Trading Chalkboards For Checkouts: How One Teacher's Shift To Costco Paid Off

A former teacher, after dedicating nearly a decade to the classroom, decided to switch over to retail.

After eight years in education, Maggie Perkins felt the mounting pressures of administrative duties. The challenges of teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic pushed her to consider alternative career paths.

In search of a fresh start, and with offers from Costco Wholesale Corporation COST and Amazon Inc. AMZN on the table, Perkins told CNBC that she opted for Costco, swayed by an employee-friendly reputation and growth prospects.

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"I worked 60 hours a week and put in tons of unpaid overtime. Between administrative pressures, testing requirements, and the endurance required to teach during the height of the pandemic, I was exhausted. I felt like I lacked purpose," Perkins said. 

Initially joining the memberships team at a new Athens, Georgia outlet, her earnings were slightly below her teaching income.
"At first, I made $18.50 an hour — a little less than what I earned as a teacher. I put in 40-hour workweeks, five days a week, and got a $1-per-hour raise when I hit 1,000 hours," CNBC quoted her saying.

However, a shift to the bakery department during a bout of laryngitis rekindled her professional passion. But the real game-changer came when she crossed paths with the marketing training team.

Recognizing an opportunity to blend her teaching skills in a corporate setting, Perkins transitioned to Costco's headquarters in Issaquah, Washington.

As a content developer and marketing trainer, she now crafts educational materials on company policies and customer service, earning a salary comparable to a seasoned teacher with 15 years of experience.

Perkins underscores the significance of work-life balance. While she remains committed during work hours, she ensures her personal life remains untouched, dedicating time to her family and personal interests.

"My work is no longer my identity. I put energy into my job when I’m there, and I leave work at the office. When I come home, I’m present and able to spend time with my family doing what I love, like being outdoors," Perkins added. 

Despite their dedication, inadequate resources often lead to professional fatigue. Her counsel to others? Set clear boundaries, understand your worth, and be open to redefining success.

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This story is part of a series of features on the subject of success, Benzinga Inspire.

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Image: Pixabay