Why I Left Teaching to Become a Freelance Writer

I worked my way up to becoming a professor, and then I walked away from it.

Not because I hated it. Not because of the students, the workload, or the courses I was teaching. But because deep down, I knew I wanted more. More freedom, more flexibility, and more control over how I spend my time. I wanted a lifestyle that allowed me to prioritize my creativity, well-being, and personal goals, not just my to-do list.

I always thought teaching would be the dream job. And for a while, it was. As a new grad, I was teaching psychology, writing, sociology, and professional skills; I felt like I was doing real, meaningful work.

But the deeper I got into it, the more I realized I was living on autopilot — rolling out of bed, getting camera-ready, prepping lessons, teaching, handling admin, and then crashing for the night. Repeat.

I was making it work, but I wasn’t thriving.

The Moment Everything Shifted

Teaching was something I said I wanted to do since I was a kid. And I meant it. I didn’t know exactly where I’d end up, but I studied Social Work and English in university because I wanted to work with people, make an impact, and keep learning.

Eventually, I became a college professor. The opportunity aligned, I went for it, and suddenly I was in the role thinking, “Wow, I'm actually doing this.” It felt surreal, and I was super proud. But at the same time, I was burnt out. I didn’t have time for myself, and I was craving creativity and the freedom to build something of my own.

That’s when I started to understand that opportunity is everywhere. You can make money online in a hundred different ways, from anywhere — writing, designing, creating digital products, teaching, consulting, selling templates, you name it. You can build something for yourself. 

That realization pulled me in a totally new direction, so I listened and started freelance writing.

Why I Chose Freelancing

What drew me in was the independence. The chance to be my own boss. The flexibility to work when and how I wanted. The ability to be creative again.

I also knew I wanted to move across the world eventually, and freelancing gave me the chance to create a life that would support that.

Of course, quitting my job wasn’t easy. It was terrifying! I dealt with daily impostor syndrome and so many limiting beliefs:

• “What if I can’t find clients?”

• “What if there’s not enough money in this?”

• “What if I fail?”

One of the biggest mental hurdles I had to work through was the idea that being an employee = stability. At first, I clung to the predictability of my teaching job — the set schedule, the paycheque, the structure. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized:

Is it really that stable to rely on a single source for your entire income? Or would it be more secure to learn how to market yourself, diversify your skills, and work with different people on your own terms?

Here’s what helped me get started:

• I built a simple portfolio (even before I had paid work)

• I started pitching myself to jobs I actually wanted, even if I felt underqualified

• I took the time to create again

• I focused on progress, not perfection

  
  

One Month In: What I’ve Learned So Far

It’s been almost a month since I left my job, and while it’s been uncertain at times, I’ve already made progress I’m proud of:

• I’ve had articles published

• I’ve landed paid freelance writing work

• I’ve built a website, portfolio, and online shop

• I’m pitching myself, creating content, and learning how to build a business

Some days it’s still scary. It’s hard to know who or where to pitch, how to get consistent work, and how to handle rejection. It’s vulnerable to put yourself out there, and even harder when the answer is silence.

But if I let rejection mean failure, I’d never get anything done. I’ve learned that taking risks doesn’t mean you’re reckless — it just means you’re willing to bet on yourself.

What I’ve Gained

This shift has already given me so much more than I expected:

• Confidence – in myself and my ability to build something from scratch

• New skills – from creating a website to pitching clients and learning about selling digital products

• Time freedom – I’m not on Zoom all day or grading papers at night. I can work from my bed in my pyjamas if I want to. I can learn, create, pitch, and work on my own schedule.

Now, I spend my time reading, creating content, learning, and growing as a professional. Honestly, that’s what I always wanted.

Final Thoughts

This past month has been transformational. Not because I’ve “made it,” but because I’ve proven to myself that it’s possible to try something new, to take a risk, and to be okay, even if it’s messy.

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

• You don’t need everything figured out to start — just enough courage to take the next step

• You’re allowed to change your mind and chase something different

• Impostor syndrome doesn’t just go away on its own — you have to actively challenge it, and over time, you’ll gather proof that disproves those doubts

• Time freedom is worth the effort it takes to build

• Rejection isn’t failure — it’s data, and it means you’re putting yourself out there

If you’ve been thinking about freelancing, and you have the means to give it a shot, I say try it. It’s scary, but it might also be the best thing you’ve ever done.

I know betting on myself was.

PS — Wanna check out what I’m up to?

• Take a peek at my portfolio

• Shop my digital templates + resources

• Or come say hi on LinkedIn — I love meeting other creatives on this path✨

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