In this blog post, I want to share my story about why I left public education, how I made that transition, and what has happened over the last ten years since then. This post is a bit different from my usual content, where I typically focus on teaching strategies or test preparation. Today, I'm opening up about my journey, and I hope it resonates with those of you considering a similar path.
The Decision to Leave
I officially left public education in January 2015, after serving as an assistant principal for three years. At the time, I was thrilled to have secured the job I'd always wanted. I had worked hard to lobby for the position, earned the necessary certifications, and was enrolled in a doctoral program. My husband, daughter, and I even moved to a beautiful stilt house near the beach, which we could afford at the time.
However, within just a few months, I found myself reflecting deeply during long walks on the beach. I started to feel that the demands of my job were taking a toll on my mental health. While I loved being an assistant principal, the role came with far more responsibilities than I had anticipated. I was always working, often attending school events at night and dealing with difficult disciplinary issues that revealed the harsh realities many students faced.
A Personal Crisis
Looking back, I realize I was experiencing a personal crisis—a kind of nervous breakdown. The emotional weight of my job became overwhelming, as I witnessed the struggles of my students firsthand. The stories of abuse, deportation, and trauma were heart-wrenching, and I felt helpless. The beach that once inspired me began to feel like a reminder of the life I was missing out on with my family.
In a moment of clarity, I decided to take a leap of faith and leave my job. I’ve always been someone who jumps in headfirst, so I didn’t dwell on the risks. I envisioned myself as a professional development consultant, helping educators thrive in their careers. However, one of my fellow assistant principals dismissed my ambition, saying, "Why would we hire you? We hire experts." That comment cut deep but ignited a fire within me.
Overcoming Doubts
When you make a decision like this, you'll encounter what I call "unintentional soul suckers"—people who project their fears and doubts onto you. Questions about insurance, job security, and the potential for failure flooded my mind, but I knew I had to ignore the naysayers. If you're considering leaving public education or any stable job, be cautious about who you share your plans with. Often, you won't receive the encouragement you're hoping for.
After much thought, I officially resigned in December 2014. We could no longer afford our beach house and had to move to a small apartment, relying solely on my husband's teacher salary. He was supportive but understandably skeptical. However, I was determined to make this work.
Building My Business
In the beginning, starting a business felt like treading water in a vast ocean—I didn't know where to begin. I tried everything from creating a YouTube channel to hosting online classes. I even provided interview preparation for aspiring assistant principals. Initially, it was slow-going, but I kept pushing forward.
Despite my efforts, I had a rocky reputation in the local education community due to my outspoken criticism of district policies and involvement in the opt-out movement. I knew this might affect my opportunities, but I pressed on, determined to create a company that aligned with my values.
I set a small, achievable goal: to earn $50 a week consistently. While that wasn't much, it gave me a sense of direction and purpose. I opted to forgo health insurance temporarily, relying on my husband’s coverage, which eased some financial pressure.
The Turning Point
It was during this time that a former student’s parent reached out to me for help preparing for the ACT. Though I hesitated at first, I recognized that this could be a way to supplement my income. I began tutoring him, and as word spread through his father’s network, I started to build a clientele.
As I continued working on professional development and ACT/SAT prep, I realized that I was finding my niche. Though my original vision was broader, I embraced this new direction. Fast forward 10 years—now I run a thriving business that not only supports our family but also helps educators across the country. It hasn’t been a straight path; there have been failures, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But I’m proud to say that by taking the leap, I’ve built a life I love.
Leaving public education was one of the most challenging and transformative decisions of my life. It required resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to confront my fears. Looking back, I can confidently say that taking that leap was worth it.
If you're contemplating a similar journey, remember to believe in yourself and stay true to your vision. There will always be challenges, but with perseverance and passion, you can carve out a new path.
