I’ve created my own company! Never, not even in my wild fantasies, did I ever considered this as a remote possibility! Yet, that is exactly what I’ve done! While I’m still working on a “master plan” and the formation is in the infancy stage, but I am still pretty excited about the concept.
Over the past few months, I’ve been very fortunate to find some contract positions with a few edtech companies. While I’m not yet able to do a lot with these contracts (I’m still employed full time with my school district and have until June 31st before my retirement is official), I have started to bring in some projects and earn a bit of extra money.
Upon accepting these contracts as a freelancer, I was in a bit of a panic! How in the world was I to manage this? What did it mean to be a 1099 contractor? Could I make a living doing this? How would I juggle these contracts? Could I bring in enough income doing this? It made me dizzy and nauseous as these (and many more) questions swirled around my head! As someone who has worked as a W2 employee for nearly 35 years, the idea had me feeling quite overwhelmed!
Luckily, I’ve found some great support to help me on this journey to self-employment success. I am not sure how I would be able to tread this path without these wonderful guides!
LinkedIn has so many great resources and I have found some of the best supports here! (See more about some of the great resources/people I’ve found in my post “What’s Next?”) Finding support to begin my own freelance/contract company was easy!
**Disclaimer: These support sources are paid sites. I felt both were worth the investment at the time (and still do!) I am, in no way, getting payment or anything for sharing the sources here,(nor do they know I’m featuring them here!) but do feel compelled to share because they’ve been such a huge part of my own journey.
IDLance with Andrea McEneaney and Parker Grant
This past year, I connected with Andrea McEneaney and Parker Grant, co-founders of IDLance. These two incredibly talented individuals share frequent freelancing tips and tricks on their LinkedIn profiles! The tips are not only easy and fun to read (the humor in them is great!) but specific and supportive. In fact, I frequently save them and go back to review the tips often.
Several months ago, I checked out their IDLance website. This is a site where they house all their wisdom and pack that knowledge into lessons or modules. Upon my first visit, I found invaluable information for preparing and setting up my own freelancing business! I started with their free membership and worked myself through two modules (“Everybody Has to Start Somewhere” and “What You’re Missin'”) These modules are packed with so much practical and useful advice, and they are delivered with humor that will make you smile! I was instantly hooked, and chose to become a full member. I’ve worked many of the modules, often going back to them as my business develops.
They now have a monthly membership fee, which in my opinion, is so reasonable ($15 a month!). If you are thinking about becoming a freelance instructional designer (or contractor in learning and development), I definitely recommend you check it out!
Teacher Transition with Ali Parrish
I’ve mentioned this source before, but I have to bring it back up because it’s become it has become such an important part of my transition. Ali Parrish has a site called Teacher Transition. I’ve done several of her courses, and recently purchased a monthly membership. Now, Ali has many great resources, but what I really love about her is that she designs her courses and resources for people just like me! In fact, at time, I feel as if she designs them FOR ME!
Let me give you an example! When I got my second contracting position, I emailed Ali and told her how excited and nervous I was! Excited that I had found opportunities that aligned with my passion, but nervous and unsettled because they were contract (1099) positions. Although I had already started working through IDLance, I still needed additional support. Ali designed a course with my needs in mind! She also made herself available for coaching calls and chatS!
Ali is an incredible cheerleader and motivator. She’s easy to chat with and has walked the path I’ve taken! I’ve continued with a monthly membership because I like knowing that she’s developing resources that directly support her subscribers. She listens to worries, needs, wants and then pulls together the resources to help educators like me!
Ali has a weekly podcast that aligns with the monthly resources she creates. I would recommend starting with her podcasts! Then jump into her show notes, and visit her website! If you want to make a worthwhile investment for resources, coaching and support, then check out Teacher Transition and Ali Parrish!
Starting a new path, a new career, a new business is stressful and challenging! I’m still totally in that transition stage, and continue to rely heavily on the support and resources of others! Its nice to know I’m not alone and there are people out there who want to help!
Please feel free to reach out to me! I’m no expert, but I’m learning a lot and willing to share my sage advice! Open document settingsOpen publish panel
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More than a Teacher 
Good morning! I’m looking to transition from the classroom to something new! Where do I start! I watched Alli’s initial video and am interested in her course. I just don’t know if it’s appropriate if I’m not sure that’s the direction I’m going. Do you have any other insight into figuring out options for veteran teachers moving out??
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Karen, I completely understand! I felt the same way. I used Ali’s course as a springboard to see what was out there! She gives such personal attention and has a great group working with her!
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