Work is a part of life and an important aspect of Western identities. However, it’s common for people to become stagnant in their fields or crave another step outside their comfort zone.
For personal growth, exploration or testing other career opportunities, leaving one job to begin a career in ESL is a great option.
A Grand Jolt
Changing careers into the ESL industry is one of the most surefire methods to escape a rut or flagging career at home. The job field always has a demand for focused individuals and the sudden change in culture, workplace responsibilities and the actual setting provides a strong jolt of motivation.
One reason many people shift away from their original jobs into the ESL field is for this influx of interest and tapping into feelings of growth. It is easy to declare that moving across the world to learn, teach and grow will change a person’s outlook on life.
Skill Development
For others, the main appeal when moving to ESL is rooted in skill developments. Working in the ESL industry allows expats to immerse themselves into various skill acquisitions, most especially soft skills valuable in a wide variety of fields.
Teaching in general is an invaluable talent to develop, as it fosters patience, cultivates personal charisma and increases social empathy. Likewise, the skills earned in teaching can be applied in mentorship programs, job-training and, for those switching to a career in education, practical classroom experience.
Skills aren’t just found in the classroom. People leaving their jobs to work in the ESL industry can also benefit from learning a language through immersion, gaining a better understanding of world culture and earning the time to focus on personal interests, such as artistic abilities or creative outlets.
Travel
Obviously, one of the largest appeals when switching to ESL is something akin to a gap-year or travel opportunity. Perhaps unwilling to live off of savings alone, some people leave their jobs to enter this far more flexible industry.
ESL contracts range from a couple of months to a year, meaning the ESL market always has a strong demand for new teachers and constantly sees its professionals shifting to new and interesting locations.
An ability to professionally teach English allows professionals to work in virtually any country or even remotely in an area with a low cost of living. This is extra valuable, as teaching and education industries in general are notoriously resistant to economic downturns, gaining an extra appeal regarding job security.
Overall, the choice to branch out and grow is ultimately up to the individual. But the chances for that depend on personal desires and an eye for opportunity. Choosing to teach ESL as a career change has advantages far beyond monetary benefits and helps many feel fulfilled while achieving life dreams and goals.