I quit my job as a teacher after 6 years to work in tech sales. I make $20,000 more, have greater flexibility in my day, and am so much happier now.

• Holly Acre was an elementary school teacher for six years before she left the profession in 2020.
• She now works in tech sales, where she makes $20,000 more, works from home, and has greater work flexibility.
• "There were always things being added to our plate, but nothing was ever taken away," she said.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Holly Acre, a former teacher who now works in tech sales. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I got into teaching because I love sharing what I know and I love helping people, so it just seemed natural. Career tests in college all pointed to teaching. My mother was also a teacher, and I think I wanted to be like her, too.