All Episodes

August 6, 2025 20 mins

Send us a text

What can a sci-fi comedy teach us about burnout, imposter syndrome, and teacher career transitions? A lot, actually. In this episode, Vanessa Jackson—former educator turned career transition coach—dives into Galaxy Quest to explore how pretending can lead to reality, why martyrdom in teaching needs to end, and how your “teacher skills” translate far beyond the classroom.

This episode is for every educator who’s ever felt like the “plucky comic relief,” every burned-out teacher who wonders if it’s too late to start over, and everyone who needs a reminder that belief—especially borrowed belief—can be a lifeline.

Takeaways

  • A new lens on impostor syndrome (and how it might be your launchpad)
  • Reflections on teacher martyrdom and how to break the cycle
  • Concrete ways your teaching experience translates into other careers
  • A sci-fi-inspired call to reclaim your identity and write your next chapter

 

💻 Helpful Links & Resources:

  • 💬 Book a free Discovery Call with Vanessa: teachersintransition.com/calendar
  • 📺 Watch Galaxy Quest: Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies
  • 🎧 Missed Episode #261 on Rejection Resilience? Click here to listen

 

📌 Keywords
teacher burnout, teacher transition, Galaxy Quest, imposter syndrome, career change for teachers, transferable skills for educators, leave teaching, second career, job search for teachers, inspirational podcast for teachers, sci-fi self-help, never give up never surrender, educational career coaching

👋Connect with and Follow Vanessa
📧 Email: Vanessa@teachersintransition.com
📞 Text or Leave a Voicemail: 512-640-9099
📅 Book a Free Discovery Session: teachersintransition.com/calendar
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vanessajackson78132
📷 Instagram & Threads: @teachers.in.transition
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565671792885
🌤️ Bluesky: @beyondteaching.bsky.social
    X (Twitter): @EduExitStrategy

I need your help!

Please share this podcast with someone that you think might like what it has to say – many teachers are aching to find a way to a new career.  You can help them. People find new podcasts mostly because they’ve been recommended by someone they know.   

 

The transcript to this podcast is found on the episode’s homepage at Buzzspout

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Are You A Charlotte?

Are You A Charlotte?

In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.