My Big Shift: Why I Took a Teaching Job at 61

If you’ve seen my social media lately, you may already know this hot gossip; this fall, I’ve taken a part-time teaching position at Collège Boréal in Ottawa. I’m teaching two courses, and yes… I do already have a full plate.

Now you may be wondering, what is this crazy woman doing? Isn’t she busy enough as she is? That’s probably what my husband thought but wisely chose not to articulate.

So WHY am I doing this? Three reasons:

1. Because I believe in Social Entrepreneurship

I’m teaching courses on economics and social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship is something I care deeply about. It is something that I see rural women doing naturally, without even knowing it's a THING. And while I believe in it, I want to be involved in how we teach it because, frankly, I want to challenge the system.

In Canada, it’s still murky: Should social enterprises be non-profits? Can they be for-profit? Who gets to decide? We need better models — and I want to be part of the change.

2. Because it was a childhood dream

Full disclosure, I was that four-year old that forced her kittens to follow my classes, and I LOVED my Fisher-Price blackboard with the magnetic letters. Fall is my favourite time of year precisely because it meant we were back at school. Teaching has always been in me.

Now, at 61, I’m finally doing it.

3. Because I wanted a regular paycheque

Since we’re being transparent, let me go all the way: with the economic uncertainty that we are facing in Canada right now, I was looking for a steadier stream of income. While Business Sisters is holding its own as a social enterprise, sponsorship dollars are harder to come by. By choice, I have not drawn a salary from the organization this year.

So I took the job for financial stability. And I know many of you are making similar choices. I see some of you slowing down your plans to go "all in" with your business because you are concerned about the economy. I see entrepreneurial couples where one partner is picking up part-time work to help balance the risk. It is tough out there, and I want you to know you’re not alone.

What This Means for Business Sisters

This shift has forced me to do something hard: delegate.

Since leaving my previous company, Greenfield Services, I’ve resisted hiring help. Business Sisters has been “my baby” that I could manage with Heinz by my side. But teaching means I can’t do it all — and I’ve had to trust others.

Huge shoutout to Heinz (as always), plus Myriam, and Bridget for keeping things rolling while I learn to let go.

But don’t worry — I’m not going anywhere.

If anything, this new chapter is energizing me to build Business Sisters into an even stronger social enterprise — one that supports women in rural communities across Eastern Ontario and beyond.

So tell me — what’s shifted for you lately?

Business, life, mindset… I’d love to hear.

‍