When you became an educator, you knew it was because deep down there was something calling you, pulling you to this path. Sure, the money isn’t great, but you figured it would at least be enough to sustain you through adulthood to retirement. And anyway, you wanted to make a huge difference in the world, to leave a mark.

What better way to do that than through working with children?

So to even find yourself here, on my website, reading articles about leaving the education system can feel overwhelming. People who don’t know us, who don’t understand how deeply we care about our craft, haven’t the slightest clue why it’s so hard to leave a job even though you’re exhausted. Even though your family and friends rarely see you because they’ve been reduced to second or third place to everybody in your school building.

You still continue to stick it out. For the kids? Or is it just fear of leaving?

But then one day you found yourself searching for ways to get out of the system. So here you are. Welcome. You’re here because you want to know what your options are. You’ve thought about starting your own business but are unsure if that’s the path for you.

Embarking on the journey from educator to entrepreneur is a rollercoaster of emotions. If you've ever felt the paradox of desiring change while fearing the unknown, you're not alone. In this blog I want to offer you an emotional roadmap for navigating the inevitable highs and lows, allowing you to transform these challenges into stepping stones toward your new path.

The Comfort Zone: Education’s Double-Edged Sword

Stability in education can be both a comfort zone and a trap. You've got a predictable paycheck, health benefits, and perhaps even tenure. While comforting, this stability can stifle your professional growth and passion for exploring new avenues. Now listen, I’m certainly not saying leave your job in the middle of the school year. In fact, I do not condone it. But I do want you to consider that this comfort zone you think you’ve built for yourself is in fact smothering you and preventing you from dreaming again, from living out loud, from enjoying this next phase of your life. For people like you who need to be doing something that has meaning and purpose, if you continue to force yourself to stay at a place where you’re no longer growing, it can become too painful to bear and the stress will start to consume you internally even if you try to hide it externally.

Stability vs. Stagnation: Where Do You Stand?

Do you feel stuck even with job security? You might have a "safe" job, but if it's inhibiting your growth and clouding your true passions, the stability becomes stagnation. Teacher burnout rates and attrition tell us that the emotional toll is real, even in the perceived "safety" of a steady job.

Separation Anxiety: Leaving Your ‘Second Home’

The school environment often becomes a second home. It's natural to feel a deep emotional attachment to your colleagues, students, and even the classroom you've spent years in. Recognize that it's okay to mourn this loss while still wanting more from your career.

Fear of the Unknown: What Lies Beyond the School Walls?

This fear can serve as a roadblock or a catalyst. The uncertainty of entrepreneurship can be overwhelming, but it can also be the very motivation you need to take that first step outside of your comfort zone. And the good news is, when you connect with other educators who have already been where you’re trying to go, who have already started their own business, your fear will start to disappear because you realize if they can do it, so can you. You are far more capable then you give yourself credit for.

Peer Pressure and Social Expectations

Your decision won't just affect you; it will be scrutinized by your circle of influence. Colleagues may not understand, and friends may question your choices. These social pressures add another layer to your emotional state. Be encouraged, not everyone is meant to go with you on your new journey. Don’t expect everyone to understand what was placed in your heart to accomplish. Too often, the people closest to you will be the ones to discourage you because they are afraid to dream out loud. But you are not. You’re different. Don’t dim your light nor keep your ideas in a file on your laptop because you’re concerned about what other people will think. Instead, surround yourself with people who understand and will support what you’re wanting to build.

The ‘What Will People Say’ Syndrome

There's an innate fear of societal judgment when we make drastic career changes. Your emotional well-being may hinge on overcoming this fear, freeing you from societal expectations. Instead of thinking about what other people will say, think about how you will feel about yourself if you don’t at least give yourself the space to try.

Are you looking for support to start building your online business? Click here to schedule your free discovery call to learn about my exclusive online program, Breaking Free: From Educator To Entrepreneur.