This study explores the challenges experienced by teachers who transitioned from education to non-teaching industries. Using a qualitative narrative inquiry approach, the study examined the personal stories of ten former teachers in Manila, Philippines who shifted into various non-educational careers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand the difficulties they faced throughout the transition process. The findings revealed that participants encountered financial instability, heavy workloads, emotional exhaustion, and limited career growth while still in teaching. During the transition, they struggled to adapt to new work environments, adjust to corporate culture, address skills gaps, manage emotional stress, and navigate unclear job expectations and unfamiliar social dynamics. After entering their new roles, participants continued to face professional identity loss, emotional adjustment difficulties, cultural differences, social isolation, job stress, and uncertainty. The study highlights the complex emotional and professional struggles that educators experience when changing careers. Based on these findings, the study recommends that teacher education programs incorporate career adaptability and transferable skills training to better prepare teachers for both educational and non-educational roles. It also recommends that educational institutions, including the Department of Education, strengthen support systems such as mentoring, counseling, and clearer career advancement pathways to improve teacher retention and address the root causes of attrition.

Keywords: teacher attrition, career shift, professional identity, career transition, non-education industry, narrative inquiry