MARTIN WAMBUGU - Chalkboard to New Frontiers - Why teachers should consider transitioning

From Chalkboards to New Frontiers: Why Teachers Should Consider Transitioning Careers

Let’s face it—teaching is a noble profession. You spend your days shaping young minds, dodging chalk dust, and perhaps uttering phrases like, "This will be on the test!" But beyond the rewards of the classroom lies a reality that many Kenyan teachers know all too well: financial stress, long hours, and limited upward mobility. Sound familiar?

Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and better yet, there are solutions! Whether you want to break free from living paycheck to paycheck or just explore a new career path, now might be the perfect time to consider transitioning to a new role. And guess what? The skills you’ve honed in the classroom are more transferable than you think.

But first, let’s do a little comparison. You’ve likely seen your neighbors in other professions—lawyers in suits and doctors in scrubs—driving their fancy cars and heading to their high-paying jobs. They’ve got the cash flow, sure. But do they have the time, the balance, the satisfaction you crave? Well, let’s dive in and see how transitioning could change your life for the better.

Teacher Case Study: From Paycheck to Paycheck to Progress

You’re a teacher earning around KES 550,000 per year. Not bad, right? Until you factor in family expenses—housing, food, school fees, healthcare—and suddenly, you’re left wondering if you can afford an extra slice of bread this month. With average family costs in Kenya running up to KES 120,000 per month, that salary doesn’t stretch very far.

Now, fast forward 20 years—just sticking to your salary could leave you with little to show for it. In fact, you might even be looking at a net worth that flatlines at KES 0! Depressing, huh? But what if you could take control? Enter side hustles and investments.

Imagine tutoring a few students in the evenings, bringing in an extra KES 40,000 per month. That’s KES 480,000 a year—almost doubling your income. Add in some rental income from an investment property, and you could be stacking an extra KES 25,000 a month. Over time, those efforts could grow your net worth to KES 650,000 despite family expenses. Not exactly Jeff Bezos money, but a heck of a lot better than nothing!

Lawyer and Doctor: Do the High Earners Have It Made?

Alright, let’s talk about your lawyer and doctor friends. Sure, they earn more—starting at KES 1 million and KES 1.5 million, respectively. But that comes with long hours, high stress, and, yes, those family expenses you know all too well.

After 20 years, your lawyer buddy might be sitting on KES 10 million and your doctor friend on KES 12 million in net worth. Sounds cushy, right? But here’s the twist: they’re also burning out, juggling insane work hours, and wondering if they’ll ever get that work-life balance they’ve heard about in fairy tales.

Lawyers might consider transitioning into corporate training, where they use their legal skills without the pressure of billable hours. Doctors? Some might move into consulting, where they can set their own hours and avoid the chaos of hospital shifts. Even with higher salaries, many of these professionals are looking for the same thing you are—better balance and more fulfilling work.

Why Transitioning Matters for Teachers (and Everyone Else, Too!)

So why should you, as a teacher, consider transitioning into something new? It’s not just about the money—although, let’s be real, that’s a big part of it. It’s about flexibility, growth, and finding a career path that doesn’t have you burning the candle at both ends.

Think about corporate training, where you can use your teaching expertise to train adults in companies (minus the chalk dust!). Or perhaps instructional design, creating educational content for online platforms—letting you flex your creative muscles while earning more. Maybe EdTech is your jam, where you can blend your love for teaching with technology and innovation.

In each of these fields, your teaching skills—communication, organization, problem-solving—are gold. And the best part? You can finally start building that financial cushion you’ve always dreamed of.

Breakdown of Career Transition Resources

To make it even easier for you to explore these options, here’s a breakdown of helpful resources you can dive into:

How to Record Educational Content

Creating digital content for EdTech is easy, and you can start in two ways:

1. DIY at Home

What You Need: A laptop, a microphone, and free software like OBS Studio or Screencast-O-Matic.
Tips: Record in a quiet space, use natural light, and clear audio. Simple editing tools like iMovie or Shotcut can help polish your content.

2. Use Studio Mashinani

Booking: Visit Studio Mashinani to book a session.
Facilities: Access professional cameras, lighting, and sound equipment to produce high-quality educational videos.

The Bottom Line: It’s Time to Make the Leap!

Transitioning isn’t just about escaping the daily grind—it’s about stepping into a career that grows with you, supports your financial goals, and gives you the flexibility to live your life fully. Whether you stay in education or explore something entirely new, the possibilities are endless.

The chalkboard doesn’t have to be your only canvas. So take the leap—start building a career that’s as rewarding for your wallet as it is for your soul!