The Fifth Trade Podcast

This week, Reed and Kaitlyn talk with Dina, one of the co-founders of Edxit, a professional community for current and former teachers exploring opportunities outside of education. Join us as Dina shares the literal and figurative cost of teaching, and the mounting pressure that eventually led her to make her "edxit" to a more balanced, fulfilling career in community management and marketing. 

Reed's Dad served the United States in several capacities through the latter half of the 20th century, including as a B-52 navigator and nuclear  bombardier in the U.S. Air Force during Vietnam and the Cold War, a top secret U.S. military defense contractor engineer circa 1980s, and a computer science and calculus (among other difficult subjects) teacher in the 90s to the present day. In addition to his other endeavors, Rodney spent over 20 years as an educator and has a compelling story to tell about the many lives he has influenced through his teaching, research, and publications on science, philosophy, religion, genealogy, history, and more. Thanks for listening. 

An ever-changing environment in society and in education is leading to a large exodus from the teaching profession, and has fostered division in school district communities. Disruptor Stephanie made the big decision to run for school board to make a difference, and give the board back to the community it represents. A note to listeners from Kaitlyn: While school board meetings and elections have become increasingly politicized and thereby divisive in recent years, we found it important to share Stephanie's story on The Fifth Trade Podcast. Stephanie and I, and I'm sure many of you, share different politics and views when it comes to some of the day's top issues. But, there is value in coming together for conversation and to seek common ground with elected representatives. I encourage listeners who have a different viewpoint than Stephanie to listen to this episode, and reach out to her to continue the conversation.

Tune in for more fantastic episodes of the Fifth Trade Podcast. 

Kaitlyn and Reed talk to Brittany, who shares her story of a husband and wife, both coaches, navigating the profession while caring for their family. Brittany shares her experience overcoming the sunk cost fallacy in her exit from education, staying home with a medically complex child, her triumph in achieving employment in the private sector as a recruiter, and a wealth of advice for transitioning teachers. 

Reed and Kaitlyn talk to Phil, a former elementary school teacher who traded in the keys to his classroom for the keys to a (police) cruiser. Phil talks about juggling fatherhood, military service, and the demands of being a teacher, how his daughter and a "Bucket of Guilt"™ influenced his decision to leave the classroom, and how he used the skills and commitment to serving others he honed as a teacher to become a better police officer.    Note: We experienced issues that impact Reed's audio in this episode, and make him a little hard to hear. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience as we grow and learn our new audio tools to bring you the best version of the Fifth Trade podcast! 

This week, Reed and Kaitlyn talk to Matt, a former assistant principal in Texas, who is now a corporate recruiter. Matt talks about his transition from coaching to administration, how he was pulled (literally) into education, when he knew he'd be leaving, and the challenge of hitting "pause" to finally move forward. 

Reed and Kait are back with a bonus episode this July 4th holiday week that's sure to spark some excitement: we're talking all things comp(ensation)! Compensation can be taboo to talk about, so if you've had questions you've wanted answered on the subject as you prepare to put the 'former' in 'former teacher,' join the Fifth Trade Podcast as we demystify the dollars, cents, and benefits that may makeup your new salary. If we didn't answer all of your burning questions in this bonus episode, drop us a note with your questions at fifthtradepodcast@gmail.com! Our opinions are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers. 

Rachel joins the Fifth Trade podcast this week to talk trading teaching for tech, and the catalyst that pushed her to leave the classroom mid-year. In her search for a more sustainable career that would empower her as a mom, wife, and professional, Rachel tells listeners what she found in tech, and lessons learned along the way.  

Kaitlyn, co-host of The Fifth Trade Podcast and former secondary assistant principal in Texas, shares what drove her to leave education in 2019 and how her career in the corporate world... took flight! 

Reed, co-host of The Fifth Trade Podcast and former secondary assistant principal in Texas, tells his ed-xit story and shares his journey to an exciting new role in the private sector.