Teacher jobs are being lost at an alarming rate. In New Jersey alone, just at the end of this year, hundreds of teachers received pink slips on their way into summer vacation. And since this issue is widespread, the sad truth is that thousands of teachers are now finding themselves jobless.

So what are the options for a teacher who has been laid off? It may seem hopeless; after all, can you really compete with thousands of other educators for the few remaining education jobs? What makes matters worse is that it’s the tenured teachers with years of experience who are finding it hardest to obtain a new position. Principals would rather pay half the price for a teacher just out of school, or worse yet, one who has not even qualified for the position! For those teachers who refuse to stand by during the summer helplessly, there are options!

First off, for teachers who want to continue teaching, note that teacher jobs do not have to be positions in the Department of Education. Many parents seek tutors during the summer, and there’s no better tutor than a teacher. Tutoring can bring in extra money to help you deal with your job loss, and may even continue into the Fall.

Another option for those educators who can’t stay away from teaching is to teach at colleges and universities, as well as online campuses. While these types of jobs do not offer the same steady pay and benefits as a K-12 position, they do allow for a more flexible schedule. Additionally, some teachers find it more enjoyable working with a more mature audience.

In some cases, teachers find that they are so frustrated with their situation that they decide to leave teaching altogether. For these burnt out, stressed out teachers there are also many solutions. If being laid off made you feel free, then you’re probably ready for a new career. Consider things you’ve always loved doing, and take your time off in the summer to pursue them. You never know – by the end of summer, you may smile every time you read about budget cuts.

Finally, teachers always have the option of starting their own business. The benefits of starting a new business are that you no longer have to answer to anyone else. Anyone who has dealt with the bureaucracies of teaching knows that oftentimes the things you are asked to do make no sense. This is what makes teaching so stressful at times. Also, when you run your own business, you control what you make. You can work as hard, or as little as you want depending on your needs and goals. And best of all? No one can fire you!