From Teaching to Entrepreneurship: Lessons for Educators Considering the Private Sector

Guest Article Written By: James Tapankov

When I first left the classroom for the corporate world, friends joked that I’d gone “over to the dark side.” I laughed at the perception, but the truth is that the people I’ve worked with in business have been just as caring and collaborative as colleagues in education. Context matters—and so does perspective.

There is life beyond teaching. You can start your own business, but be prepared for a very different routine, expectations, and pace. If you’d asked me five years ago whether I’d run my own company today, I would have probably said, “No way.” Yet here I am, running a virtual meeting consulting startup and spending Monday mornings making contacts, planning client sessions, and refining service offerings.

If you’re thinking about moving into the private sector or starting a business, here are the lessons I’ve learned—practical, honest, and drawn from the transition from education to entrepreneurship.

1. Pick one thing you do exceptionally well and focus on it.
In schools, a broad skillset is an asset. As a business owner, clarity sells. Early on I tried to offer many small services. That made it hard to explain my value quickly. Now my focus is clear: I help organizations reduce costs and improve outcomes through more effective virtual meetings. That focused message wins trust and leads to clients.

2. Businesses want to know one thing: how you can help them make or save money.
Leave the ego at the door and keep your principles. Companies need to see immediate relevance: how does your skill translate into better efficiency, lower costs, or stronger results for them? Emphasize outcomes over academic credentials or classroom projects when speaking with business audiences.

3. Be comfortable with changing groups and quick relationship-building.
In education I coordinated across 16 schools—an experience that taught me to form and maintain relationships with constantly shifting teams. That ability to connect quickly and adapt to new stakeholders is essential in business, where project teams and decision-makers can change overnight.

4. Learn to live without a steady paycheck and plan financially.
Going freelance or starting a business forces you to confront money management in a new way. My financial awareness increased dramatically once I left the regular paycheque rhythm—especially with a family to support. Budgeting, emergency savings, and realistic projections are critical foundations for any entrepreneur.

5. Seek mentors with business experience.
Find people who understand how to approach customers, communicate value, and grow relationships. Ask for feedback, be coachable, and invite mentors into your early processes. Their guidance will shorten your learning curve and help you avoid common pitfalls.

6. Upgrade both professional and academic credentials strategically.
Advanced degrees are valuable, but certain professional certifications or industry-recognized credentials may carry more weight with companies in specific fields. Research what matters in the industry you plan to enter and invest in those qualifications that will open doors.

7. Be prepared for the long haul.
Expect it to take time for a new business to become profitable. Treat early efforts like deliberate investment rather than immediate returns. Consistent, daily work—especially on marketing, relationship-building, and refining your offering—is what will eventually create momentum.

You may read this and think, “I have a secure job, steady paycheques, and a pension; why change?” If that’s your situation, staying put can be a wise choice. I felt the same not long ago. But if you’re curious or feel a pull toward entrepreneurship, consider this your encouragement to explore. The lessons above are practical steps to help you decide and prepare.

One piece of advice from my last sales manager stayed with me: “You’re going to have to learn to walk on water. After a while, you’ll sink to your ankles. Then it might reach your knees. Keep going. Eventually you’ll rise again. KEEP GOING.” That resilience and persistence is something we already teach our students—now it becomes personal.

About James:
James Tapankov, BPE/BEd, taught in Alberta for twelve years before transitioning to the private sector. Since 2008 he has worked across Western Canada, helping schools, companies, and organizations use technology to collaborate remotely. He focuses on making virtual meetings meaningful, efficient, and results-driven. James is married and a proud father of four, and family life continues to teach him patience and perspective.

How to reach James:
Company: Avida Consulting (Avida Consulting)
LinkedIn: James Tapankov
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @tapankov

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