In what has now been penned ‘the great resignation’, many people are now considering a career change post-pandemic. Seeking greater fulfilment and balance in life, the career ‘glow up’ is now more desirable than ever and one surprising field of opportunity is being discovered as the ideal destination – a career in teaching.
With a few brave steps of reflection, research and resolve, it’s very possible to make the transition. One such example is Krystle Millhouse, a textiles, fashion and design teacher in far north Queensland.
The Gold Coast native spent more than a decade as a designer and was fatigued by the financial instability and volatility of the industry. That was until a teacher friend suggested she take her creative gifts to the classroom, inspiring a new lease on life.
Read more to learn what Krystle has to say about transitioning to teaching.
Reflect – identify your passions and strengths
You know the saying, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Take the time to reflect on your career history, your skill sets and where your passions lie. Write a list and narrow it down to what really energises you. Whether it’s expertise you’ve gained on the job or a hobby you’ve invested time and energy into over the years, it is likely there is a relative subject or program on offer within the education system.
For Krystle, fashion, textile and design were not offered when she was at school and it was only through researching university programs online that she discovered her ideal subjects were an option. Explore which learning areas and subjects are available to teach in Queensland.
Research – choose the right study option for you
Picturing yourself eating ramen noodles struggling to make ends meet could be quite a deterrent to enrolling into university as a mature-aged student. As you start to plan, be open and honest about the lifestyle you can sustain and commit to during your study.
There is plenty of flexibility in degree design and study options to suit your requirements including online or external, part-time, full-time or staged blocks. Financially, there are also deferred payment schemes, grants and scholarships also available.
Resolve – be determined and use support
Without question, mature-age study requires sacrifice, compromise and resolve. Strong time management will assist in workload stress, however, most critical is building an internal (home) and study support network. Quality networks can be expanded on in the future and unlock opportunities for progression and development.
Use the same courage that drove you to enrol to lean on as support to help you achieve your goals. As Krystle discovered, once the plan was in place, the study itself was the fun part.
'The essay’s and work are hard going but because it’s on subjects that I was so fascinated about, it was so enjoyable and I couldn’t have done it without my family.' she said.
'When I applied for uni, I never thought I could do that and then I got in, which felt awesome. (You know) when things happen so quickly, it’s just the right path for you. I took that one step and then teaching chose me.'
Find out how you can find your chosen path as a teacher on the
steps to become a teacher page.