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A Little Story: What Teaching Taught Me
A Little Story: What Teaching Taught Me
At last week’s event, several people asked me: “So… how’s the teaching going?”
(If you hadn’t heard my latest news about taking on a part-time teaching position, read about it here)
Without thinking, I laughed and said: “Oh, you know what they say — be careful what you wish for!”
It hit me right then: I am living an old dream — teaching at the college level — and I’m loving it. But it has come with a few humbling surprises.
Honestly? It’s felt a lot like being a brand new entrepreneur all over again:
“Wait — I didn’t know I’d have to learn THAT...”
“Oh wow — this is a lot more work than I imagined…”
Between mastering a new learning platform, reading all the assigned materials, and designing activities to keep students engaged (because no one wants boring theory), I’ve had to face a very similar curve to the one our newbie Business Sisters experience.
And it reminded me of two important things:
1. Ego, sit down.
Even after 27 years as an entrepreneur, I needed to start fresh — and feel what it’s like to not know what I’m doing. I didn’t realize how much I needed that reminder — to lead with empathy, not assumptions.
2. Fear, you’re loud — but not always right.
I told you in my last note that I took this teaching job for more financial stability.
And yes, like many of you, I let the fear-mongering headlines get to me:
“The economy is collapsing! Times are hard! Brace yourself!”
So I went looking for something “guaranteed.”
And while I don’t regret the decision (I truly love teaching), I now realize I was distracted by fear instead of focused on what I already had. Not to say the economy isn’t worrisome, but sometimes we need to shut off the news and do our thing.
Would I do it again? The teaching, that is? Yes — but maybe one course, not two. And not back-to-back. On the same day. (Seriously, what was I thinking?)
What about you?
Ever said yes to something you thought you wanted… only to be handed a surprise lesson (or five) along the way?
Hit reply and tell me — I’d love to hear.
Doreen
A Little Story: What Teaching Taught Me
At last week’s event, several people asked me: “So… how’s the teaching going?”
(If you hadn’t heard my latest news about taking on a part-time teaching position, read about it here)
Without thinking, I laughed and said: “Oh, you know what they say — be careful what you wish for!”
It hit me right then: I am living an old dream — teaching at the college level — and I’m loving it. But it has come with a few humbling surprises.
Honestly? It’s felt a lot like being a brand new entrepreneur all over again:
“Wait — I didn’t know I’d have to learn THAT...”
“Oh wow — this is a lot more work than I imagined…”
Between mastering a new learning platform, reading all the assigned materials, and designing activities to keep students engaged (because no one wants boring theory), I’ve had to face a very similar curve to the one our newbie Business Sisters experience.
And it reminded me of two important things:
1. Ego, sit down.
Even after 27 years as an entrepreneur, I needed to start fresh — and feel what it’s like to not know what I’m doing. I didn’t realize how much I needed that reminder — to lead with empathy, not assumptions.
2. Fear, you’re loud — but not always right.
I told you in my last note that I took this teaching job for more financial stability.
And yes, like many of you, I let the fear-mongering headlines get to me:
“The economy is collapsing! Times are hard! Brace yourself!”
So I went looking for something “guaranteed.”
And while I don’t regret the decision (I truly love teaching), I now realize I was distracted by fear instead of focused on what I already had. Not to say the economy isn’t worrisome, but sometimes we need to shut off the news and do our thing.
Would I do it again? The teaching, that is? Yes — but maybe one course, not two. And not back-to-back. On the same day. (Seriously, what was I thinking?)
What about you?
Ever said yes to something you thought you wanted… only to be handed a surprise lesson (or five) along the way?
Hit reply and tell me — I’d love to hear.
Doreen
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