Considering a Career Shift to Teaching: Is Now the Right Time to Make the Move?

Hello Seniors,

I am very thankful that previously you all helped me with all kinds of queries. I am here again with some questions that are wandering in my mind.

Career Shift Consideration

I have 2.6 years of experience in the HR field, and during this tenure, I found that I have a keen interest in training, teaching, and counseling. I am also losing interest in my regular mundane work as I don't feel that much passion for those tasks. Here, I am specifically referring to personal preferences and interests. Sometimes, after engaging in certain tasks, individuals discover their areas of interest. Currently, I am contemplating a career shift towards teaching and pursuing further studies. I believe that knowledge is crucial for personal growth, and through teaching, I can enhance my skills.

Seeking Guidance on Transition Timing

I would appreciate your opinion on whether it is the right time to make this transition or if I should wait for some more time. If waiting is advisable, approximately how much more experience would be beneficial? Additionally, should I focus on teaching first, pursue further studies first, or can both aspects be pursued simultaneously?

I hope you can spare some valuable time to provide me with guidance.

Thanks,

Swati

You have not shared the most important information as to what your qualifications are. If you want to teach in college, you would need post-graduation and would have to clear your SET and/or NET.

In any case, I think that by the time you get ready for a fresh shot at formal academics (post-graduation or doctoral), possibly around June, you would have completed 3 years of working experience. Your next line of action would be dependent on your current age, your current qualifications, the kind of academics you wish to pursue, the type of teaching career you plan to take up, not to mention a whole set of personal variables like family support, financial needs, etc.

I have shared my thoughts with you so that you can fill in the missing links and then write down your personal and professional goals. This will give you a more concrete platform to make a rational decision.

Best wishes

First and foremost, you don't need to be apologetic about opting for a teaching profession after working as an HR in a corporate environment—ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG in this. At the end of the day, anyone/everyone needs to opt for a job/activity that SATISFIES him/her.

Request for More Details

Coming to your actual query, please give more details that B. Jacob mentioned. The more inputs you provide, the better the accuracy of any suggestions/advice from the members.

Regards,
TS

Thank you so much for your suggestions. Well, I am a PGDM, and as far as family support and financial needs are concerned, by God's grace, it is fine. My goal is to see myself as a Behavioral Trainer. To move in this direction, my steps include teaching and gaining more qualifications. Or would you all suggest another path for it?

And once again, the question still remains: is it the right time for that?

Thanks!

The direct answer to your question is, NO, it is NOT the right time to switch over! You have a PGDM and 2.6 years of hands-on experience. You have not shared details of this experience. This is important as, at this stage of a career, one would generally be burdened with routine work, compliance, and any other task but at a secondary level. If your experience is an exception, you are fortunate.

You desire to be a "behavioral trainer" as you express. Behavior is a function of personality and environment! A PGDM, with due respect to the institute, does NOT impart deeper knowledge of Human Psychology or Sociology for that matter. To be an effective trainer, your knowledge base has to be sound. If it is reinforced with real-time experience, you are better equipped to take on this career of a Behavioral Trainer!

I feel you should acquire formal qualifications from a reputed university in the area of psychology, organizational behavior before you launch into this interesting and tremendously satisfying career! Do I sound discouraging? But it is for your good!

India's leading industrialists/entrepreneurs of yesteryears never went to a management institute yet created massive industrial empires—mostly on the strength of "common sense" (which is not very common anyway!). But their next generations are properly educated/trained to take the industry further and to keep the flag flying high all the time!

Confidence coupled with burning desire and common sense is GOOD, but if you are able to also add a sound knowledge base, it will be BETTER! If you do not wish to give up a job (and I am not recommending that at all), you may register for a doctorate and pursue studies in this channel and hopefully within a couple of years of achieving a doctorate, you are due to take off on your chosen path with better chances of SUCCESS! Think about it!

Regards,
samvedan

December 22, 2012

Based on the given information, please listen to your heart. You do not seem to be in great need of a job or money, or too many years into it. Get a formal education from a reputed university and then plunge into a teaching job. Doing both simultaneously may hinder your ability to excel in learning and acquiring knowledge.

Taking risks is sometimes difficult, but understand that "Darr ke aage/ baad hi Jeet hai!" And it seems you have all the support from your family. So, take the plunge.

Regards,
Vijay

I wish to bring to your notice (as researched by Daniel Gulati and given in a blog) 'The Top Five Career Regrets'.

1. I wish I hadn't taken the job for the money. By far the biggest regret of all came from those who opted into high-paying but ultimately dissatisfying careers. Compensation is a "hygiene" factor, not a true motivator.

2. I wish I had quit earlier. Almost uniformly, those who had actually quit their jobs to pursue their passions wished they had done so earlier. Variable reinforcement schedules prevalent in large corporations, the visibility of social media, and the desire to log incremental gains are three reasons that the 80% of people dissatisfied with their jobs don't quit when they know they should.

3. I wish I had the confidence to start my own business. As their personal finances shored up, professionals I surveyed yearned to become an owner, not an employee in someone else's company. 70% of workers wished their current job would help them with starting a business in the future, yet only 15% said they had what it takes to actually venture out on their own. Even Fortune 500 CEOs dream of entrepreneurial freedom. One admitted: "My biggest regret is that I'm a 'wantrepreneur.' I never got to prove myself by starting something from scratch."

4. I wish I had used my time at school more productively. Roughly 86% of students still view college as a worthwhile investment. This is reflected in the growing popularity of college: 54% of Millennials have college degrees, compared to 36% of Boomers. Although more students are attending college, many of the group's participants wished they had thoughtfully parlayed their school years into a truly rewarding first job, recounting the college experience as "I was in a ridiculous hurry to complete what in hindsight were the best and most delightfully unstructured years of my life."

5. I wish I had acted on my career hunches. Several individuals recounted windows of opportunity in their careers, or "now-or-never moments."

Far from being suppressed, career regrets should hold a privileged place in your emotional repertoire.

In brief, I suggest you opt for the CAREER OF YOUR CHOICE as this will make you EXCEL in your work and IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS.

Regards,
Amin Paniwala

Becoming a Corporate Trainer

If your interest is to become a 'Corporate Trainer' in the area of behavioral competencies/soft skills, it may be beneficial to interact with agencies or individuals providing such services (examples: Shiv Khera, ZEN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, DOOR Training and Consulting India (P) Ltd, GROWMORE Consultancy, and many others in different parts of the country). Visit those nearest to you and gauge their interest in your profile. This informal evaluation may indicate if you are thinking in the right direction. Join some of their programs while working in your present company and see what it all means to be a trainer.

Becoming a Lecturer in a Management Institute

If your interest is to become a lecturer in a management institute, it is a different scenario altogether. Many learned people have already shared their views above. After being clear in your options, think of further studies to refine your academic profile or be a part of some corporate trainers' organization.

I am here to share my opinion about your statement that "Study is a never-ending process, and humans are always learning something new every day." So, continue your studies alongside your job. Even with a lot of distance education options available, they can also assist you in your journey.

Improving Your Skills

When it comes to improving your skills, you may already have ideas about skills enhancement, counseling methods, steps, establishing rapport, and the required skills in your respective field. Just put these ideas into practice to elevate yourself to the next level.

Ultimately, it's your personal decision, so discuss it with your family members and gather their opinions as well.

Enjoy life and excel in your job!

Thanks & Regards,
Seeatarama Moger
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Regarding your question, you may consider joining an organization that focuses on education and research. In this role, you would be responsible for handling administration and HR tasks, as well as utilizing your expertise as a trainer for employees. These employees collaborate with schools to enhance student and teacher outcomes, with a focus on behavioral techniques and personal development.

I hope you will make the right decision.

Thanks

All esteemed members are giving appropriate replies and helping you out. In fact, your problem is not about time; you have a keen desire to become a trainer or counselor, both of which are good career choices. If you are not feeling comfortable at this stage after PGDM and 2.6 years of working, it shows your hidden spark to change your field, and you are finally at a stage to switch.

I would suggest that you can opt for your desired field without leaving your studies. It might be a little tough, but you can work and study at the same time. This way, you will keep gaining experience while earning for your livelihood and continue your studies as well.

As each day passes, you cannot wait for the right time as you never know when the exact time to switch will be. Keep updating yourself through journals, information, and updates in terms of the training or counseling profession. This will keep you engaged and attract you towards the new field of training.

Best Wishes,
Manish Srivastava
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

I have been reading this blog for some time but never commented on any of the postings. This is my first. I am from Malaysia, by the way. Let me tell you what I went through. Perhaps you can pick a point or two.

My Career Journey

I graduated with an MSc in Microbiology from Tamil Nadu. Couldn't get a suitable job, so I joined a semiconductor company as a manufacturing supervisor. I picked up some management skills through self-study and attending trainings/lectures. I got fed up with the hassle in manufacturing and grabbed an internal vacancy as a training officer. I did not know much about training, but I knew how to handle people. Went on to get a Cert. in Training and Development, and to cut the story short, over 15 years I grew and am now an internal training consultant for a manufacturing company covering 3 countries.

Lessons Learned

What I learned is: Consider what you really want to do. Jump in. Keep learning. You will make it (you must, of course, believe it first).

Best wishes. P.S. Read the book: "Follow Your Heart" by Andrew Mathew. It may inspire you.

Happy New Year.