I left my teaching job for Costco and now have a higher paying corporate position. I feel secure in my current role.

I left my teaching job for Costco and now have a higher paying corporate position. I feel secure in my current role.

Finding a Lifelong Career at Costco: From Burnout to Contentment

Costco

As-told-to essay based on a conversation with Maggie Perkins, a 30-year-old former teacher from Atlanta, Georgia who now works at the Costco corporate office in Washington state. Edited for length and clarity.


I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. It was my dream job, until the day I realized I was burnt out after eight fulfilling years. Little did I know that my true calling would be found within the giant walls of a Costco warehouse.

Teaching was a rewarding experience for me. Witnessing children’s “aha” moments and helping them piece together knowledge was incredibly fulfilling. The joy of seeing them grasp new concepts was immeasurable.

As a teacher, I believed in fostering creativity rather than enforcing strict rules. One of my students once created an Instagram account from the perspective of a soldier during the Vietnam War, using historical photos. Another student performed an interpretive trapeze routine to demonstrate color theory. My approach as an educator was to facilitate creativity and provide a platform for students to explore their interests.

Sadly, the extra responsibilities began piling up. Committees, students with behavioral problems, and the never-ending planning for field trips consumed my time. It seemed like every time I caught my breath, something else was added to my plate. I soon discovered this was a common experience among teachers.

Beyond the classroom, the unpaid work took up more of my time than actual teaching. As an experienced teacher with a master’s degree, I found it disheartening that my salary of $47,000 a year didn’t reflect the dedication and effort I put into my job.

When I decided to leave teaching in 2022, a new Costco was opening in my town. I saw it as an opportunity for temporary work while I figured out my next career move, possibly in education-related fields. However, as the summer progressed, I realized Costco had something more to offer.

Unlike many other workplaces, Costco had a clear career ladder to climb. Seizing the chance, I transitioned from a seasonal worker to a corporate trainer at Costco. My role now involves creating marketing content and materials, organizing training events, and even traveling to different warehouses. It’s the perfect blend of teaching and content creation, and it pays 50% more than my teaching job.

Working at Costco has been a breath of fresh air compared to the educational field. I started at the membership desk, which was labor-intensive due to the store being new in town. Later, I transitioned to the front-end cashier position. What struck me the most was the support and trust I received from my supervisor. When I shared customer interactions, my experiences were believed and valued.

One aspect I appreciated in both teaching and working at Costco was the variety in my daily tasks. It kept things interesting and allowed me to always feel engaged. Interestingly, I never expected any school to be the place I’d spend my entire professional life, but Costco has provided that sense of security and comfort that I had longed for.

My journey from leaving teaching to finding contentment at Costco has not gone unnoticed. I share my experiences and insights on TikTok, where I have gathered over 120,000 followers. It has been incredibly gratifying to connect with other former and current teachers who are also facing burnout. Together, we understand each other in a way that others might not.

Leaving teaching was not without its challenges. For so long, my identity and worth were defined by my career as a teacher. Untangling myself from that association has been difficult. In a culture that places a high value on productivity and careers, finding new ways to value myself has been crucial. Taking a job that truly recognizes and values me has been a stepping stone toward that journey.

In conclusion, my decision to leave teaching and join Costco may have been unexpected, but it has been the best career move I could have made. The sense of safety and comfort I feel at Costco is unparalleled. It’s a place where I can grow professionally, explore my passion for teaching, and be appreciated for my contributions. Farewell burnout, hello contentment.