Finding Balance in Transitioning from One High School to Another

After more than two decades at Northern Burlington (New Jersey) County Regional School District, it would have been easy to stay. The relationships built over 21 years – the students, colleagues, coaches and community – were more than professional connections; they were part of a daily rhythm that had shaped both a career and a life.

However, in 2025, the opportunity came to join Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) as its athletic director – a move that promised not only professional growth, but something even more important: time.

Transitions in education, particularly in leadership roles, are often viewed solely through the professional lens as new challenges, new initiatives, new programs. Yet, behind every administrative move is a person, a family, and a set of personal priorities that deserve equal consideration. This transition became as much about taking care of myself and my family as it was about continuing to serve students and staff in a meaningful way.

The Professional Shift
Stepping into a new school after 21 years brings both comfort and uncertainty. The comfort lies in experience – the systems, the problem-solving mindset and the understanding of how athletic programs strengthen school culture. The uncertainty comes from the simple reality of change. Every district has its own rhythm, traditions and personalities. Learning those dynamics while maintaining momentum in athletic programming requires humility and patience.

At Northern Burlington, the years were filled with meaningful initiatives, program development and countless moments of shared success. Leaving that behind was not about dissatisfaction – it was about recognizing a different kind of growth opportunity. GCIT offered a unique environment: a career and technical high school with a vibrant student body, passionate staff, and a clear commitment to student engagement through athletics and activities. The transition became less about starting over and more about translating experience into a new context.

The Personal Impact of Professional Choices
For many in the field, the demands of educational leadership can blur the boundaries between work and personal life. Long hours, night games, weekend tournaments, and constant communication are part of the job description. Over time, those expectations can crowd out the very balance that sustains great leadership.

For years, my commute consumed close to two additional hours each day. That’s 10 hours a week – time that could be spent connecting with family, attending my own children’s events or simply taking a breath. The move to GCIT not only shortened that commute, it symbolized a broader mindset shift: the idea that professional success should not come at the expense of personal well-being.

Too often, educators and athletic administrators remind their staff and students to “find balance,” yet fail to apply that same advice to themselves. The decision to make a change, after so many years of consistency, was a conscious effort to model what it means to prioritize both purpose and health.

Reinvesting Energy Where It Matters Most
In just the first few months at GCIT, the energy of being new again reignited a professional spark that sometimes dims under routine. Learning new systems, connecting with unfamiliar coaches, and understanding the culture of a career and technical high school all provided a sense of renewal.

Equally important, the personal benefits were immediate. The shorter commute meant being present for more family dinners, more games and more moments that cannot be rescheduled. It also provided time for reflection, something many school leaders unintentionally sacrifice.

The result? More clarity. More patience. More capacity to lead.

Lessons for Leaders Considering Change
Every transition carries both challenge and opportunity. For those contemplating a professional move, whether across the state or simply across town, it helps to ask not just what’s next for the job, but what’s next for you.

Some lessons from this journey may resonate with others in the profession:

• Be honest about your priorities. Career growth is valuable, but so is time, health and family presence.

• Recognize when familiarity becomes comfort. Staying too long in one place can lead to professional stagnation, even when things are going well.

• Understand that transitions take time. Building trust and culture doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s the most rewarding part of the process.

• Practice the self-care you preach. Leaders often promote balance for others; they should live it themselves.

A Renewed Perspective
Six weeks into the role at GCIT, the excitement of learning and connecting hasn’t faded. The staff has been welcoming, the students inspiring, and the opportunity to contribute to a thriving school community deeply fulfilling. But beyond the professional satisfaction lies something simpler: a sense of peace that comes from aligning one’s work with one’s life.

Leadership in education is demanding. Athletic administrators, in particular, live in constant motion – managing events, supporting students and solving problems. But even in that fast-paced environment, there’s room for reflection and renewal. Sometimes, the best professional decision is also the best personal one.

This transition was not just about changing schools – it was about redefining what it means to lead well. And that begins, always, with taking care of the person doing the leading.

Dan Uszaki, Ed.D., CMAA, is athletic director at Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) in Sewell, New Jersey.