My husband just retired from over 30 years of teaching. He wants a career change. What can he do?
Asked by Julie
My hubby couldn't wait to retire. He is not computer literate (other than e-mailing). He doesn't want to learn computers either. He doesn't like to talk on the phone and he says he is not a salesman. He wants to earn a decent amount of money though. He is not stupid and has above a master degree. Currently, he is a part-time chauffeur. What other jobs/careers can he go into that has nothing to do with teaching or education and has a good income? Also, he will probably really retire in 15 or more years.

Best Answer:
If he's been teaching for 30 years I would imagine he has good people skills and likes to be around people. Is he a talker? As a teacher, he was probably a good communicator. I would tell him not to dismiss the idea of sales. He may be thinking of sales as a person who knocks on doors with sweeper brushes. NOT SO! I've been in sales and retail for years and a good salesman spends almost all his or her time educating their customers. As a manager, I've had several retired teachers and substitute teachers work for me and they are absolutely the best at customer service and sales. They know how to present information without talking over people's heads - something they have developed as a teacher! They are not easily ruffled when customers are upset or something goes wrong - again, experience in the trenches of the classroom! I, myself, have a degree in secondary education. Since I chose to specialize in social studies - and didn't know how to coach football - I was unable to find work. I have been in retail sales and management for 20 years and find it suits me quite well. Teachers know how to manage time, respond calmly in emotional situations, present ideas, be enthusiastic about new programs, and are also fine merchandisers. (again, a skill not that unlike themed displays a teacher makes for the classroom!) I hope you're husband will reconsider going into sales. He can start by going to his favorite store and putting in an application. Does he like Home Improvement, Sports, Movies, Books, or Cars? Whatever his passion is, there is a store that caters to it. And he'll be able to talk to people all day about something he loves. I hope this helps. He certainly is lucky to have a second crack at a great career! Best Wishes!!
Hiring Manager
Answered by Rachel S.

i dont no
Answered by lukewarmwater

A greeter at wal-mart.
Answered by Amanda L

he should do something that he loves. i believe that when i retire i will try to work at a golf course because i love golfing so much.
Answered by semiproslacker

you pretty much cut out everything. especially with the computer thing, thats a problem in this day in age.
Answered by RPM

he already has done a great service educating our young , the next best thing he can do help our elderly
Answered by evrettbgo

civil service jobs,,,,,,,no experience for many jobs..........
Answered by richard t

if he doesnt want to learn anything on the computer he is screwed
Answered by ashley w

repair computers, TV, other electronics. Car maintenance. Newspaper delivery. Door greeters at walmart, kmart, other store. Cashier. Delivery vehicle driver
Answered by Tommy

He can purchase his own Limousine or lease one and become a full time Chauffeur. He already knows this business.
Answered by Seeanna

teachers are only good at one thing... being authority figures! They refine that quality throughout their teaching experience. If they get good at it, their students like them... (if their students don't like 'em, then the teacher may not be as good as they thought... kids are smart!) if he made it 30 years, he's probably great at advising and guiding & all that stuff... So..... We'll have to go with the "S" word, and he should be a salesman!!! The trick is to redefine his conotation for 'salesman' and change it from 'pushy little weasel' and let it become 'I know something you don't know... and you'll be better off if I help you understand!' Let's face it, he's been doing that 2nd definition for 30 years, so he's got a ton of experience. So, then what to sell? probably not computers, from what you wrote, and probably not real estate. If he gets into sales with any product or service that relates to the subjects he taught, then he'll probably get right into the flow. Taught math? sell insurance! Biology? work at the nursery... History? ...hmm... he'd know better than me... Don't underestimate the power of an experienced teacher when they turn to sales... it comes naturally to 'em.
Answered by Joe K

uh do what makes him happy.
Answered by sportyone

What area did he teach in? Might want to work in it. He is simply going to have to develop a level of comfort with computers if he wants a good paying job. He could probably easily transition into an HR setting--be it with a company, a temp employment agency, or possibly a government position. He should be able to size folks up, get good answers, do research, etc. He might consider training. It's quite different from teaching--I know I've done both. He should consider a career aptitude test--would probably open his eyes to lots of possibilities. He could also enroll for one semester at a community college and take a career exploration course--they should do the testing but also be able to put him IN internships so he can see if he likes something.
Answered by heyteach

Some ideas to earn extra money: 1.Tutoring students 2.Using skills you have 3.MLM businesses The best job one can have fulfilled these criteria: -Using the talents, skills -Having passion for it -Creating the difference in other people’s lives -Making unlimited money Have you heard of an internet business? Personally, I find that an internet business is an easy way to create a passive income because: 1. Requires small to zero capital 2. Gets started right away and easily 3. Allows you to work from home or anywhere in the world as long as there is an internet connection 4. Has unlimited potential to earn money 5. No age or education requirements 6. Doesn't need you to have to have a company 7. You can help him too so it becomes a family business What you need to do is to learn about the internet business as much as possible to discover whether it is for you and what your strategy is. There is free information around. Good luck.
Answered by berichnwise