The life of a teacher is an incredible journey, filled with twists and turns that can lead us to unexpected destinations. This tale is one of a teacher turned Virtual Superstar, it tells the story of Karrine Beasley and how she created her business, The Small Town VA. For Karrine Beasley, her journey began in 2013 when she stepped into the world of education as a Primary school classroom teacher. Little did she know, that after a decade of teaching and even taking on an Assistant Principal role, her heart would yearn for something different. Today, she shares her amazing story of transformation, leaping from the classroom to becoming an Entrepreneur, successfully, creating her Virtual Assistant (VA) Business. Her inspiring story is an example of how transferable teacher skills are and how they can be used in so many different ways.

The Burning Desire for Something More

Karrine always had an ambitious spirit. Throughout her teaching career, she found herself dabbling in various “side hustles,” including wedding photography and selling dog treats at local markets. These ventures ignited an Entrepreneurial spark in her soul – the thrill of owning a business and witnessing its success firsthand. She realised that in the world of business, the harder she worked, the more impact she had on her success, a stark contrast to her teaching experience.

“I worked so hard and gave so much of myself in teaching, but felt I had nothing to show for all my efforts,” she shared. Juggling the expectations of the education department, school administration, parents, and students left her feeling pulled in all directions. The toll on her health and happiness became very evident. It was at this pivotal moment that Karrine knew she had to put herself first and discover what else life had to offer her and what new path she could take.

The Courage to Take the Leap

Karrine’s decision to leave the teaching profession didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual process of introspection and self-discovery, a realisation that there was more to life than the burnout she was feeling. The thought of stepping away from teaching without a concrete plan was met with scepticism from some, but Karrine had unwavering faith that it would all work out in the end.

“There was no specific moment where I decided to leave. It was more of a realisation over time,” Karrine explained. However, she didn’t leave teaching blindly; she began exploring different career paths while still teaching, ultimately taking a course in the field she thought she would transition into. This journey outside her comfort zone fuelled her motivation to pursue a life that aligned with her passions and aspirations.

The Transferable Power of Teaching Skills

One of the most valuable lessons Karrine learned during her teaching career was the remarkable transferability of the skills she acquired in the classroom. Armed with communication, tech, and organisational skills, she embarked on a new adventure – starting her own Virtual Assistant business.

“So much of what made me a quality teacher also makes me a quality VA,” she explained with pride. Karrine’s Virtual Assistant services now cater to small business owners, providing them with the support they need to focus on their core responsibilities while she efficiently manages their day-to-day tasks. Karrine has a fabulous blog on her website with an abundance of information, she explains more about transferable teaching skills in her blog post ‘Why teachers make great virtual assistants“

The First Step: Investing in Herself

Transitioning from teaching to a new field can be daunting, with uncertainties lurking around every corner. Karrine, true to her passion for education, knew that investing in herself was the key to success. As a teacher, she had seen the transformative power of learning, and she applied the same principle to her journey outside the classroom.

The first step was hiring a coach, someone who could guide her and share valuable knowledge to set her on the right path. This investment not only equipped her with the necessary tools but also instilled confidence in her abilities to make her Virtual Assistant business thrive.

‘The Small Town’ VA was Born

Karrine’s Virtual Assistant business, “The Small Town VA,” was born out of her determination to empower others and herself. Supporting small business owners, she takes care of their tasks, allowing them to focus on the aspects of their ventures that truly matter. As her business continues to grow, she envisions making Virtual Assisting her full-time profession.

“Being a VA allows me to apply my skills and do work that I love, while also giving me flexibility and control,” Karrine expressed. Embracing her passion for planning, organisation, and productivity, she finds joy in supporting women entrepreneurs in these vital areas of their businesses.

The Freedom to Choose: A Fresh Sense of Excitement

Karrine’s newfound path as a Virtual Assistant has gifted her with an exhilarating sense of freedom and control over her life. Gone are the days of sacrificing personal needs and bathroom breaks due to a demanding teaching schedule. As a business owner, she can allocate her time and energy according to her choices, reaping the rewards of her hard work and dedication.

“The direction of the business and where I focus my time is my decision,” she emphasised. The autonomy she experiences every day is a testament to the courage it takes to forge a new path and embrace the uncertainty that comes with it.

Encouragement for Teachers Considering a Change

Karrine’s journey is a beacon of inspiration for teachers who find themselves yearning for change. She encourages them to explore their options and reminds them that a teaching career need not be a life sentence. Teaching will always be there, waiting for those who may choose to return after seeking new opportunities. If it doesn’t work out, you can always fall back on teaching and that is the safety net.

“You don’t have to have the perfect plan or a new job lined up to walk away,” she advised. Sometimes, the magic of life lies in taking a step back and allowing oneself the space to breathe, discover, and reevaluate what truly makes them happy. This is an exciting time, you’re back to the beginning of your career journey where you got to make the decision ‘What do I want to do with my life?’ only this time you are armed with all of these amazing skills from Teaching that you can use at your disposal.

Delegate, Elevate, and Dominate!

Karrine Beasley’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s heart and daring to pursue a life beyond what may seem safe and familiar. As “The Small Town VA,” she embodies the spirit of empowerment, supporting others in their ventures, while living life on her terms. Karrine’s journey stands as an invitation to all, to embrace change, discover untapped potential, and create a life that sparks excitement and fulfilment. For the brave and bold, the possibilities are endless, waiting to be explored beyond the confines of the classroom.

To connect with Karrine and learn more about her journey, you can visit her website at www.thesmalltownva.com or find her on Instagram @thesmalltownva. You never know you might like to connect with her to help work on your business.

Karrine has an abundance of information on her youtube channel. She shares her experiences and insights on leaving teaching and starting her business on YouTube – CLICK HERE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EMpu7tqS1E