A Day in the Life of Running My Own Business as a Former Teacher: A personal look at my daily schedule and routines

teach & tell Nov 13, 2024
A Day in the Life of Running My Own Business as a Former Teacher

Curious what a day might look like for a former teacher who’s now a business owner? I’ve found myself building a routine that’s productive, flexible, and fulfilling—very different from my days in the classroom, but still grounded in the same passion for helping students and teachers succeed. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my daily schedule, how I juggle batch filming, tutoring, content creation, and more, plus a few rituals that help keep me balanced.

Morning Routine: The Grounding Start

Every day starts with family time, specifically, getting my twins ready and taking them to nursery. Once I’m back, I take a few quiet moments to settle in with a strong cup of coffee and tackle my inbox at around 8 a.m. This is when I lay out my priorities for the day, checking emails and adjusting my schedule as needed. Mornings are when I feel most focused and energized, so I dive into my most demanding tasks during this time, setting myself up for a productive day.

The Weekly Flow: Structuring My Days

Each day of my workweek is dedicated to specific tasks to keep me focused and on track. Here’s how my week generally looks:

Monday & Tuesday – Creativity Days
Mondays and Tuesdays are all about resource creation. Whether I’m crafting lesson plans, developing resources for teachers, or brainstorming new project ideas, these are the days I fully immerse myself in creating. I also use this time to learn new skills, work on professional development, and, of course, stay on top of emails.

Wednesday – Filming & Tutoring
Wednesday is my YouTube day! I batch film videos to make the most of my setup and keep my content consistent for my viewers. In the afternoons, I transition to tutoring, working with students one-on-one to reinforce their understanding and address any challenges they’re facing.

Thursday – Live Teaching
Thursdays are interactive and lively. I teach live sessions in The Biology Study Club and go live on social media, bringing a real-time teaching vibe to my week. These sessions allow me to connect directly with students and share practical advice. In the afternoon, I tutor, staying connected with individual student needs.

Friday – Content Day
On Fridays, I create and edit social media content to make sure everything’s ready for the coming week. Whether I’m filming quick tips, recording tutorials, or scheduling posts, this day helps me stay organized and consistent with my online presence.

Midday Reset: Finding Balance

After a full morning, I pause for lunch. Typically, it’s a homemade meal accompanied by a warm cup of tea and some downtime with a good book or a favorite TV show. Some days, I’ll step out for a 40-minute walk to recharge or take care of some household tasks. These little breaks give me the mental space to stay fresh and focused for the rest of the day.

Afternoons: Focused Flexibility

My afternoons are devoted to tasks that don’t demand peak focus, like meetings, more tutoring sessions, or sometimes a gym session for a bit of physical reset. Some days are dedicated to professional development, letting me hone my skills and stay updated on the latest teaching strategies and business techniques. By late afternoon, it’s time to pick up my twins from nursery, and from there, my focus shifts entirely to family and self-care.

Reflections on Entrepreneurship

This routine has helped me build a balanced, efficient, and engaging work-life that I truly enjoy. Being an entrepreneur gives me the freedom and flexibility I had always hoped for, allowing me to shape my days around what matters most to me. If you’re considering a similar leap, know that there are ways to make it work for you. I’d love to support and encourage anyone exploring this path—because, while every day may look a little different, the possibilities are incredibly rewarding.

In Conclusion

This is what a day in the life of running my own business looks like. It’s structured yet flexible, demanding but fulfilling, and filled with the small wins that come with working on my own terms. Thanks for joining me behind the scenes!