I want to quit teaching.

I’ve said it in my head a hundred times. Maybe you have too.

But here’s the thing – I don’t have the best backup plan just yet. I don’t have a new career lined up, a perfect side hustle, or a financial safety net that lets me walk away tomorrow.

What I do have is the certainty that I can’t keep doing this forever. And that means I need an exit plan.

If you’re feeling the same – stuck, exhausted, unsure what’s next – this post is for you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m sharing exactly what I’m doing right now to plan my way out. Maybe it’ll help you take your first steps too.

Here are some signs that made me realize it was time to start planning my exit:

• I’m constantly exhausted, even after weekends or breaks.
• I’ve started resenting the job instead of just having bad days.
• I don’t feel excited or passionate about teaching anymore.
• I dream about doing something else all the time.
• I’m staying in teaching because I have a family to support, not because I love it.

If you relate to any of these, you’re not alone. It’s okay to want something different for your life, and it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers yet.

At the same time, I know quitting isn’t for everyone. And sometimes, it isn’t even worth going through with. That’s why I’ve also been exploring slow living for teachers – ways to create boundaries, reduce stress, and make teaching more manageable while I figure out my next steps.

Because whether I leave or not, I need a life outside the classroom.

What made me realize it was time to start planning my exit?

When I finished university, I got rid of everything. I didn’t want to be a teacher back then. But I needed you know, money, and teaching was the easiest way to start earning.

Funny thing is, I’ve quit before. I left the classroom to work for a publishing company in their textbook sales department. But somehow, I ended up back here.

Maybe it was the lockdowns and how student behavior changed. Maybe it was a slow buildup – the weight of all the times I’d tried to leave before but didn’t. Either way, I know now that I can’t do this forever.

Plus it no longer aligns with my values.

Over time, my relationship with teaching has changed dramatically. Sometimes I love it, but most of the time I don’t. When I was raising a young family it was for financial stability. But quite frankly I’ve never been able to find a job that could match the same income with my qualifications. I’ve felt limited.

When I think about leaving, I wish it could start tomorrow. No one would miss me.

The First Steps I’m Taking to Leave

Even though I don’t have a concrete backup plan, I know I can’t just wait for things to magically change. Here’s what I’m doing to start moving toward a new path:

1. Getting Clear on My ‘Why’

Before making any decisions, I’ve been asking myself:

• Why do I want to leave?
• What do I want more of in my life? What do I want less of?
• What would my ideal day look like if I wasn’t teaching?

Instead of teaching I dream about creating a new life of blogging, thrifting and curating my family home.

I want to wake up each day and have full control of what I’m going to do with my time whether that be caring for my family, working on my blog or going on treasure hunting road trips.

2. Exploring My Options

I’ve started researching different income streams, side hustles, and jobs that could replace my teaching salary. So far, I’m looking into:

• Blogging and affiliate marketing
• Freelance writing
• Collecting and selling vintage pieces and antiques (the ones I’m willing to let go of).

I’ve started to explore blogging, affiliate marketing and online selling. I consantly watch videos on these topics to learn as much as I can.

I’ve always loved writing and sharing ideas, which is why I started my blog. But beyond that, I’ve realized I want to help other teachers who feel stuck. The ones who, like me, know they can’t do this forever but don’t know what comes next.

That’s why I’m exploring ways to turn my experience into something useful, whether it’s through blogging, creating digital resources, or offering guidance to teachers who need a way out (or a way to make teaching more sustainable). If I can figure this out for myself, maybe I can help others do the same.

3. Setting Financial Goals

Since money is a huge factor in leaving, I’m working on:

• Understanding exactly how much I need to earn to quit
• Saving money to give myself more flexibility
• Finding ways to make extra income while I’m still teaching

Honestly, I’ve gone back and forth on this so many times. But I’ve finally convinced myself to stick it out until the end of this teaching year and use this time to save as much money as I can.

At the same time, I know I can’t just wait for an escape – I have to build one. That’s why I’m committing to working on my blog in my spare time, no matter how exhausted I feel. It’s not easy, but if I want my blog to eventually work for me, I have to put in the work now.

4. Building Something for Myself

Right now, my focus is on my blog. Even though it’s only in the early stages, I see this as my long-term escape plan.

I’m focusing on making my blog more than just a creative outlet. I want it to become a real income stream so I can eventually step away from teaching. The thought of building something that aligns with my values and helps others in the process is what keeps me going.

I’ve poured a lot of energy into my blog, The Slow Living Teacher. It started as a way to process my thoughts about teaching and work-life balance, but it’s grown into something much bigger. Now, I write about slow living, thrifting, and curating a home that feels intentional and personal – things that bring me real joy.

The Challenges I’m Facing

This process hasn’t been easy. There are days when I feel completely overwhelmed and doubt whether I’ll ever be able to leave.

Here are some of the biggest fears I’m working through:

1. Fear of Leaving

• What if I regret it?
• What if I leave and realize I miss teaching? Although this is highly doubtful.

2. Financial Worries

• Can I actually replace my teaching income?
• What if I never make enough to quit?

3. Figuring Out My Next Move

• What if I’m making a mistake?
• What if I fail and end up stuck in teaching longer?

These fears are real, but I’m reminding myself that staying in a job I no longer love out of fear isn’t the answer. I don’t need to have everything figured out. I just need to keep taking small steps forward.

When self-doubt creeps in I focus on manifestation. I know that I can train my subconscious to believe that it’s possible.

Despite the fear, one thing that helps me stay motivated is seeing how far I’ve come already. And wondering where I might be in another 6 months if I keep going.

What’s Helping Me Move Forward

Even though I still feel stuck, here’s what’s helping me stay focused on my exit plan:

1. Giving Myself Permission to Leave

For a long time, I felt guilty about wanting to quit. Now, I remind myself that teaching isn’t the only path, and I don’t have to stay just because it’s all I’ve known.

2. Focusing on Small Wins

• Every blog post I publish
• Every dollar I make outside of teaching
• Every step I take toward leaving – it all adds up.

3. Having an Actual Plan

Instead of just dreaming about leaving, I’m mapping out real steps to make it happen. I don’t know exactly when I’ll quit, but I know I’m working toward it every day.

Small wins that I’ve had that make me feel like this is possible is seeing others where I want to be. This is a huge motivation for me!

I know I’m on the right track because I’m not alone. Teachers are quitting everywhere and one day, I’m going to be one of them. And one day, I’ll get to live the life I’ve been dreaming of.

Final Thoughts

I don’t have all the answers, but I know I can’t stay stuck forever. If you’re feeling the same way, I encourage you to start taking small steps today, like me.

You don’t have to leave tomorrow, but you do have to start planning for the life you want.