From Lesson Plans to Payroll Plans: How Teaching Prepared Me for Ops

If you had asked me a few years ago where I saw myself professionally, I would have said “still in the classroom.” Teaching high school math was more than just a job, it was a calling. I loved watching the lightbulb moments, cheering on my students from the sidelines (literally and figuratively), and doing everything I could to help them succeed. I had no idea those same instincts and skills would one day lead me into business operations.

Today, I’m the Business Coordinator at Relate Search, a fully remote executive search firm; and I can confidently say that teaching prepared me for this role in more ways than I ever imagined.

Lessons from the Classroom

Managing over 100 students, multiple preps (hello Pre-Calc, Algebra, and Geometry!), and endless emails from parents taught me how to stay organized, multitask under pressure, and communicate clearly. Turns out, those same skills are essential when you’re juggling payroll, benefits, internal systems, and client invoicing.

In the classroom, I had to keep track of confidential student documents. At Relate Search, I now manage sensitive company information. I once created detailed lesson plans to ensure students felt confident and supported, now I build internal processes that keep our team running smoothly and help them feel supported too.

And then there’s the people side. As a teacher, I cheered loudly for my students. As a coordinator, I do the same for my colleagues. I still believe positivity is contagious, and believing in someone, sometimes more than they believe in themselves, can make all the difference.

Making the Leap

When I first joined Relate, I wasn’t looking for a long-term change. Honestly, I didn’t even know what business operations was. But I quickly saw the impact this company was making, connecting people to dream jobs, advocating for equity and inclusion, and truly living its values.

That’s when everything clicked.

I realized it’s not just what I do, it’s why I do it. At Relate, I still get to help people, build systems, and be part of something meaningful. And as a mom, that matters. I want my kids to see that you can pivot, grow, and find purpose in unexpected places.

Juggling It All

I won’t sugarcoat it, being a working mom is hard. There are moments when I feel like I’m dropping the ball, whether it’s at work or at home. But being part of a supportive, flexible team has made all the difference. I’ve learned to give myself grace, lean on systems (color-coded calendars are life), and stay focused on what really matters: being present where I am.

Relate Search encourages connection, not just with clients, but with each other. Whether we’re hopping on a quick call to troubleshoot or meeting up in person for our monthly local get-togethers, those moments of fellowship remind me that I’m not doing this alone.

What I’ve Learned

Career paths don’t always move in straight lines. Sometimes they loop back, take detours, or drop you somewhere totally unexpected. But with the right people, the right mission, and a whole lot of heart, you can find a second calling that’s just as fulfilling as the first.

From my classroom days to this new chapter in business operations, I’m still cheering people on, still staying organized, and still leading with positivity. Different setting. Same mission. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.