The Unexpected Return: How I Went Back to Teaching After Years of Freelancing
They say there’s no going back, but 12 years after leaving the classroom, I found myself standing in front of boisterous students once again. This twist in my career wasn’t just unexpected—it was monumental.
Embracing the Freelance Dream
For the past decade, I navigated the world of digital content creation, diving headfirst into developing recipes, running my own business, and cultivating an online audience. The freedom to create and the flexible work hours were exhilarating, allowing me to pour my creativity into every project.
Some days felt like a dream, a perception that many might share from the outside looking in.
Understanding the Challenges of Freelancing
Running my own business, however, was not the rosy picture I had imagined. The creative aspects were fun, but behind the scenes, I faced a whirlwind of responsibilities: being my own employee, HR team, finance department, and tech guru. Even after all those years, I still struggle with taxes and marketing strategies. The absence of a clock-off time led to an unrelenting hustle.
The pressure of maintaining an online presence took its toll. I spent countless hours on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, feeling the weight of the unwritten rule—if you want people to engage with your content, you must keep engaging with them as well.
The Social Media Strain
Over the past few years, the pressure to always be "on" became overwhelming. I started to question: how much of my online persona was genuine, and how much was merely feeding the algorithm? Staying active online began to feel more like an obligation than a joy.
The constant cycle of posting, filming, editing, and responding started wearing me down. Eventually, I realized I craved a shift—one that would bring me back to my roots, not only in social media but within myself.
A Journey of Self-Discovery: Figuring Out My Next Move
Returning to teaching was not an obvious decision. After my first experience, I swore I would never go back. However, time and distance often reshape perspectives. Teaching was more than just a job; it was a calling where I could make a real difference in the lives of students.
I began to engage in discussions with my husband and daughters, who witnessed the evolution of my career. Their support nudged me to listen to that lingering desire for something more meaningful than a follower count.
Testing the Waters
I decided to ease back into the educational world, starting with casual teaching work to assess if it was the right fit. How assuring it felt to rekindle that passion! Before I knew it, I was back in the classroom full-time, challenging my intellect and offering valuable insights to young people.
Navigating the Transition with Support
The return to teaching proved to be quite the challenge. My daughters are now grown, and my son has reached an age where he’s becoming more independent. With a supportive husband working from home, I found balance between household responsibilities and my creative projects during weekends.
This isn’t merely a reinvention; it’s a realignment. I want my work life to feel grounded, not performative. Most importantly, I aim to cultivate an environment where my voice resonates with young people from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate a world that is constantly changing.
Conclusion: A Full Circle Moment
Going back to teaching feels right. It might just be the most authentic expression of my energy, allowing me to give back to a community that shaped my own. The classroom isn’t just my workspace; it’s where I can inspire the next generation.
As I embrace this new chapter, I’m excited about the potential impact I can have and the lessons I have yet to learn.
Lina Jebeile is a dedicated teacher, photographer, and recipe writer behind The Lebanese Plate, a blog and Instagram account that showcases her love for Lebanese cuisine. She is also a regular contributor to ABC Lifestyle’s recipe section.
