From Lessons to Leads: Why I Decided to Transition from Teaching to Digital Marketing
Have you ever experienced waking up one day and realizing you're not happy with what you're doing anymore? Have you felt the need to reinvent your career? I was still on my bed with my eyes closed, but my brain was fully active and contemplating: I felt like I was hitting the ceiling. I don't feel like I'm growing; I feel hungrier and hungrier. I'm hungry to learn new skills, take on different responsibilities, and experience new challenges that my current job will not offer. My teaching job was set up so I could have an excellent work-life balance. I live in a small beach town in Vietnam and love it here. However, as time goes on, new technologies and industries are rising. It opens more opportunities for career advancement, and I want to be in! I want to take action for my long-term goals that were put on hold.
Quick Background
Before I get to the point, is this your first time changing careers? If not, how did it go the first time you did it? For me, it's my second time. In 2017, I graduated with a degree in business administration, majoring in marketing management. While finishing my internship, I had been doing an executive role for an Amazon private label business based in the USA for half a year. I know that this is what I want. I've been in that position for nearly five years, letting me travel worldwide. Fast-forward, the company started to decline, and I knew I had to do something. I was invited to work on a start-up business in China where they will establish an English Center. To summarize, I needed experience teaching and studying how English centers operate. Until, COVID-19 happened. The world was shut, and people were stuck in their homes. I continued teaching here in Vietnam; the next thing I knew, it had been nearly 4 and a half years. I need a change. I need novelty.
Teaching has changed me. I used to be the kind of person who just wanted to work behind computers and live my life. But seeing the moment when my students' faces would light up with understanding motivated me. That instant when the concept of our topic finally clicked for them was incredibly rewarding. This experience shaped my identity by reinforcing my belief in the importance of education and my role as a facilitator of knowledge. I cherished the relationships I built with my students and colleagues. The sense of community and the opportunity to positively influence young minds gave me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The Catalyst for Change
Despite my love for teaching, I began to feel a growing need for a new challenge. The repetitive nature of the job, with its routine lesson planning and standardized testing, started to feel limiting. I longed for a career that offered more variety and the opportunity to innovate and experiment.
Actions Taken
My first step was to sit down and write down what I wanted to achieve. I spent a whole month including procrastination, researching about starting an online business, and earning passive income. I started exploring the internet and what these gurus say about it. I already have a digital marketing and SEO background, so I've focused on developing a product. I've learned to use tools such as Canva, Procreate, Adobe InDesign, Capcut, ChatGPT, and more.
I dedicated a specific time each day to building my online business and upskilling since I have much to catch up on. Since I teach in a language center, the schedule favors me. Five times a week, I have a lot of free time from the morning until 3 in the afternoon. This consistent schedule helped me make steady progress even when dealing with life.
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Finally, I launched my online store, and in less than two weeks, I've had my first organic sales! I made about 13 sales in just a month—not until Etsy suspended my account (this is another story).
Overcoming the Challenges and Lessons Learned.
To overcome these challenges, I am taking proactive steps to ensure my success in digital marketing. One of the biggest challenges was building a network in a new industry. I overcame this by attending industry events, joining professional groups, and connecting with experienced marketers on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking has opened up new opportunities and provided valuable insights from those already established in the field.
I am also committed to upskilling by enrolling in advanced courses and certifications to deepen my knowledge and stay current with the latest trends and technologies in digital marketing. Continuous learning is essential in this fast-paced industry, and I am dedicated to becoming a well-rounded marketer.
Finally, I seek more hands-on experience through freelance projects, internships, and volunteer opportunities. These practical experiences are crucial for applying what I've learned and building a solid portfolio that showcases my skills and accomplishments.
In conclusion, the journey was far from easy. But each setback was a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of a proactive mindset. By taking breaks when needed, constantly seeking new perspectives, and taking concrete actions to expand my network, upskill, and gain experience, I am confidently progressing toward my goal of becoming a successful digital marketer and entrepreneur. And with each step, I feel a sense of accomplishment that fuels my determination to keep pushing forward.
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