My Journey from Full-Time Teacher to Business Owner: 3 Lessons I’ve Learned

Making the leap from full-time teaching to entrepreneurship was not something I had originally planned. It all started in 2019 when I created the Miss Estruch Biology YouTube channel to enhance the learning experience for my students. Fast forward four years, and I’ve built a successful business while enjoying the freedom to spend more time with my family. Today, I’ll share the three critical lessons I’ve learned throughout this journey that can inspire others looking to make a similar transition.

Lesson #1: Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability

One of the most significant changes from being a full-time teacher to a business owner is the level of flexibility I gained.

My insights:

• Launching a YouTube channel during maternity leave allowed me to start my business while adapting to the demands of motherhood.
• It was so important that I was flexible with my business model and content strategy as I learned what worked for my audience. I had to adapt my approach often and be willing to make mistakes in order to figure out what would work best. 
• The transition to part-time teaching was key for my long-term success. It allowed me to make money to put into my business and helped me create a venture that would be sustainable long-term. 

How have you adapted to changes in your career? Share your experiences or thoughts on flexibility in your work-life balance in the comments below!

Lesson #2: Time Management is Key to Avoid Burnout

The shift to running your own business can lead to the temptation to work excessively, especially when you’re passionate about what you do. Learning to manage my time effectively was a crucial lesson.

My insights:

• I initially struggled to work working evenings and holidays while also being a new parent to twins. This eventually led to burnout.
• I had to implement boundaries, like not working evenings and making time for self-care, which improved my quality of life and ability to continue my business.
• Some time management techniques that helped you maximize productivity without sacrificing personal time included time blocking and prioritizing. I did this by assigning tasks specific blocks of time throughout my day and by creating lists of urgent priorities and items that could be put off if needed. Additionally,  when I was financially able, I began to delegate items to an assistant. I was able to train them to take things off my plate without needing high levels of supervision, giving me time for my personal life or other business tasks I wanted to pursue. 

What time management strategies have you found helpful in your teaching or personal life? I’d love to hear your tips!

Lesson #3: The Importance of Community and Support

Transitioning to entrepreneurship can feel isolating, but building a network and seeking support has been invaluable.

My insights:

• Having a YouTube channel connected me to a broader community of educators and learners. This helped me feel less alone, as I knew others were working towards similar goals.
• One of the most important lessons I had to learn: you can't know everything, or do everything alone. Whether this means getting a coach or collaborating with other creators, it's important to reach out to others who can help you grow your business to new heights.
• I was also extremely lucky to have the support of my family, especially in finding the balance between work and home life. This wasn't an easy task and I'm so grateful for their love, even on nights that I had to prioritize building this business over leisure. 

Who do you lean on for support in your career? Let’s share our communities and build each other up!

In Conclusion:

Transitioning from teaching to running a business was undoubtedly challenging, but the lessons I learned along the way have been transformative. Embracing flexibility, mastering time management, and building a supportive community have all contributed to my success and happiness. If you’re considering making a similar leap, remember that it’s a journey worth taking!

If you’re keen to break free from the traditional teaching model, have more time for yourself and your family, and earn more while doing what you love, I offer coaching services designed just for you! Hit me up if you’re ready to take the first step towards your own business journey.

P.S. Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where I’ll discuss practical tips for "How to Prevent Burnout as a Teacher": Practical self-care tips for teachers to maintain balance.