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In today’s episode, I want to talk about going beyond the career ladder and finding your path in educational leadership. That’s coming up next, right here on The Principal’s Handbook. Stay tuned.

Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook, your go-to resource for principals looking to revamp their leadership approach and prioritize self-care. I’m Barb Flowers, a certified life coach with eight years of experience as an elementary principal. Tune in each week as we explore strategies for boosting mental resilience, managing time effectively, and nurturing overall wellness.

From tackling daily challenges to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I’m Barb Flowers. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of school leadership. Join me in fostering your sense of purpose as a principal and reigniting your passion for the job. Welcome to a podcast where your wellbeing is the top priority.

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Welcome back! Today, we’re talking about the career ladder in administration. I hear a lot of questions like, “I’m a teacher — how do I know if I’m ready to be an assistant principal?” or “I’m an assistant principal — should I become a principal?” There are many paths in educational leadership, and this episode is for anyone thinking about a career move.

We’re about halfway through the school year, and spring often prompts reflection about where you want to go next. Maybe you’re thinking about moving from principal to district office, or going back to teaching to reduce stress. Whatever you’re considering, this conversation is for you.

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I want to start by sharing how I got into administration. Like many, I started as a teacher. Early in my career, I took on leadership roles — grade level chair, building leadership team, district leadership team — and decided to pursue my Ph.D. in educational leadership.

While still working on my dissertation, I earned my principal’s license and landed a local assistant principal job split between two elementary buildings. It was rare to have an elementary assistant principal in my area, so I was excited for the opportunity to learn from two principals and two staffs.

After two years as an assistant principal, I stepped into the principal role at one of the buildings. I finished my Ph.D. and earned my superintendent’s license. I had a clear plan: assistant principal, principal for five years, then curriculum director or assistant superintendent, and maybe eventually superintendent.

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But then, things changed. I hit a wall — I became burnt out as a principal and began working on myself. I got life coaching and fell in love with coaching and mentoring others. I made the tough decision to leave my principalship and become a full-time life coach.

It was a hard decision. I had a great job: supportive parents, a beautiful new school, teachers eager to learn, a strong district team, and great collaboration with fellow principals. But I was becoming complacent and felt I wasn’t growing.

If you stay complacent, you stop growing — and you can’t help others grow if you’re not growing yourself. Leaving that job brought me to a new path where I’ve learned more about myself and leadership — what I love and what I don’t.

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I do miss some aspects of leading in a building — collaborating, having people to talk to — but I have no regrets. If I hadn’t taken that leap, I wouldn’t have discovered these parts of myself. I encourage you to consider your own happiness and growth. Know yourself and what you need to keep growing.

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I recently had dinner with my mentor teacher who’s retiring after 35 years as an elementary teacher. She loved her stable career and routine, and that’s wonderful. But I also have friends who’ve had different careers every five years.

We need to normalize different career paths — it’s okay if you don’t want to stay in the same role for decades. Think about what will make you happy and fulfilled.

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Also, generations view careers differently. Millennials and younger generations often don’t stay in the same career for 30 years. Growth and change are valued. We need to normalize that in education. Ask yourself: are you staying in your current role because you want to, or just because you feel like you have to?

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Here are some key reflection questions to help you decide whether to stay or go. Remember, there’s no one right answer — this is about what’s right for you.

• Why are you questioning if you should leave? What’s the root cause? Ambition, restlessness, or a genuine need for new challenges?

• Are you staying because it’s safe or because it’s right? Feeling stuck is different from feeling secure.

• Are there growth opportunities where you are? Sometimes they’re easier to miss when you’re focused on the future.

• How does a potential move align with your long-term professional and personal goals?

• What is the cost of not making a change? What will happen if you stay put?

• Are you running from something or running toward something? Moves motivated by passion and impact are healthier than moves driven by avoidance.

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Think about your impact and purpose. Where can you make the biggest difference? It’s not about climbing the career ladder for status or money — education is a purpose-driven field.

Consider creating a pros and cons list including salary, title, staff, community, work-life balance, and family needs. For example, I worked in a district close to my children’s school, which mattered a lot to me.

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Above all, be honest with yourself about your needs and aspirations. Don’t let others’ expectations or traditional career paths dictate your choices. I’m a “recovered people pleaser” and struggled to leave a stable job because of what others might think.

If you love teaching, even if others question it, do what makes you happy and fulfilled. You can always be replaced at work, but not at home. Your family needs the best version of you.

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If you’re wrestling with a career decision and want support, reach out to me. I offer free consultations where we can talk through your questions and see if coaching is a good fit. Coaching gave me perspective and courage to take my leap, and it might help you too.

Life coaches help you realize you get to decide and design your own life — not just follow what’s expected. I hope this episode encourages you to ask the tough questions and find the path that feels right for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Remember: you have the power to shape your life based on the mindset you choose. Have a great week, and I’ll see you next time.

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