope you will find them useful.

I am also offering the link to the stress assessment I mentioned in the episode along with a link to a cheat sheet on stress management and my ebook on stress management. They are all FREE! Enjoy.

To download the free Stress Assessment, click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/stress-assessment/.

To download the "Cheat Sheet on Stress Management Strategies," click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/.

To download my free eBook, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed, click here:  http://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

Have questions? Contact me at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. 

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Back in January, I wrote a blog post entitled "10 Must-Do's If You Want to Improve Your Career in 2020." I wrote it before COVID-19 hit the country like a Mack truck.

Still, given that many teachers are quitting their teaching jobs rather than putting themselves at risk by going into the buildings where they might not be safe, I decided the tips are still pertinent.

I talk about the ten tips you need to keep in mind if you are starting a new job search, and if you want to read the post in full, click here:  https://teachersintransition.com/teachers-in-transition/improve-your-career-in-2020.

I mentioned that I am starting a new cohort of job seekers in September. If you would like to join the group to get the coaching you might need to make a career transition, check out this link:  https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/jumpstart-your-job-search-group-coaching-during-the-pandemic/

And if you would like to chat about your specific situation in a 20-minute complimentary Discovery Session, click here:  http://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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There are three very specific types of stress:  acute, episodic, and chronic. In this episode, Kitty talks about what each type of stress entails and how you might choose to deal with each.

#stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #acutestress #episodicstress #chronicstress

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Interviews are necessary if you wish to land a new job. They represent one of the last steps in the process, and it is disappointing when you have gone through an interview you thought went well and then you don't get the job.

Unless you have a full understanding of how interviews really work, however, it is possible for you to blow it and not know it. What I mean by that is that the interview isn't really about YOU. It is about what you can do for your potential employer. And if you talk about yourself and your career goals and all the things YOU want without talking about how you can help your new employer and what you bring to the job you're going to lose out. 

Most interviewees neglect to do the basic research they need to do before going to the interview. If you don't know what I mean, listen to this episode of "Teachers in Transition."

jobsearch #careerchange #interviewing #interviewskills

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This week's topic is stress, and in it, Kitty talks about specific ways to be more mindful at the moment. When we are stressed out and anxious, more often than not, it is the result of fretting or regretting something in the past or projecting and worrying about something the future. Neither is helpful. So, you need to learn how to pull yourself back into the present moment, and this episode offers some ways to do that.

The tips offered in today's episode are from a post from Psychology Today by Leslie Becker-Phelps, Ph.D. entitled, "Lost in Hurts? Ground Yourself in the Present."

For more information on how to create a mindfulness practice to help reduce and manage your stress, contact Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

stress #stressrefief #stressmanagement, #mindfulness #presentmoment

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School opening has already begun in some parts of the country. And many teachers are forced to consider their options. If you are a teacher who has decided that going back to school this fall isn't an option for you, you will want to listen to this episode of "Teachers in Transition" because Kitty Boitnott, Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach talks about the many moving parts of the average job search.

In this episode, Kitty ponders the many questions and challenges facing teachers who are struggling with whether to go back into their schools or not. She also talks about the challenges job seekers will face while job hunting during a pandemic. Many of the old rules and traditional advice goes out the window during times like these.

But if you are job hunting, there are some things you need to know about how to manage your resume and get it through the Applicant Tracking System as well as how to network in theses days of COVID.

jobsearch #jobhunting #careerchange #careertransition

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If you are a teacher who is thinking about the wisdom of returning to your job this fall in the event that your system is going back in person or on a hybrid model, this episode is for you. Kitty Boitnott, Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach talks about the questions that teachers are having to consider as they think about going back to school in the middle of a pandemic.

If you are a teacher with an underlying health condition or you worry about the possibility of picking up the virus and bringing it home to your family or your aging parents, you are not alone. These are serious considerations.

If you have to make the hard decision that you can't return to your district which means quitting your job, you may need help finding a new job or seeking out a career change. Contact Kitty for a complimentary Discovery Session at http://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

Contact Kitty by email at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

Check out Kitty's website at TeachersinTransition.com (http://teachersintransition.com/)

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Everyone is feeling over-stressed these days. Between the pandemic, financial pressures, and racial unrest, no one in the country is unaffected.

In this week's episode, Kitty shares specific tips on how to lower stress with an eye toward free and low-cost solutions that are relatively simple to implement. The suggestions come from an article posted on Healthline. The article is entitled, "16 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety" by Kerri-Ann Jennings, MS, RD (August 28, 2018).

Check it out. Remember that you need to take care of yourself emotionally and mentally as well as physically during these challenging times.

pandemic #coronavirus #COVID-19 #stress #stressrelievers #anxiety #stressmanagement

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Successful job seekers or career changers need to be able to network to facilitate their search. In times of the pandemic, however, networking isn't being practiced in person. That doesn't mean it isn't being practiced, though.

A substitute for in-person networking is virtual networking, and the perfect place to start that is LinkedIn. Listen to today's episode to learn how to approach LinkedIn if you aren't all that familiar with this platform. Get your profile completed and follow all the recommendations and protocols.

Additionally, seek out virtual job fairs that you may attend. In addition to a completed LinkedIn profile, you will want to have your resume ready as well.

Check out resources available for job seekers and career changes at http://teachersintransition.com.

If you want to talk with Kitty about how to get a successful job search underway, make an appointment for a 20-minute complimentary Discovery Session at http://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

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Now that we are past the 4th of July, predictably, attention is being turned to schools. Do we open them this fall? When do we open them if we do? And what precautions will be taken to help mitigate the risks to students and teachers and other staff?

While this is all serious business, if you want a chuckle and a relatively light-hearted take on these questions, take a look at this bit by educator and administrator, Gerry Brooks. The particular YouTube video to check out is entitled, "Classroom Job Assignments for this year..."

In this episode, I comment on how I love Brooks' humorous take on the various implications of going back to school in the fall, but he also points out some very serious considerations. And that's what I talk about in this week's episode. Each individual listener is going to have to make an individual decision about whether or not he or she goes back to school in the fall.

To learn more about Gerry Brooks, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-6WUaQSC_AfKZrinPuhVFw

To make an appointment to talk about your individual situation, click here for a 20-minute complimentary session: https://teachersintransition.com/calendar.

To reach out to Kitty by email, write to kittyboitnott@gmail.com

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Lots of people are stressed these days. It's more important than ever to remember to practice self-care. This week, I talk about how coloring mandalas can be a great stress reliever. Research shows this to be true. Don't believe me? Check out this link as one example of proof that coloring can be relaxing: https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/blogs/health-benefits-of-coloring-for-adults#:~:text=REDUCE%20STRESS%20AND%20ANXIETY,a%20long%20day%20at%20work.

In this episode, I also offer that there are other ways to relieve your stress by giving yourself a "break" from all that is going on in the world right now. It's not a bad idea to just take a break from the noise of the news and social media. If coloring doesn't sound like something you would enjoy doing, you can also do puzzles like crosswords, Sodoku, word searches, etc. And talking about puzzles made me remember when my dad used to bring the 1000-piece crossword puzzle home for the whole family to work on. It was relaxing and it was fund in addition to being a great family activity, especially while we are still either social isolating or semi-social isolating and spending more time than "usual" with our family units.

For anyone that is intrigued by the idea of coloring for relaxation, I also have a free gift. Just click on this link and you will receive 5 free mandalas. (Coloring pencils not provided.)

Free Mandala Sign-up: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/opt-in-for-5-mandalas-for-stress-relief/

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Sometimes when caught up in the process of changing careers, people feel stuck. They aren't sure how or where to start. And they struggle with what they think they might be qualified to do based on their past experience and education.

When I start working with a new client, I urge them to set aside practical considerations in the beginning. Focus instead on what you want, not what you think you can get or what you might have to settle for.

Now, thinking about what you want can feel like a daunting task. So, it might be easier if you make it fun. Why not play with creating a vision board. Don't know what a vision board is? Listen to this episode. And then take a look at this article:  https://www.jackcanfield.com/blog/how-to-create-an-empowering-vision-book/

Got questions, thoughts or comments? Reach out to Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com, but don't forget to also offer a review and a comment on this episode to help other people find Kitty and "Teachers in Transition."

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We are experiencing very difficult times right now. The pandemic has offered more than enough stress for us in recent months, but now we need to add economic uncertainty and social unrest to the mix.

The peaceful protests are justified if the looting and violence are not. But revolution is just about the only thing that manages to change the status quo, and we are witnessing a kind of revolution right now. The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis was, perhaps, the final straw.

That said, not everyone is in a position to take to the streets, nor should they. There are other ways to show support and solidarity with a righteous cause.

But all of these events are converging into a type of perfect storm that is causing individuals in our country and across the world an unbearable amount of stress.

The article I refer to in this podcast outlines five ways mindfulness can support educators during a crisis. They include the following:

1. Tuning into your body through your breathing.
2. Focusing on good feelings and thinking about all that you have to be grateful for even in these uncertain and volatile times.
3. Making physical contact with a member of your family who lives with you or cuddling with a pet.
4. Imagine someone who gives you comfort like a parent, a teacher, a mentor, or a friend.
5. Connect with nature. Take a walk or a hike. Feel the sun on your face and the breeze in your hair.

Be gentle with yourself and others. These are tenuous times that we are experiencing. Be present to how you feel. And be safe.

The article to which I referred for strategies for managing stress came from "Navigating Uncertain Times: How Schools Can Cope with Coronavirus" by Maria Gehl, 4/24/2020. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-04-24-five-ways-mindfulness-can-support-educators-during-a-crisis

The transcript link can be found here: https://www.temi.com/editor/t/ENYWtglyeZTdN947c7jqgTJ_9Gxd9n4NNwKKAV8o0sG_mu810xoTaXDVla0Dq8DuSn-TqoXAwDPziUphIVMxv9vQ4k0?loadFrom=SharedLink

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No one has a crystal ball that will allow them to accurately predict what the post-pandemic world is going to be like. But you don't need a crystal ball to predict that there are going to be significant changes--more in some areas than in others. Out of the millions of people who lost their jobs, how many will have jobs to go back to when things start to open up and get back to some semblance of "normal?" How many will have jobs but don't want to go back to them because this shutdown has forced them to think about what they want to do in a very different way? Going back to a job they don't love to do has no appeal to them.

Either way, whether you have a job to go back to or have a job you don't want to go back to, you have NOW to start planning, and I urge you to consider the possibilities for yourself.

If you don't think you have options, you are wrong. You always have a choice about how you manage your time and your life. If you don't like something about your current life, you need to think about what you need to do to change things.

I wrote a post about this just this week. To read it, take a look here: "The Difference Between Making a Living and Making a Life" athttp://bit.ly/makingalifeoraliving.

To check out the sales page that describes my "Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Program" options at https://teachersintransition.com/jumpstart-your-job-search-premium-program-for-job-seekers-and-career-changers.

To email me questions in case you would like to join the next Group Coaching Cohort which will start June 1, 2020, email me at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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During this time of high stress and uncertainty, everyone is experiencing a difficult time. We are all stressed out and in need of some extra TLC. This episode is about the need for us to tend to our self-care and that pertains to during the pandemic and after it is behind us. We need to tend to self-care in four categories:  physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. You can afford to ignore any of those areas in your life.

Take care of yourself by eating well, exercising, managing your emotions, and staying connected with your higher power.

For more, listen to this episode. And to download the article that is referenced in the episode, click here:  https://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/show_client_newsletter/?id=5ec018cefbb581550c2535cd&modify=1&coach_preview=1

Transcript:  https://www.temi.com/editor/t/x3mw6Q0IuUiXVtTRGymx00VFubqD8tQPjV_WnUTYCCscA0eKIlc1MqZOcb2rG38qrVz2UNmFMNxuw1ex2SffH7c5Eu4?loadFrom=SharedLink 

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No one has been spared the consequences of COVID-19 whether you had succumbed to the virus or not. Because of the massive shutdown we all experienced as a country, as some states start to open things up and others cautiously consider their options, it occurs to me that the economy will never be quite the same. We are going to need to approach the post-pandemic world with caution and look for opportunities that may seem like challenges at first.

The truth is that this is a massive upheaval that rivals periods of upheaval from the past. And upheaval requires adapting to new circumstances and new realities and it is not easy nor it is enjoyable.

But that doesn't mean that there won't be plenty of opportunities. If you just graduated college or you just lost your job because of the pandemic, instead of being angry about it look for the silver linings.

We need people who can be innovative, creative problem-solvers.

We are also going to need artists including comedians, musicians, and architects.

We need more scientists and lab researchers to help prepare the vaccine for this virus and prepare for the next one.

We are going to need more mental health professionals, too. Lots of people are going to need lots of help emotionally as they grieve the loss of normalcy and perhaps the loss of a loved one during this period.

And we need more doctors and nurses.

Look for the opportunities. That may well be the #1 challenge of every job seeker and that is what I talk about in this episode.

For the transcript, click here: https://bit.ly/2LlPH7w

Also, next week, on May 21, 2020, I will be offering a free, live webinar workshop entitled, "Start Designing Your Dream Career in a Post-Pandemic World." Don't wait until this pandemic is behind you to start planning for your next job or career. Use your time now. Plan for the career--and the life--you want moving forward. Join me by registering here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/11/w0364tk

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We are all dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 even if the biggest challenge is cabin fever and wanting to go places that aren't open yet.

In this episode, Kitty offers that sometimes using positive affirmations can help. If you start to feel yourself spiraling into negative thoughts, try to be aware enough of your thoughts to stop them in their tracks and replace them with something more positive.

And to help, she is offering a free ebook on positive affirmations for success and happiness. To download your copy, click here (no email needed):  https://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/uploads/supplements/the-power-of-positive-affirmations-for-success-and-happiness-pdf_d6f20e2c926e0.pdf

If you enjoy the ebook or have questions about positive affirmations, email Kitty at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

For a transcript of today's episode, click here:  https://www.temi.com/editor/t/rdLoPQTy_0i_7d-N8YJdqkQVjQoQsO5lKlY9QdB74kPdgfDXChAJMF2GgfVjavvtxYRrIgOD67zIUjovm5Ok5FkENqU?loadFrom=SharedLink

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As the weeks drag on, even though the curve may be flattening, the economic hardship that people have been feeling will continue into the coming weeks and months. Let's be honest. Some jobs are going to disappear for good. And depending on what happens with Congress and its sense of responsibility--or lack thereof--for states and localities, even more jobs may be on the chopping block. The states and localities, after all, are bearing the brunt of the shutdowns and all the social isolation. Restaurants that are closed can't pay business taxes to the state or the locality. The same goes for salons and spas and other personal service industries.

If localities have to constrict, they will be forced to lay off teachers and firefighters and police officers and other local government workers.

I remember only too well what happened in 2008-2009 when we went through a similar economic constriction.

So, what will you do if your job disappears? Are you ready? Do you know what you want to do and are you prepared to make the case for why you would be a strong candidate if you needed to apply for a new job tomorrow?

In this episode, Career Transition and Job Search Coach, Kitty Boitnott, offers suggestions on how to prepare just in case you don't want to go back to your old job or your old job isn't available when this is over.

careertransition #jobsearchtips #jobsearchadvice #pandemic #COVID-19 #coronavirus

Would you like to talk with Kitty about your specific situation to learn how she might help you get started on a job search or get a search that fell off the rails because of COVID get back on track? Then book a session with her by clicking here: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/book-a-session-here/

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As the days drag on that we are self-isolating and keeping to ourselves as much as possible, we may start to experience some symptoms of cabin fever.

Having a routine that limits our activities and keeps us cooped up in the house for this long (we're going on six weeks or thereabouts here in my part of the world) can make us cranky and irritable.

The important thing is to avoid taking your irritability out on your family. Remember, they're cooped up, too! Your kids want to play with their friends. They miss school. They even miss their teachers!

So, during these times of high stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, we have a responsibility to take ownership of our feelings--including our cranky moods.

In this week's episode, Dr. Kitty Boitnott puts on her Stress Management Coach hat and talks about daily practices that may help you improve your mood.

The article that she refers to in the episode is available here: https://bit.ly/3cEv0zt.

#mood #mentalhealth #stress

#anxiety #cabinfever #irritability #health #healthyhabits #pandemic #COVID19

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Job hunters and career changers are facing unique challenges during this historic period. We have been struck down by the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that has the country in its grip along with the economic fallout of closing down all non-essential services in an effort to slow the spread of the deadly virus.

You don't have to stop your job search during this period, however, and in this episode of 
"Teachers in Transition," Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach advises people about how they need to adjust their approach right now.

Companies may not be hiring at the moment, but when things start to get back to "normal"--whenever that might be--you want to be ready. That's why staying on track and working on your resume, cover letter skills, your LinkedIn profile, and your interviewing skills is so important. If you slack off while everything is slowed down, you won't be ready when it is time to start applying again.

You also need to adjust your networking approach. You need to find ways to meet people virtually through LinkedIn but also through webinars and seminars and online social get-togethers.

Listen to this episode to hear how Kitty advises you to approach your job search during this unusual time.

jobsearch #careertransition #careerchange #jobsearchtips #careeradvice #teachersintransition

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During these difficult days, weeks, and months, we are all feeling the stress and strain of living with a ruthless pandemic that is also causing economic mayhem. If you think you're stressed, imagine how our children are feeling!

This episode points to the importance of helping our children learn how to manage their stress because they are certainly as stressed as you are--perhaps even more so.

I wrote a post recently on what you as a parent or a significant adult in a child's life can do to help ease their fear, uncertainty, and concern about what is happening and what the future holds.

The truth is that none of us knows what the future holds. All we can do is the best we can today. But our best must include managing our stress, controlling our tempers, and profiling positive role modeling for our young ones.

To learn more about my thoughts on this matter, please listen in. To read the post I refer to in the episode, check out below:

"Teaching Your Kids to Learn Stress Management During These Difficult Days" https://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/show_client_newsletter/?utm_nooverride=1&utm_source=transactional&utm_medium=newsman&utm_campaign=TransactionalEmails-20200331&id=5e7f8f72fbb5816a3d11779c&cld=-1 #stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #stressedkids #stressedchildren #stressawareness #emotionalwellbeing #wellnesscoaching #selfcare #wellness #teachersintransition

If you would like to download my eBook on stress and stress management strategies, take a look here: http://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

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Whether you are working from home or you've been laid off or furloughed during the pandemic, because of the "stay at home" order that many of you have been given, you now have some extra time on your hands. Like it or not, you can't go anywhere except the grocery store and drugstore, and there's only so much Netflix one can watch.

Might I suggest that you use this time to work on your LinkedIn profile? You may have a profile that now needs to be updated. Or you may have set up an account that you never got around to completing.

If you do choose to work on your profile, I want to suggest several items that you should not include if you want to make the best possible impression on viewers. Listen in to learn what those items are.

LinkedIn, #LinkedIn profile, #professionalprofile #jobsearchtips #jobhunting; #careerhelp

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Many of us were at a point of feeling highly stressed and anxious even before this latest situation that has all of us in its grip. Part of the reason I became a stress management coach is that I wanted to help people learn how to manage and reduce their stress.

Taking care of our psychological wellness is an essential part of maintaining our health overall. So when you start to feel your thoughts running away with negativity, worry, and fear, it's time to do something to stop those thoughts in their tracks. Develop a mantra or a positive affirmation that you can use to interrupt the negative thoughts.

You need to turn those negative thoughts around. And you need to safeguard your mental and emotional wellbeing. This episode offers 5 ways you can go about doing that. It is based on the newsletter I wrote this week. If you would like a copy of it, click here:  http://bit.ly/emotionalwellbeing.

stress #stressmanagment #stress relief #wellbeing #mentalhealth #psychologicalhealth #coronavirus #COVID19

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No matter where you live or what you do, the current health crisis which has turned into an economic calamity is impacting you. You have probably been asked to stay home from work unless you are a health professional, a government worker, or a first-responder. What does all this mean if you were in the midst of a job search or an effort to change your career?

The honest answer is that your job search or career change will now have to be delayed. No one is going to be hiring right now. Who knows when things will ever get back to "normal?"

With that said, I don't think you should just give up on your efforts. I advise that you use this time of social distancing and self-isolation to double down on some of the parts of your job search or career change that you might not otherwise have had time to do.

For example, research the job, company, or industry you are interested in entering. If you take this time now to study the challenges that will be facing the industry or company when this is all over, and you can offer possible solutions, when the time is right, they will want to grab you up as soon as possible.

As a job seeker, you want to present yourself as a problem solver. Can you help the company overcome a specific challenge that has had them stymied? Can you figure out ways to help them make more money? Can you help them see ways to save so they can save money?

These are essential questions for you to be able to answer. So while you are stuck at home, you can do the deep dive into research that you wouldn't have time for before now.

You could also use this time to beef up a skill or learn something new that would serve you well in your new job search. Use one of the online course providers (I personally think Udemy.com is the bomb) and learn a new skill or that you can add to your resume when the time is right.

For more about how you might use this time while you are stuck at home, take a look at my newsletter for this week. You may download it here: http://bit.ly/feelingstressedduringuncertaintimes.

Take care, be safe, and stay home!!!

P.S.

I am offering a free webinar workshop on how to approach writing your resume. Join me this coming Saturday, March 21, 2020, at 2:00 PM EDT. To register, click here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/3/37l4qax. It's FREE!

jobsearch #careerchange #coronavirus #COVID19

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We are experiencing a global phenomenon right now, and it is impacting the health and wellbeing of thousands of individuals worldwide. It is also affecting the economy because of the uncertainty around global markets.

There isn't a lot the average person can do about any of it except to stay informed and do what he or she can to protect themselves and their loved ones.

In this episode of "Teachers in Transition," Dr. Kitty Boitnott urges her listeners to pay attention to the medical experts and follow their advice based on facts and scientific evidence. Filter out the messages from news pundits and government officials who have a reason to either exaggerate or downplay the effects as they exist right now.

Do what you can to protect yourself by following some of the recommendations personally. For my part, for the time being, I will curtail travel and wash my hands more often. I will fist bump friends and colleagues instead of shaking hands. And I will do what I can to protect others from my germs by coughing or sneezing into the crook of my arm instead of my hand.

For facts about the disease, check out the link to a post from the Johns Hopkins Medicine Page: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/2019-novel-coronavirus-myth-versus-fact

Stay safe. Stay well.

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When you are thinking of changing jobs or careers, the first question that comes to mind is often what you want to do and what you feel you would enjoy, not to mention what you might be qualified to do.

I recommend that you take time at the beginning of the process to do a lot of self-reflection and introspection. Consider what your core strengths, abilities, and aptitudes are.

Not sure? Then start by asking someone who knows you well--a spouse, sibling, or close friend--someone who knows you and will be honest with you--and ask them to outline what they perceive to be your strengths, talents, and strong suits.

You might be surprised. We often have blind spots about what we do well, mistakenly assuming that if we can do something easily, everyone else can as well. That's not so.

After that, I also recommend that you check out some of the available assessments. Some are free. Some are low fee. Others may cost more, but it would be worth it by offering you the information you can't get anywhere else. For example, I offer a Pathway Planner Assessment that measures personality preferences, aptitudes, and cognitive abilities. It is also connected to O*Net, the government's online occupational handbook. If you would like to learn more about that assessment, reach out to me about the costs at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. For general information, you can download the brochure here: https://go.aws/38jnhUR

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Stress affects us in a variety of ways including mentally, physically, and emotionally. We sometimes feel the emotional and mental impact of stress, and we may be aware of some of the physical symptoms, but few people know about how stress impacts a variety of hormones.

One of the hormones that stress can wreak havoc on is cortisol. We need a healthy balance of cortisol in our system for quality sleep, to maintain a healthy blood pressure and sugar level and for many other reasons.

Cortisol out of balance can cause weight gain, interrupted sleep, cardiovascular issues, and many other physical maladies.

Listen to today's episode to learn more and download the newsletter that Kitty wrote this week about cortisol levels and why you need to be aware of the importance of healthy levels.

Also download Kitty's ebook on stress entitled, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed:  A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Work-Life Balance. To download the ebook, click here:  http://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

To download the newsletter article entitled "Do You Need to Lower Your Cortisol Level?" click here:  http://bit.ly/corisollevel

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If you are thinking of changing your job or career, chances are you feel stuck, and one of the reasons you feel stuck is that you don't know what you would like to do instead. In fact, you don't even know what you might be qualified to do instead.

That's why you need to learn how to research. You need to research different jobs that sound interesting to you. You need to research different companies you think you might like to work for. And you need to research industries. You don't need to hook your wagon to an industry that may have peaked and will be obsolete in 10 years, after all.

Where do you do all this research? We are so lucky to live in a time when you have most of the answers to these kinds of questions quite literally at your fingertips. Start with Google--or your favorite search engine if Google doesn't do it for you. But start with a comprehensive Internet search and see what you learn.

Don't forget to make the most of your LinkedIn connections and others who might be in your inner circle of friends and acquaintances with whom you could set up an informational interview. In an informational interview, you ask questions about what it's like to work in a specific job, for a specific company, or in a specific industry. Make notes. Learn as much as you can. What you are striving for is to make a smart move into a job you will enjoy with a company you like working for in an industry that you are excited about and has a sunny future.

A resource I mentioned in this episode that can help you refine your resume and help you make yourself a better fit for a job description you may have an interest in was Jobscan.co. Check it out!

jobsearch #careerchange #jobsearchtips #careertransition

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Self-care is not selfish, but a lot of people think that it is. They think self-care is for other people. Or they convince themselves that they have to take care of other people first. You ignore your need to take care of yourself at your own peril, however. Learn why I mean by reading my newsletter article from this week at this link:  http://bit.ly/selfcarepracticestouseyourwholelife

Self-care strategies can go a long way toward helping you both manage and relieve the stress in your life. 

For more on how to manage and relieve the stress in your life, take a look at my stress management cheat sheet here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/

For questions, thoughts or comments you would like to direct to me, please email me at kittyboitnott@boitnottcoaching.com.

stress #stressmanagement #stressrelief #selfcare #selfcareisnotselfish

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In today's episode, I interview Suzanne Klein, a former teacher turned serial entrepreneur. Suzanne worked as a teacher in multiple roles and different grade levels before becoming an instructor for BER (Bureau of Education And Research). She developed a writing curriculum that was so effective she was able to turn it into a million-dollar idea--literally. She started a business using the writing curriculum and eventually sold that business for 7 figures. Now she is starting a new business and she is helping teachers who want to start their own business build the strong foundation that they need to be successful. From helping them flesh out the germ of an idea to planning when to quit their teaching job, Suzanne is there to help. The difference between what Suzanne does and what I do is that Suzanne want to help teachers with ideas for a business to create the business foundation. I help teachers who want a traditional job outside the classroom and need to understand the fundamentals of the job search process as well as how to create the tools they need for success: a winning resume, a compelling cover letter, a stellar LinkedIn profile and the ability to interview with poise and ease.

To access the "Rewrite Your Future Map" that Suzanne talked about in the episode, click here:

https://www.suzanneklein.com/vs-map-download

And to access her "Five Freedoms" quiz that we talked about on this episode here: https://www.suzanneklein.com/

Contact Suzanne at SuzanneKlein.com.

If you have any questions for me, email me at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. My website is TeachersinTransition.com

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A recently released study conducted by the University of Missouri indicates that 94% of middle school teachers are feeling high levels of stress. Needless to say, that is very alarming. Interestingly, the article posted in Science Daily entitled, "Nearly All Middle School Teachers are Highly Stressed" pointed to the negative effect that the high level of stress by teachers must be having on students "both academically and behaviorally."

I don't doubt that stressed-out teachers in our middle schools--or any of our schools--has a potentially negative effect on students. But I wish the concern were more focused on why teachers are feeling so overwhelmed and what is causing their alarming level of stress.

Listen to today's episode during which I talk about this study and why teachers are are stressed need to do for themselves in the self-care area.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode include the following:

1) “Nearly All Middle School Teachers are Highly Stressed” https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200127134722.htm

2) eBook on stress management by Kitty Boitnott: http://teachersintransition.com/ebook

3) Cheat Sheet on Stress Management Strategies: https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/

4) Stress Assessment Tool (How Stressed Are You?): https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/stress-assessment/

5) Want to check out the 14-day Free Trial on the "Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0 Group Coaching Program?" Then click here: https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/jumpstart-your-job-search-20-free-trial

Have questions? Email Kitty at kittyboitnott@boitnottcoaching.com or kittyboitnott@gmail.com

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When thinking about changing jobs (or careers) some people would rather work for someone else as an employee and others would prefer to strike out on their own. The trouble is they don't know how or where to start.

My guest today, Brittany Long of My Life After Teaching offers in my interview with her that a health scare sent her looking for something she would rather do with whatever life she might have left instead of teaching. She found the answer in starting her own business.

She and her husband, Zachary, manage their business from home and part of that business includes moderating a Facebook page at "Life After Teaching with Brittany and Zachary Long." Check it out!

In today's conversation, I let Brittany tell her story and we discuss how what we do individually has the potential for helping more teachers who are exploring the possibility of leaving the classroom for another job or career. If you want a traditional job and need up-to-date job search tools like a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, and know-how when it comes to preparing for an interview, then I am your gal. If you want to create a business that includes creating a sales funnel or a legitimate work-from-home gig, then Brittany is your go-to gal.

And it is possible that you need both of us. You may need a day job while building your side hustle into a full-time endeavor.

Here is Brittany's official bio: Brittany Long is a former middle school science teacher turned six-figure freelancer and entrepreneur. She left the classroom to work as a copywriter, funnel builder, and email marketer while also helping teachers transition out of the classroom by finding a side-hustle that can turn into a full-time hustle. Brittany and her husband Zach, along with two small dogs and a baby on the way, do their freelancing work from home and run the blog LifeAfterTeaching.com. Together they have paid off over $60,000 in less than 8 months and continue to advocate for side hustles, debt-free living, and skill-building.

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Stress is on the rise as we enter the new year and a new decade. Indeed, I learned some startling statistics as I was putting together a presentation on stress and stress management last weekend.

To hear more about those startling statistics, listen in.

To watch the Facebook presentation, click here:  https://www.facebook.com/kitty.boitnott/videos/10156961199070745/UzpfSTU1NjUzMDc0NDoxMDE1Njk2MTI5MjcwMDc0NQ/

To download a free eBook on stress management, click here:  http://teachersintransition.com/ebook

And to download a cheat sheet of stress management strategies, click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/

And if you aren't sure if your stress level is high enough to be concerned about, download this free stress assessment tool:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/stress-assessment/

For information from Kitty, reach out to her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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We are a week into a new year and a new decade. Are you drifting along or do you have plans to make something big happen in your life this year? Do you want to lose weight? Change something about a relationship? (Maybe FIND a relationship?) Or do you want a new, more fulfilling job in 2020?

Whatever you want for yourself, you should consider creating specific goals (like SMART goals) to get you where you want to go. And then you need to take action.

If you have decided that this is the year to find a new job or career that feels more fulfilling, and satisfying, I can help with that. I have just updated, revamped, and expanded my signature "Jumpstart Your Job Search Program" with "Jumpstart Your Job Search 2.0." Want to learn more? Click here:  https://teachersintransition.com/jumpstart-your-job-search-premium-program-for-job-seekers-and-career-changers

And for your free copy of the 3 Secrets of Every Successful Job or Career Change, click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/get-hired-fast-3-secrets-of-every-successful-job-search-or-career-change/

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The holidays may be behind us, but that doesn't mean our stress is. In fact, as we enter a new year and a new decade, stress may still be very much part of our lives to a greater or lesser degree.

If you feel stressed but you aren't sure how concerned you should be about it, why not take this opportunity to take a stress assessment? I provide this instrument for my clients and participants in workshops and seminars that I conduct on stress management.

To download the free Stress Assessment, click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/stress-assessment/.

To download the "Cheat Sheet on Stress Management Strategies," click here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management/.

To download my free eBook, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed, click here:  http://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

Have questions? Contact me at kittyboitnott@gmail.com. 

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I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say, "I am going to knock off the job search over the holidays and start fresh after the New Year," They mistakenly think that everyone else is taking a break for the holidays. I say "mistakenly" because they are wrong! Many companies only take the actual holidays off...and they still have openings to fill...sometimes openings that must be filled before the end of the calendar year.

You've heard the saying, "You snooze, you lose." And that is possible when you are job hunting and decide to slack off over the holidays.

Use this time to check back with HR directors to see about that job you interviewed for a few weeks ago. If you learned that they filled it already, at least you now know. But if they are still searching for someone, your showing extra initiative and interest might spark their interest in YOU!

Listen to why I believe that you should NOT slack off your job search during the holidays.

For the full transcript, click here:  http://bit.ly/2r4JxSI

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The holiday season is stressful for some. In fact, for some people, it brings more stress than joy.

Teachers hand on to the thought that during their holiday break, they can get some rest. But there is no rest for the weary person who is responsible for decorating, baking, party planning, and attending, and Christmas shopping while working full time.

If you find yourself more stressed than usual with all the holiday activities going on, you may need to take a breath (literally, take a long, deep breath) and consider that you need to take care of yourself.

Listen to hear how important the 7 strategies for managing your stress are even more important to heed to when we are in the midst of the holidays.

And if you would like to download the cheat sheet I referenced in this episode, get it free here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/cheat-sheet-on-stress-management-during-the-holidays/.

Transcript of this episode:  http://bit.ly/2E46OXN.

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Too many people under-appreciate the importance of preparing properly for an interview. As a result, they show up under-prepared, and it shows. If you want to wow the people who are interviewing you, you need to do your due diligence by researching everything you can find about the company or organization, their mission, their vision, their challenges, their accomplishments, and the people who work there. Also, you need to understand the job and its requirements. When asked at the end of the interview if you have any questions, you run a risk by not asking anything. It shows a lack of interest. It conveys that you haven't done the research, and it even conveys that you may not understand the job well enough to ask the right kinds of questions.

Listen to this episode to hear how Kitty Boitnott, Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach offers that you should prepare questions of your own to ask at the end of an  interview and why not asking questions can ruin your chances of getting the job,

For a transcript of today's message, click here:  http://bit.ly/34O5DYu.

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Happy Thanksgiving! In today's special Thanksgiving episode, I talk about the importance of practicing gratitude every day, not just on holidays like this one. Research supports the truth behind the principle that when we are grateful for things we already have in our lives, we open ourselves to receiving more. If you tend to be the "glass half empty" type of person instead of the "glass half full" type, consider working on a practice of gratitude every day. It will help to relieve your stress...and improve your life in general.

Also, please know that on this Thanksgiving Day, I am especially grateful for you, my listener (or watcher of you are watching the episode on the "Teachers in Transition YouTube Channel"). I am grateful for your listening and watching and for your being part of my growing community.

To listen to the transcript, click here:  http://bit.ly/34tjd3l

Want to change jobs or careers in 2020? Now is the time to start planning and preparing. For a deep discount (Happy Black Friday) sign up for my signature, "Jumpstart Your Job Search Program," and save $300.

For more information, please click here:  https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/end-of-year-sale

For questions, email me at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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I want to speak specifically to some resume do's and don'ts and things that I think are important to keep in mind when you're crafting a resume for a new job. This is especially important for my teacher peeps who are looking to change professional career lanes all together. Many of them  mistakenly think that listing all the things they've ever done as a teacher will somehow translate into a new career path and that is just not how it works. The dilemma is to distill to the extent that you can, the skills that you've developed as a teacher or as an educator and translate them into verbiage that a non-educator person outside of the world of education, whether it's in business or in the nonprofit sector, translate those skills into terms that the individual receiving the resume will understand.

Offer:  To buy the "Resume Mini-Course" referenced in today's episode for a special price of only $75, click here:  https://boitnottcoach.samcart.com/products/resume-mini-course.

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Too many people believe that they can delay or defer sleep and still feel good and be productive. The truth is that they can't. At least not for very long. And as we get older, we become less and less able to get by on less than the amount of sleep our bodies require.

Sleep is necessary for our ability to manage our day-to-day stress. So, it's important to pay attention to how much sleep you need and how to make sure that you get the sleep your body needs to be healthy.

Listen to this episode of "Teachers in Transition" for tips on how to get the sleep you need. In addition to being a Life Strategies and Stress Management Coach, Dr. Kitty Boitnott is also a Sleep Science Coach. (She is also a Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach who specializes in working with burnt-out teachers who are ready for a new career.

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When undertaking a job search or career change, it is very important that you adopt a "growth mindset" and adopt a positive and open attitude. You need to start out with a playful attitude and look at all the various possibilities as you start your search. Then, as you narrow your focus and develop some clarity around what you want, you need to be aware that the process rarely goes quickly or smoothly. So you have to stay positive, flexible, and adaptable as you go. 

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Clutter isn't necessarily a sign of being busy. It's more a sign of being unorganized. It may also be a sign of procrastination. And frankly, it could be a sign of a lack of personal control.

More importantly than what clutter may be a sign of, however, are some of the problems that it can cause without your being aware of them. The truth is your clutter could be hurting you in ways you don't understand yet. Studies show that clutter is a problem that can manifest itself in your physical, mental, and financial health.

"Clutter and Its Potential Negative Effect on Your Life" is available at http://bit.ly/clutterandmentalhealth

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In this episode of Teachers in Transition, Kitty Boitnott introduces a friend and coach colleague, Becky Berry. Becky is a former teacher who does executive career coaching with women (mostly although she has men clients, too) who are looking to expand their professional reach because they're "not done yet."

Hear how Becky went from being a Special Education Teacher to Career Coach and how she urges her clients to consider the possibilities of their own careers even as one chapter may close. Another one is always capable of being opened.

Becky Berry is the owner of Becky Berry Career Coaching where she coaches women who are seriously done with settling on just any job. They’re ready to claim their value and their place at work. Her rich background in startups and entrepreneurship allows Becky to provide distinctive insights and strategies to clients as they pursue their business and life goals.

Becky has experienced several crossroads in her own life including careers as a magazine publisher, software entrepreneur, stay-at-home mom, social entrepreneur, and widowhood. Her experiences inform her coaching as she helps women create rich, meaningful lives on their own terms.

Becky also produces and co-hosts the Uniquely Brilliant podcast, and coming in November, the She’s Not Done Yet podcast. Follow her on her website, https://beckyberrycoach.com, Facebook, Instagram: @beckyberrycoach, Twitter: @beckyberrycoach, and on LinkedIn.

A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/2W6VkuR.

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There are many reasons why people hesitate or procrastinate when they want to change careers. They don't know how or where to start. They "hope" that an opportunity will find them or that someone will recognize what they have to offer and they will get tapped.

Rarely do those kinds of things happen, however. The Job Fairy is not likely going to come knocking at your door unless you are making some sort of effort on your own. And there is no Prince coming to "save" you like the Prince in the story of Cinderella.

You must be willing to take some sort of action on your own, but it cannot be any sort of action. It needs to be intentional and it needs to be based on understanding what goes into a successful job search.

There are many moving parts to every successful job search. You need a resume that speaks to the job you want not the job you have had. You need a compelling cover letter and a stellar LinkedIn profile. You need to understand the Applicant Tracking System and how to interview well.

And the list goes on. Kitty Boitnott is starting a new Group Coaching Cohort of her "Jumpstart Your Job Search" program soon. If you would like to know more about what is included in the program, check out the program components here: https://teachersintransition.com/jumpstart-your-job-search-premium-program-for-job-seekers-and-career-changers. She is also offering a special price for the fall, so if you have questions about the program or the price, email her at kittyboitnott@gmail.com.

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Gratitude isn't often thought of as a stress management strategy, but it should be. Consider the various things in your life for which you could be grateful. The air you breathe, for example. The people in your life who are there to support and uplift you or make you happy. Your pets. Your home and material possessions that you treasure. The moments when you laugh or just smile. When life starts to feel overwhelming, take a breath, and remind yourself that this too shall pass, but you have much for which to be grateful and think about those things for a moment. Doing so will change the trajectory of your thoughts and remind you that you have much to be grateful for no matter how the momentary stress may have your down.

This channel goes with a podcast by the same name, "Teachers in Transition." Kitty Boitnott, a former educator turned Heart-Centered Career Transition & Job Search Coach is an expert on teacher burnout and its negative physical effects on the body, mind, and soul. 

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Passion and purpose are important components of any happy, fulfilling life, I  believe. When you connect your passion and your purpose with what you do for a living...well, it just doesn't get much better than that. Learn in this video with Kitty Boitnott that it is possible to identify your passion and purpose and reinvent and retool yourself for whatever it is you want to do in your life work-wise. Listen to hear how.

For the newsletter that is referenced in the video, click this link:  http://bit.ly/2oaEyOC.
To register for the upcoming webinar workshop that Kitty references in the video, click on this link:  https://events.genndi.com/register/169105139238447032/442f9a0ea3.

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There is an app for just about everything, including help for managing stress. Check out a list of apps from an Inc. article entitled, "13 of the Best Apps to Manage Stress" by Lolly Daskal. Kudos to her for compiling the list.

This channel goes with a podcast by the same name, "Teachers in Transition." Dr. Kitty Boitnott addresses teacher burnout and the stress that many teachers experience while teaching. For those needing tips for extra self-care, Kitty offers stress management tips. For those who have decided to explore other career options, she provides sound job search and career advice. She is trained and experienced as a career transition and job search coach and has been certified as a Life Strategies, Stress Management, Holistic Life, and Sleep Science Coach. She is also a Licensed Science of Mind Minister. Kitty was named one of the top Career Coaches Online by CareerToolkit in 2016. She loves working with teachers and mid-career professionals who find themselves at a career crossroads.

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Most people who are thinking about changing their job or career start with the question, "What am I qualified to do other than what I am doing now?" This is a question that stumps a lot of the teachers with whom I work. They have only ever been teachers. In some cases, that's all they ever wanted to be. So, they really feel stuck and are unable to fathom "what else" they can do.

I contend that this is the wrong question to start with. Instead, ask yourself, what do you WANT to do? And worry about how to become qualified to do it later.

Sound counter-intuitive? Maybe at first. But that is how I wound up where I am now doing what I do today. And I think that's where others should start, too.

To learn more, watch/listen to this episode of "Teachers in Transition."

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Today's episode is about how certain diseases and conditions can be triggered or aggravated by stressful events in our lives whether the stress is "happy" or "bad" stress. The body's natural state is healthy, but when the body experiences certain conditions like arthritis, Lupus, diabetes, heart disease, etc., stress can cause flare-ups and aggravate their conditions. One solution is to practice extreme self-care in an effort to restore the body to its "natural healthy state." Learn more by listening to the podcast episode.

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We make different career choices at different times in our lives. Sometimes our choices are based on we are in life. Young people in their 20's and 30's often look for careers that pay well so they can establish themselves financially. They can pay off college loans, buy a home, start a family, etc. By the time they reach their 40's and 50's they start to think in terms of doing work that has meaning and isn't only focused on money. And by the time they reach their late 50's and 60's, they want their work to have meaning and leave a mark in the world. What we choose to do may vary over the course of our lives to meet those different needs. What has driven your career choices so far in your life? Where are you in your career continuum? And are you keeping yourself current on your skills so that if a job disappeared or you decided on a different career path, you would be able to make the transition easier?

For a full transcript of today's episode, click here:  http://bit.ly/makingcareerchoices

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We tend to think of stress on only negative terms. It is something we think we need to eliminate or avoid. The trouble is that life is full of things that cause stress, both good and bad. We need some stress in our lives, after all, or we would be bored! We need to strive for the type of stress where we are at our peak performance level. The term for that is "eustress" as opposed to no stress or distress. Listen to Kitty Boitnott of Teachers in Transition talk about how we want to go for the "good kind of stress."

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When you are looking to change your job or career, you need to know what you are looking for. You also need to be able to communicate clearly to others what it is you are seeking to find. That's why having a well thought out, well-crafted "elevator pitch" is key to your success. It communicates to others what you are looking for and helps them to better help you in your search.

Learn in this episode of "Teachers in Transition" how you should approach your "elevator pitch" and when and where you should be prepared to share it.

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We live in a world that is full of stress and drama. We need to turn it off periodically and remind ourselves of the importance of having FUN! We need to take a break each day to just do something for the pure enjoyment of it. Whatever it is for you that helps you de-stress and relax, do it! Your brain will benefit as well as your body and spirit.

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Many people overthink what they should put in their resume. They go for fancy fonts and overly formatted styles. That isn't the way to go! You want to keep it simple! Keep it clean. Make it concise. Offer lots of white space so it's easy on the eye. Direct the reader's attention to the important details. Provide context for your accomplishments and where possible, quantify them. Avoid overselling yourself with buzzwords like "go-getter" or "people person." Stick with the facts. Let other people talk you up. And no matter what else you do, make sure it is error-free! No spelling, punctuation, grammatical, or spacing errors unless you want to land in the "no" pile. Mistakes indicate a lack of attention to detail or a lack of real interest in the job. Get someone to proofread for you.

Want to learn more about how to approach writing your resume? Then listen in to this episode of "Teachers in Transition."

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In this episode, Kitty Boitnott, Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach shares some findings from an article she found entitled, "7 Conclusions from the World's Largest Teacher Burnout Survey" by James Anthony. 

The article may be found at https://notwaitingforsuperman.org/.

The survey may be found at https://notwaitingforsuperman.org/teacher-burnout-assessment/.

Kitty's "7 Signs of Teacher Burnout" may be accessed at https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/7-signs-of-teacher-burnout/

And Kitty's ebook (which is free to download) entitled, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed:  A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Work-Life Balance, may be found at https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/ebook/.

If you have any questions about this episode or any of the resources made available, please contact KittyBoitnott@gmail.com.

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Many people who aren't actively looking for a job or career change mistakenly believe that they don't need LinkedIn. I disagree. I believe LinkedIn is the platform for every professional to showcase his or her abilities, skills, areas of expertise, and levels of education. Even if you aren't actively looking for a change, you never know when a recruiter or hiring manager may be looking for someone just like you.

Learn from this episode of Teachers in Transition why Kitty Boitnott, a Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach, believes that LinkedIn is a platform you cannot overlook or ignore.

Also, learn about how you can use PhotoFeeler.com to get free feedback on the best headshot you should use for your profile.

If you would like to connect with Kitty on LinkedIn, please feel free to go to http://linkedin.com/in/kittyboitnott to offer a connection request.

A transcript of this podcast is available at http://bit.ly/2OhgpSY.

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This episode of "Teachers in Transition" offers that one can manage stress by employing a day-to-day practice of meditation, intentional mindfulness, and prayer. These practices help to slow one's mind and allows one to step back from the noise and chaos of our day-to-day world so that we can become more like third-party observers. We need to establish some distance from the chaos to deal with it more effectively.

Kitty Boitnott is a Stress Management Coach and expert on teacher burnout. She offers a free eBook entitled, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed; A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Work-Life Balance. It is available for free download at http://teachersintransition.com/ebook. For more resources, feel free to contact Kitty at Kitty Boitnott at Gmail.

A transcript is available here:  http://bit.ly/2lMaBDl.

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When you change careers, you may have some trouble at first convincing yourself that you aren't a "fraud" or an "impostor syndrome." Lots of people experience "impostor syndrome" at some point during their career, after all. When you go from one career into a brand new career, thinking of yourself differently and embracing your new identity may take some time.

That is where the process of rebranding comes in. You need to consider your personal brand, your professional brand, your in-person brand, and your online brand. To learn more about what I mean, listen to this episode of Teachers in Transition.

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For most people, breathing isn't something you think much about. It's important, though, to recognize and appreciate that even though we breathe unconsciously, breathing shouldn't be taken for granted. We can go far longer without food or water to live than we can without oxygen. Breathing brings oxygen to the trillions of cells in our bodies and contributes to the proper function of those cells. Breathing is important and deep, intentional breathing at various times during the day can help ease your stress and the tension in your body.

A transcript is available at http://bit.ly/2XARSvV.

For more information about stress and how to handle it more effectively and proactively, check out Kitty's free ebook, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed:  A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Worklife Balance. It is available here:  http://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

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When applying for a new job, it is essential that you study carefully the job description. What are the duties and responsibilities that the job requires? What are the required qualifications and the "preferred" requirements?

Too few people study job descriptions and they apply without adjusting their resume, cover letter, and applications accordingly.

To be a successful candidate, you need to understand exactly what the job description requires. Then you need to use certain other tools including a word cloud maker and Jobscan.co to help you make your resume a tighter fit for the job you are applying for.

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Along with staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough sleep to feel your best and to manage your stress, you need to work exercise into your day-to-day routine. It doesn't have to be strenuous exercise, and you don't have to spend hours at the gym (unless you want to) to get the exercise you need to release much-needed hormones into your bloodstream so you feel your best and perform at your optimum level. Listen to this podcast with Kitty Boitnott for more.

Transcript is available here:  http://bit.ly/2ZDzHD9

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Many people underestimate the importance of sleep in their lives. They have been lulled into thinking that sleep can be delayed and deferred. It can't. At least not if you wish to be well and operate at your optimal level. Our bodies are designed to sleep a certain number of hours each night. While it is true that each one of us has a set point where we need sleep that may differ from other people, the fact is that on average, adults need 6 1/2 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Science is starting to show us the benefits of getting the sleep we need and the detriment we risk if we ignore our body's need for sleep. Learn more about how sleep affects your ability to manage your stress.

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When you decide it is time to change your job or career track, you may think that the first question to consider is "What are you 'qualified' to do?" I contend that that is the wrong question, however. Instead, consider what you want to do, and then consider what you might need to do to make yourself qualified to do that. Do you need to take some courses or get some training? What transferable skills do you already have that may apply to a new job that you are interested in? These are the questions you should spend some time with. And Kitty Boitnott, Heart-Centered Career Transition & Job Search Coach can help you explore what those questions mean for you.

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You may not have thought of eating for proper nutrition as a stress management strategy, but it is. To keep your body and mind in optimum shape, you need to maintain your health. A healthy body is a resilient body, and resilience is what you want to have when you get hit with a stressful event. If you are resilient, you will bounce back more quickly. If not, you may find yourself struggling to recover.

Eating for stress management includes avoiding the so-called "comfort foods" and sticking to whole foods--fresh fruits and vegetables--and other produce that hasn't been highly processed.

To learn more, download the free ebook, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed:  A Guide to Managing Your Stress and Developing a Greater Sense of Work-Life Balance.

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This episode is about a key element in making a career transition from one career lane to another. It is based on a recent blog post that Kitty wrote by the same title, "When Changing Careers, Seek Clarity Over Confusion.  

The blog post is available at 
https://teachersintransition.com/changing-careers-in-mid-life/changing-careers-in-mid-life.

The free ebook that was referenced is available at https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/changing-career-considerations/

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In today's episode, I chat with Melissa Wolf, the founder of Balance Health and Wellness.  Melissa is a School Psychologist, so she has seen up close and personally how teachers are stressed, and she has experienced her own sense of burnout. She started Balance Health and Wellness because of her own passion for fitness and wellness. She has helped her clients manage their weight and their stress which, frankly, go hand in hand. Stress often causes people to overeat and thus to gain weight. Managing stress can help to manage your weight as well.

Listen in to our conversation and learn what single tip Melissa offers to her clients for how to experience health and wellness.

To find Melissa, you can check out her website at https://balancehwde.com.
You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Balancehealth.mel/
She is on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/balancehwde/
And finally, you can email her at balancehwde@gmail.com.

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Changing jobs represents a unique set of challenges, but changing a career can feel like a daunting task depending on the level of education you may have invested in or the amount of experience you have racked up. In spite of those challenges, however, the time does come for some when the writing is on the wall. You realize you aren’t happy anymore in the career of your first choice, and it is time to assess what you might be able to do to transition into another line of work. Here are what I would offer are four distinct signs that you are not only ready to change careers, but you need to change before your health, or your primary relationships suffer anymore.
1. You find yourself dreading Monday mornings.
2. You feel stuck and unhappy because you don't see room for advancement or promotion.
3. You feel that you have no control over your work or your projects.
4. You feel discouraged and put down by your boss or co-workers.

Want to learn more? Listen in.

Download the pdf referenced in the show, 10 Things You Need to Know if You Want to Make a Job or Career Change at https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/changing-career-considerations/

To make an appointment for a 20-minute complimentary consultation, sign up here: http://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/calendar.

Transcript available: https://coachesconsole.com/v3/uploads/supplements/teachers-in-transition---episode-7---4-signs-you-need-to-change-careers_b30a63966dcbe.pdf

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Learn why it is so important to stay hydrated if you want to stay on top of your game at home and at work. When you are mildly to severely dehydrated, your body goes into a stress response. Your brain drains water from your other organs, causing them to slow down and be sluggish. Your decision-making capacity is compromised. You will be more irritable, and your emotions will feel more brittle.

Something as simple as drinking enough watch to be fully hydrated can make all the difference in the world. Just try it for a few weeks (a few days won't be long enough to see the benefits).

For more information about how to stay hydrated and learn other important facts about stress and its proper management, download a free ebook at https://teachersintransition.com/ebook.

Want to learn how stressed out you really are? Take a free Stress Assessment Test! Download your free copy here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/stress-assessment/

Transcript available here.

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Teachers in Transition – Episode 5 – Career Change Roadmap – Download Your Free Copy

Before starting any job search or career change, you should undertake a thoughtful approach. Think about your strengths, gifts, and talents, and prioritize what it is you want to do in your next job. Then set up some Discovery Conversations with people who are working in the industry that you are interested in pursuing. To learn more about the approach you might want to take, download the “Career Change Roadmap” which I talked about in this episode. You may download the road map here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/career-change-roadmap/

Download the eBook that I mentioned in the episode, 10 Things You Need to Consider if You Think You Are Ready for a Job or Career Change, by clicking here:  https://kittyboitnott.lpages.co/opt-in-for-10-things-you-need-to-know-if-you-think-you-are-ready-for-a-job-or-career-change/

To schedule a 20-minute Strategy Session, use this link: http://kittyboitnott.coachesconsole.com/calendar

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The "Teachers in Transition" Podcast offers advice, counsel, and information about teacher burnout, stress, and stress management strategies for burnt-out teachers (or anyone feeling stressed and overwhelmed) along with career advice for those who want to leave the teaching profession.

Dr. Kitty Boitnott, NBCT, RScP, has been working with burnt-out teachers as a Heart-Centered Career Transition and Job Search Coach since 2013. In 2016, she was named one of the top 25 Career Coaching Online by CareerToolkit.com. 

In addition to helping with career transition and job search strategies, Kitty is a Life Strategies, Stress Management, Holistic Life, and Sleep Science Coach. She is also a licensed Science of Mind Minister.

Join Kitty to learn how to manage your stress more proactively and effectively as well as discover what you don't know but need to about how to undertake a career transition or job search.

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Stress is a fact of life for everyone, but sometimes, we may feel more stressed out and overwhelmed than other times. Even happy events like planning a wedding or preparing for a new baby can create stress. And then there are the sad events like loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, and financial problems that can cause us to feel stressed out, too.

There is a continuum that most people fall along at different points in their lives. I offer a free stress assessment tool to help people do a self-assessment. Answer the 32 questions on the questionnaire. If you answer 10 or fewer questions with a "yes," your stress is in the "normal" range. Anything higher than 10 "yes" answers should be noted, and the higher the number, the more concerned you should be.

Download the stress assessment here:  http://bit.ly/stresstool.
And if you would also like to download the free ebook that Kitty Boitnott has written entitled, Stressed, Stretched, and Just Plain Overwhelmed, download it for free by clicking here.

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Starting a job search can be a daunting process for anyone. It is especially complex if you are leaving one career and need to undertake another. This podcast and this episode in particular is addressed to teachers who are experiencing burnout and are thinking of leaving the profession in pursuit of something new. The trouble is that most teachers don't know what they might be qualified to do or even what they would want to do. Over the years that I have been working with career changers, I have discovered that the #1 challenge of every job seeker or career changer is answering the question, "What do you want to do next?" or "What now?"

Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT, RScP has been working with burnt out teachers since 2013. She helps with stress and stress management and she helps with career transition. To learn what the #1 challenge of every job seeker is regardless of your current career, listen to this episode of "Teachers in Transition."

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Everyone is stressed out. It's a part of life, and as long as you live, you will experience stress to some degree. Good stress--eustress--leads to peak performance. Bad stress --distress--can make you sick if you don't learn to manage it and relieve it. This episode of Teachers in Transition offers what stress is and how to start managing it proactively with a new mindset and a positive affirmation. Stress Management Coach and Career Transition and Job Search Coach, Dr. Kitty Boitnott, talks about stress and where it starts in this 2nd episode of a new YouTube and podcast episode (Episode 2) of "Teachers in Transition."