Why I Left Teaching — And I’m Not Going Back
Leaving teaching wasn’t a sudden decision or a dramatic leap of faith. It was a slow, thoughtful process that unfolded over years — shaped by motherhood, creativity, and an honest look at what I could realistically give without losing myself in the process.
I Couldn’t Do It All — Something Had to Give
For a long time, I tried to be everything at once: a great teacher, a present mom, and a committed artist. But the truth is, I couldn’t do all three well at the same time. Something had to go.
Teaching, especially in education, is a job that never truly ends at the end of the workday. There are lesson plans, emails, prep work, grading, mental load — all of it follows you home. I constantly felt like I was falling short somewhere, and most often, it was in the places that mattered most to me.
Teaching Drained My Creative Energy
As an art teacher, my creativity was part of my job. My creative energy went into designing elementary art projects, making samples, and thinking through how to adapt ideas for a classroom setting. By the time I got home, I had nothing left. I could barely pick up a paintbrush to make a small landscape and once I had Briggs, it was even harder.
This Wasn’t an Overnight Decision
I didn’t wake up one day and decide to quit teaching and become an artist. I’ve been working toward this for five years. During that time, I pushed myself to paint larger, take my work more seriously, and show up consistently. Slowly, traction started to build. That consistency mattered and eventually I made the transition at a time in life where it felt right and thoughtful.
Maternity Leave Changed Everything
My five-month maternity leave gave me a glimpse into what life could look like as a full-time mom and artist. For the first time, I had time to create work that felt meaningful to me while also being present with my son. It clarified so much and I could see what I had been missing.
The Reality of Daycare
Daycare costs were incredibly high, and beyond the financial strain, it just didn’t feel like the right fit for our family. My son wasn’t napping well, and I felt like he wasn’t getting the experience I wanted for him at that stage.
Having worked in education, I felt confident in my ability to give him a rich, supportive, and engaging experience at home.
Choosing a Life That Fits
Leaving the classroom allowed me to be more present as a mom and more fulfilled as an artist. I’m happier, more grounded, and more creatively alive than I’ve ever been.
I don’t regret my years in teaching — they shaped me in so many ways — but I know, without a doubt, that I’m not going back to a traditional classroom setting.
Teaching Will Always Be Part of Me
That said, teaching isn’t gone forever. Eventually, I’d love to bring elements of teaching back into my business — through workshops, mentorship, or education in a way that aligns with my values, creativity, and family life.
For now, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. And I’m proud of myself for choosing a path that allows me to show up fully — for my art, my son, and myself.