The Show Notes

If you love the idea of transitioning into instructional design, training, or even educational consulting, but you’re not quite ready to leave the classroom, you need to check out this episode. I’m sharing the 7 Reasons to start a side hustle in 2021!

1 - Grow in a New Direction

Teachers are life-long learners. If you’re craving something new, but are not exactly sure when you’ll be ready to make the change, starting a side hustle can be a great outlet. It will help you start exploring something new and give you time to figure out the details for your transition.

2 - Start Calling More of the Shots

If you’re tired of being told all the ways you can and can’t run your classroom, a side hustle is a perfect way to see what it’s like to be your own boss. Making your own decisions can be really empowering.

3 - Increase Your Stability

Navigating life in a pandemic continues to throw us so many curveballs. When there are so many decisions being made about your future that are not in your control, it feels good to have a backup plan. If you are a teacher who has had their income cut, a side hustle can be a great way to decrease your anxiety right now.

4 - Improve Your Marketability

Are you considering transitioning beyond the classroom? If you are, think about what’s on your current resume. Finding ways to mix up your experience is a great way to stand out among other applicants for jobs like instructional design. Don’t let your resume get filtered out and thrown into “the pile”.

5 - Starting a Side Hustle is Simpler Than You Think

Starting a side hustle may feel overwhelming simply because you’ve never done it before. How much do you charge? How do you invoice? How do you pay taxes? How do you find clients? These are all excellent questions. It’s not tricky and the start-up costs are super minimal-or have free options! You can find helpful answers to these questions in the Teacher Transition Membership!

6 - Increase Your Financial Security

Many teachers have families that depend on their insurance benefits. But if budget cuts change those types of plans, they can become unaffordable. The beauty of having your own business is that you get to set your own rates. When you are committed to delivering serious value, it will show and clients will be willing to pay.

Additionally, when you work for yourself, your workspace, your computer, a portion of your internet are all examples of tax write-offs you can benefit from.

7 - Pave Your Own Path

My mom used to say to me- “If you can dream it, we can do it.” Maybe it’s time for you to start putting action steps to ideas you’ve had over the years. What kinds of projects or opportunities are going to move you closer to your next job?

You likely have a ton of questions about how to actually do that. Like what would you even offer? How do you know it’s a great service or product? All of those answers and support are available in the membership as well!

Your Action Plan to Start a Side Hustle in 2021

If you’re ready to see what’s possible this year, even if you’re still in the classroom, here’s where you can focus to get started!

  1. Ask yourself: What do I want in a year from now? More control? Stability? Opportunities? Your answer to this question can clarify a lot!
  2. Don’t get caught up in the brainstorming and researching stage. This is not a full-time job. This is a place to explore, play, and learn. Nothing about it needs to be perfect.
  3. Take action! What’s the first part of your project where you need to learn more? Set aside time in your week to do that homework. Or just come join the Teacher Transition Membership so all your resources are in one place!

Could you use the extra support in taking the next step after the classroom?
Join the membership!

If you enjoyed this episode I invite you to take a screenshot and tag me on your Instagram stories @teachertransition and tell me your biggest takeaway!

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Resources Mentioned in the Show

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Ali Parrish

Educator Opportunities Expert

Ali went from teaching to ed-tech training, instructional design, learning strategy, project management and more. She now directs a learning resources and materials production agency.

She created Teacher Transition in an effort to help other teachers navigate their path confidently from the classroom to their next dream job. Ali cheers on educators for the amazing gifts they develop and contribute in the classroom and in the world far beyond the classroom.

What’s your superpower? Teaching.

Let her show you how you can put your skills to work in so many settings beyond the classroom.

Want to Be a Guest?

If you or someone you know is a teacher who has made the leap from the classroom to something beyond, we would love to hear your inspiring story!