Ask Alissa: How Can I Find My Tribe?
Get on the waiting list for Teacher Hustle University: https://www.alissamcdonald.com/framework
"Hi Alissa, my name is Meghan. I’m about three months in since launching my blog and business back in June, but I’m starting to feel very isolated. While I’m at home every night, grinding away at the next steps for my business, my friends fill our Marco Polo chats, breaking down what they ate for dinner, the latest Netflix series they binge watched, or the amazing work out class they got to go to in the middle of the day. Seriously! Who has time for that? But in all honesty, I’m not disappointed in that per-say, because I have a lot of clarity and direction for my long-term goals. But I’m just here, helplessly wondering if it’s normal to feel bouts of loneliness throughout this Teacher Hustle journey. I just feel like no one can relate to me. Do you have any advice?"
It’s hard to find people “in real life” who share a love of WORK. But an online business not just WORK for us. It’s a creative outlet, and it has the potential for us to earn a substantial income- one that allows us to contribute to our finances in a significant way. It’s also a way for us to continue to LEARN- something we tend to love as educators by nature! To me, it’s totally exciting to spend my Friday night writing social media posts or creating content for this podcast. I know that’s not the norm, and I also know it can be tough for those who don’t have this drive to relate to it.
We have to reframe the way we think about this special drive- that teacher hustle. Why do we take that and make it SMALL with words like “It’s no big deal” or “I’m not as good at this as you think I am”? Why are we quick to minimize our work?
It’s because it’s comfortable to be small. It’s more comfortable to remain humble about our aspirations and accomplishments. It’s uncomfortable to stand out-- to want something more.
This business NOT just something you do in your spare time. You work HARD for your business, and if you’re anything like me, you actually PREFER that work to going to the movies or going bowling or whatever your friends are doing.
Your self-care is creativity. Like an artist or a writer, you love to create content or to learn about marketing or to create products- to dream and to see those dreams through. That’s self-care. That’s your time.
So how can we grow our circle of people who understand this drive? Because it’s incredibly important to have a place you can go to laugh, vent, and cry about this side of your life. Just like you can call your mom about cooking, or you can call your best friend to vent about your kid, you need a group of people you can chat with about your business.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
- The 3 best places to meet like-minded business owners!
- How to create an accountability group or mastermind
- Why you need to make connections with other teacher business owners
We all have our own zone of genius, of course, but we have one thing in common. We can’t shake this urge for personal and professional growth...and we’re fine with that.
However you find your people, whatever way makes the most sense for you...go for it. It’s a little scary chatting with new people, but that’s what makes you incredible-- that’s what makes you different. This entrepreneur life isn’t always easy, and sometimes it feels like we’re the only crazy people in the world sitting behind our laptops in our free time. But you’re not alone. Surround yourself with driven people, surround yourself with people who can strategize and brainstorm with you, and watch your business and your relationships grow.
If you’re looking for a supportive group, but you don’t want to search high and low- don’t worry! The Teacher Hustle U. Crew is the most amazing group of educators, and the conversations th
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit poppd.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thatteacher.substack.com
