Selecting tools after typing text

I place hundreds of pieces of text and rotate them in the work I do. I like to use keyboard shortcuts while doing this, so I don't have to switch between the keyboard and mouse while doing so much typing. The only problem I have with this is that after I type my text, and the cursor is still flashing in the placeholder, I cannot figure out a way to select any tool with the keyboard. I have to select a selection tool with the mouse so that the cursor goes away and the text is selected and can then be moved or rotated. Normally I can use option+a or option+v to get a selection tool, but when the cursor is in a text placeholder, it selects all or pastes instead of selecting a selection tool. I hope this makes sense. If anyone knows a trick for doing this, it would make my life so much easier.

Esc works in windows.

Thanks for the question and for the answer- this has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time.

I tried it in windows when i read the question, will try on my mac tonight when i get home.

Thank you!!!! Esc does work for Mac as well.