My Journey From Primary Teacher To Self-Employed Mum-preneur
After a decade of wrangling tiny humans in primary schools, and after a lot of soul searching, I decided to take the leap and swapped my teacher’s planner for a to-do list with satisfying checkboxes of my own making. I abandoned the reliable monthly wage slip and instead embraced the exhilarating unknown of self-employment. Here’s why.
Freedom & Flexibility: Unshackled At Last!
As a teacher, my day was governed by the tyranny of the school bell. From the morning register to the final ring that signalled sweet release, my schedule was a non-negotiable block of immovable periods. But now? I answer to no bell but my own! I set my own hours, which means if I want to start my day at 10 am with a leisurely breakfast rather than a hurried gulp of coffee, I can. And let’s not even talk about those blissful mid-morning dog walks that were once but a distant dream.
Family Time: No More Guilt Trips
Juggling teaching and family life often felt like spinning plates while riding a unicycle. Every parent’s evening and after-school club duty was a dagger in the heart of my own family time. Now, I get to schedule my work around my family’s needs. Weekend marking marathons? A thing of the past. Instead, I’m fully present for every treasured moment.
The Pay Conundrum: Too Much Effort, Too Little Reward
Teaching is a labour of love, but let’s face it—the pay does not match the effort. After ten years, the once reliable pay rise, already more like a polite pat on the back than a hearty handshake, actually disappeared completely (boy, was that a slap in the face!). Meanwhile, my to-do list grew longer, and my enthusiasm for those (shrinking!) modest paychecks grew shorter. Self-employment, on the other hand, dangled the tantalising carrot of limitless earning potential. Sure, it was scary, but the idea that my income could reflect the actual blood, sweat, and tears I put into my work was downright exhilarating. I have not regretted my decision for a moment.
Ceiling? What Ceiling?
In teaching, there’s a clear (and very low) ceiling on how much you can earn. Even with extra responsibilities and leadership roles, the pay hikes were minimal. Now, the sky’s the limit! With every new project and client, I have the chance to grow my income and skills in ways that were never possible in the classroom.
A Relentless Learner’s Paradise
I love learning. Ironically, the demands of teaching left little room for my own educational pursuits. Since diving into the world of self-employment, I’ve picked up so many new skills—some I didn’t even know existed! Whether it’s mastering social media marketing, dabbling in graphic design, or even learning the nuances of tax returns (okay, maybe not the most exciting skill, but still!), I’m constantly growing. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and apply it creatively in my work.
Creative Fulfilment: Teaching Plus, Minus The Red Tape
In teaching, I often felt like a cog in a very large, bureaucratic machine. Creativity was encouraged, sure, but only within very strict confines. Now, I get to use my skill set in ways that are not only creative but also deeply fulfilling. From developing bespoke content for clients to designing workshops and courses, my creativity is no longer stifled by curriculum constraints and administrative red tape.
The Bottom Line
Leaving teaching was a monumental decision, but it was the right one. Self-employment is a rollercoaster ride, full of highs and lows, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The freedom to control my time, the flexibility around my family, the potential for better earnings, and the joy of constant learning and creative expression make it all worthwhile. To all my fellow teachers pondering a similar leap—come on in, the water’s fine!
And remember, if you ever need someone to help with homework, you know where to find me—just not before 10 am. Cheers!
Thank you Becky for sharing your journey from Primary Teaching to entrepreneurship, it’s wonderful to hear how much you are enjoying your new venture with Sleep Nanny.
There are lots of amazing franchises to explore, as teachers you have multiple skills that make you a very strong franchisee. If you get immense pleasure from working with children and their parents then a Sleep Nanny franchise could be a good fit for you.
For more details, visit their website: Sleep Nanny
