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August 6, 2025 20 mins

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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

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