As an educator, I learned several years ago not to do anyone any favors that don’t benefit me or my business in some way. I don’t work for free in any capacity. I hold people accountable (publicly) for plagiarizing my content, and I’ve stopped participating on social media (since it’s a massive waste of my time that nets me nothing but frustration). Instead, I focus on myself and my business. Whatever people are doing in “the industry” doesn’t even register to me.

Remember that people cycle in and out of the business quickly (usually in 2 years or less). Some hot new educator or blogger shows up, creates a cute website, labels themselves an “expert,” and disappears as soon as they realize that our jobs are actual jobs and gaining notoriety and credibility isn’t as easy as they first assumed.

Start saying “no” more. A lot more. Keep lists of your own goals and focus on them. Ignore everything else. Anything outside of your focus is a damaging distraction you can’t afford to waste your time on. I’m not sure if you’re plugged into the industry on social media, but if you are, get the hell out of that toxic cesspool immediately. After five years on Facebook, experimenting and measuring metrics, I learned it absolutely doesn’t benefit me nearly as much as focusing on my SEO does–so stop doing what makes you miserable and doesn’t make you money.

If someone had told me that five years ago, I’d have been better off for it, lol.

I’ve become so disheartened by being in this position that I don’t even want to help people anymore, because all it’s taught me is that I lose and everyone else wins. Constantly repeating this cycle has left me embittered, tired, and drained of the will to do what I’m passionate about, which really saddens me. How do I quit doing what I’m passionate about just because it makes the most fiscal sense?

Never. If you don’t have a burning passion for this business, I highly advise moving on. This industry presents unique challenges and it really isn’t for everyone. Either you love it when you start, accept the challenges, and fight through them for as long as you have fight within you, or you see that initial passion fizzle when you realize it just isn’t what you thought it would be. There’s nothing wrong with making a decision in your own best interests. I’m glad I helped! 😀