What Your Next Move? 6 Steps to Enjoying Life After Retiring from the School System

A Must-Read for Educator Retirees:

The Hidden Truths About Career Transition—and How to Thrive In Your Next Chapter

Most educators reach school district retirement age around 57, bringing with them decades of experience, leadership, and deeply transferable skills—but often without the tools to leverage those strengths beyond the school system. Many still face nearly a decade before becoming eligible for full Social Security benefits—if they qualify at all. (Not all school systems or states contribute to Social Security, leaving some educators without access to those benefits.)

And so, the search for a second act begins.

For some, it’s out of necessity—to bridge the financial gap or replace anticipated income.For others, it’s driven by passion—a desire to continue contributing, creating, and using their hard-earned expertise in new and meaningful ways.

🎓 Retired from the school system—but not done yet.This next chapter isn’t about winding down. It’s about leveling up, on your terms.

Unfortunately, many internalize myths that they’re “too old,” “unqualified,” or only suited for roles directly tied to education.

As a result, they settle for jobs that underutilize their talents:

• Retail or part-time tutoring

• College adjunct teaching

• Nannying or caregiving

• Curriculum design with limited pay

• MLM (multi-level marketing) in insurance, travel, groceries

• Drop shipping and transportation providers

• Real Estate

• Struggling education consulting

• Entry-level or labor-intensive work, etc.

  
  

These roles may feel familiar or accessible,  but they often don’t offer the growth, purpose, or income that seasoned professionals deserve.

These roles may feel familiar or accessible,  but they often don’t offer the growth, purpose, or income that seasoned professionals deserve.

Many retiring educators were six-figure earners, serving in leadership, administrative, or advanced instructional roles. They lived fiscally responsible lives—often supporting families, caregiving for others, and making sacrifices to stay in the field they loved.

Yet despite this, many are now facing financial uncertainty, not due to poor planning, but due to a lack of structured support and viable career transition resources.

The reality is, even highly accomplished educators are entering retirement with limited options, misunderstood skill sets, and financial strain brought on by systemic gaps in post-education career pathways and career transition readiness guidance and support.

❌ The truth? Too many educators struggle in silence—ashamed to ask for help, unaware of better options, or unsupported by systems that should prepare them for this transition.

Why This Matters—For You, and For All of Us

The way educators exit the profession has a ripple effect:

• It impacts our ability to attract top talent to the education field.

• It disrupts professional networks and educator communities.

• It weakens the education ecosystem and long-term workforce development.

• It affects economic productivity, innovation, and national stability.

  
  

We’re not just talking about one person’s retirement—we’re talking about the future of education and workforce strength in the U.S. and beyond.

Good News: There Are High-Level, High-Paying Roles Waiting for You

You don’t have to settle.

Educators bring incredible value to industries. Your skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and training are in high demand—across non-profits, corporations, education technology companies, advocacy groups, and more.

☀️Imagine continuing to impact education on a national scale or global scale.

From shaping education policy to leading strategic initiatives in Fortune 500 companies, the possibilities are real—and waiting.

What’s Holding Most People Back?

Lack of preparation and support.

Most K–12 professionals aren’t given access to career transition readiness (CTR) tools, training, or guidance. They attempt to apply the same job search strategies they used in education, only to discover the private sector plays by different rules.

But with the right strategy and support, you can make a successful, rewarding leap.

How to Prepare for a Purposeful, Prosperous Second Act

Whether retirement is 5 years away or fast approaching, now is the time to plan.

Based on expert insight and real-world success stories, here are six essential steps to take:

1. Start Early

The best time to prepare is now. According to Kiplinger (2022), you should begin planning at least 5 years before retirement—especially if you’re interested in a second career or consulting.

2. Examine Your Finances

Start paying down debt and planning for long-term financial freedom. The worst-case scenario? Being stuck in a low-paying role simply because you didn’t plan.

3. Create a Career Transition Strategy

Don’t leave your current role without a clear plan. Explore your options, gain clarity, and use your final working years to position yourself for your next career.

4. Build Your Resource Library

Equip yourself with the right tools to communicate your skills in private-sector language. There are systems designed specifically for K-12 professionals making this shift.

5. Address the Emotional Side of Change

Retirement and career change can stir up anxiety, fear, and even guilt. That’s normal. Give yourself permission to explore your next purpose without judgment.

6. Pace Yourself

This is a major life change. Don’t rush. Give yourself the time and grace to discover what’s next—and go after it with confidence.

No, It’s Not Too Late

Whether you’ve been in education for 15, 20, or 30 years, finding a new purpose doesn’t have an age limit. Your next chapter can be just as impactful, if not more.

You’ve already changed lives—now it’s time to invest in your own.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR NEXT MOVE

Utilize our "Finding Your Fit" Career Matching Tools.

Created to support retiring and separating K-12 administrators, teachers, and other K-12 professionals to discover your new purpose and second career, and helping you enjoy life at all stages and ages.

Browse through our blogs,

Download our Career Transition Toolkit or 50 TIPS Guide here:

https://www.broilsconsulting.com/careerchangetoolkit

Connect with a Career Transition Coach for 1:1 coaching services

or enroll in one of our "live" group webinars.

Read the entire article by Kiplinger here: https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/t012-s004-6-steps-to-finding-your-second-act-in-retirement/index.html

Stay Safe. Stay Inspired. Stay Awesome!

Broils Consulting Group, LLC

THE EDUCATORS CAREER TRANSITION EXPERTS

Transforming Careers … Transforming Lives