Career Shifts & Pivots: From Financial Advisor to Teacher
While sitting at my niece’s graduation from Barnstable Academy, a College Preparatory school in Northern NJ with a warm and supportive environment, I spotted a very tall man with a gentle face and wondered, “Is that Fred?” It made no sense to me… why would Fred be here? Fred has been a neighborhood friend who has worked as a financial advisor for over 30 years. His kids were grown so it was not one of his kids’ graduations. Instead of embarrassing myself by running up to Fred’s doppelganger, I texted his wife Tracy and asked if there was a chance Fred would be at the Barnstable graduation. She then texted back that Fred is a teacher at Barnstable. WOW! Fred became a teacher after 30 years as a financial advisor. How cool is that?
When I asked my niece Mia to tell me about Fred she replied:
“Mr. Levine was one of the only teachers I’ve had in my life who I was absolutely certain that he fully and truly cared about each and every single one of his students. He is a genuine, kind, and honest man who wants to ensure that all of his kids are set up for a good future and know where they’re going. Being in his class made me not only feel more confident, but also heard.”
Based on that endorsement, it seems Fred was onto something when he decided to become a teacher. I decided to interview Fred because so many of my clients and friends are contemplating pivoting careers and it can be a scary and challenging task. I knew we could all learn from Fred’s choice to leave a 30 year career as a financial advisor to embark on something totally different. Below is my interview with Fred.
Why did he choose teaching?
Fred almost ended up teaching in the NYC public schools right after he graduated college. That opportunity didn't end up panning out, but it seems as though that career path stayed close to his heart. Fred spent a lot of time with kids in his local community. He coached teams, volunteered, and felt a close connection with children in his community. He just felt comfortable around kids and was able to motivate and relate to them. So the idea of teaching was natural and meaningful. Working with kids, teaching them, helping them gain confidence and skills, and being a part of a community seemed exciting to him. It was also something he needed as he began to outgrow his prior career in finance of 30 years. In addition, he knew he needed a job that would be energizing, with a bit of a “buzz” as he described it. The school environment was perfect.
How did he know it was the right time?
Since Fred’s children were almost finished college, most of his large expenses were behind him This meant he could handle the significant pay cut that came with moving from being a financial advisor to a teacher.
In addition, Fred had suffered from two serious health events in the past 14 years. The time was now or never. He couldn’t keep waiting to do something that was calling to him.
What were his transferable skills?
-Relationship building is Fred’s superpower. Many of his clients over the years became his friends. He cared about his clients and knew about their lives in the same way he cares about his students now and connects with them. For example, he knows each and every student’s name at his school.
-Communication: In both jobs, Fred needs to be able to talk to people. He needs to be able to explain complicated concepts and make sure his students and clients understand what he is saying. Being able to gauge a person’s understanding of what he is trying to say and adjust is a skill he brings to both jobs.
-Organization: Fred continues to plan out his week ahead on Sunday–just like he did when he was a financial advisor. This discipline helps him stay prepared.
How did he find this job?
When Fred left his financial advisor job, he did not immediately have a new full-time job. He substituted in the local public school system, he worked at a summer camp, and he participated in the Alternate Route program which was a 9 month program to get a certificate in education. (His teenage son helped him prepare for the math section on the test.) He looked for work on the job search website Indeed where he found a long-term substitute position at Barnstable Academy. And the rest is history. The position evolved to a full-time teaching position, which Fred complements with summers working at at Camp Yachad, a local day camp which he also finds extremely energizing and fulfilling.
What did he need to do to get up to speed on his teaching job?
One of the hardest parts of Fred’s job is keeping the students engaged. He has done research to find interactive ways to teach the kids about finance. One lesson he created was a 10 week virtual stock portfolio where the kids report back at the end of each week with what happened with their picks. They talk about companies, risk management and problem solving. It is a perfect way to integrate his skillset as a financial advisor while teaching kids real world financial skills they can take with them after graduation.
Fred also has found mentors at the school. Even though he is one of the older teachers there, he knows there is a lot for him to learn from the younger teachers who have been doing this work for a while.
What are the rewards of this new job?
Fred loves the energy that the school provides. The kids’ vivaciousness propels him and keeps him entertained throughout the day. He has a clearer head and much less stress than he had while working as a financial planner. “You can see that spark. You can tell when you have had an impact.” He sees small wins everyday. He also has learned from the kids. He says they have helped him consider different perspectives. He has a more open mind and has opened his mind to things he may not have thought about before.
It's evident that this career pivot was necessary, not only for him but for the kids who benefit from his brave choice to embark on a new career.
Fred’s advice for people considering a career change?
Just do it! His only regret is that he didn’t make the change sooner. He says “I pinch myself everyday”. It doesn’t get better than that.
