Possible Career Change - Advice Needed

[Vle045]

I am with those that say stick it out for the full 20 years for retirement.  I have a similar retirement here in Ohio.  I am a school employee (non teacher).  I haven't gotten too much into the details, but I know that there will be a significant difference in healthcare costs if I reach 20 years within the retirement system.  And another cost reduction at 25 years  Yours may be similar.  My only option, if I leave education would be if I find a job with the state.  The retirement systems are transferrable.

A potential trajectory could be a non-teaching leadership role.  Perhaps there is something at the district level you would be interested in like Director of Curriculum and Instruction.  Or Human Resources Director.  Or Operations Manager.  Look outside public schools too.  Are there charter school systems or private school systems that might have leadership roles that bring you outside of the classroom?

You would be hard-pressed to make that kind of money as a career changer, especially with a pension.  If you are interested in leadership roles, an MBA or MAOL could be a good supplement.  There are inexpensive options out there.  It would bring together your inside knowledge with the business end.  

Don't burn any bridges.  If your retirement is anything like ours, you want to maximize that!