If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re somewhere between “I can’t do this teaching thing anymore” and “But what else can I even do?”
I get it. Teaching used to light you up. But lately? You’re just trying to make it through the day without locking your door and crying in the classroom. The paperwork, the politics, the pressure…it’s a lot.
And while you know something’s gotta change, walking away feels terrifying. But what if you could use this time off to change that?
This is your chance to step away from the chaos, get that much-deserved rest, and re-evaluate your plans for the future. And if you’ve ever debated whether or not Virtual Assistance is for you, this is your time to dive headfirst and find out.
Here are 6 tips to map out your exit plan and start building your VA business over summer break.
1. Reflect on Your Transferable Skills
Before you get overwhelmed Googling “how to be a VA,” pause. You already have so many of the skills business owners are looking for.
Think about it:
- Lesson planning = project management
- Communicating with parents = professional email communication
- Creating classroom resources = Canva and content creation
- Managing your schedule, class behaviors, and data = organization + time management
Grab a notebook and list your daily tasks. Then ask: How could this help a business owner?
Want to go even deeper? Pick a specific industry that’s always interested you and ask yourself that same question.
2. Get Clear on Your “Why”
Before you rush into VA work, take a beat and ask yourself:
- Why do I want to be a VA?
- What kind of work would actually feel good?
- Do I want to work in education still—or try something new?
Your “why” shapes the business you build—and keeps you grounded when imposter syndrome kicks in.
3. Choose a Niche (Or Just a Starting Point)
Here are a few ideas:
- Design-savvy? Offer Canva graphics or Pinterest management.
- Love to write? Try writing blogs or newsletters.
- Detail-oriented? Inbox management or systems setup is your zone.
Still love education? Start there. How could you offer these services to education-based industries? It’s okay to pivot later—but you have to start somewhere.
4. Set Up the Basics
Here’s your no-stress setup checklist:
- Pick a business name
- Create a Gmail & signature
- Set up Google Drive or Notion
- Write out 3-4 services
- Show up on 1–2 social platforms
- Optional: Create a simple landing page on Squarespace or Showit.
Done is better than perfect. And if you know guidance and support are what you need to get your business off the ground, check out my self-paced course, Educators Exit.
You’ll get:
- Step-by-step startup plan
- Templates & tech tutorials
- Supportive community of former teachers
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
5. Start Building Relationships
The VA world runs on relationships. Start with:
- Commenting on posts from dream clients
- Sharing what you’re learning
- Reaching out in small business Facebook groups
- Reconnecting with your own network
- Create a new LinkedIn account for your VA business
Show up, be helpful, and stay visible.
6. Set a Fall Goal
Give yourself something tangible:
- One paying client before August
- Business setup complete before school starts
- Transition plan in place for 2025
Small steps = big shifts.
You don’t need to know everything. You just need a plan, support, and to believe that your skills matter—outside the classroom.
And if you’re ready to take that first step?
👉 Join Educators Exit Today
You were made for more. Let’s build it—together.
