From full-time teaching to a full-time writer – my journey.

I love words. I have enjoyed reading and writing as far back as I can remember. I have been a writer since the first grade when I put letters together to write “the cat sat on the mat”. It took me to be published as a freelance feature writer in June 2020, for me to start calling myself a writer.

I was a full-time primary school teacher for 15 years. Teaching was my passion and life from the time my own children were at school. STEM education has always been my special interest. When an opportunity arose early this year, to teach science as a specialist teacher, in another primary school. I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, I had to resign from my full-time position in order to follow my dream. The decision was not an easy one to make. It meant giving up a safety net and a secure job for a two day a week short-term maternity leave position.

Talk about flying by the seat of my pants! The change took me right out of my comfort zone. I hadn’t intended on resigning when I went to discuss my new opportunity. I was hoping for a temporary change in working days and a chance to gain some real experience in the field of STEM and Science. It was not to be, so I handed in my resignation and haven’t looked back.

Not one to rest on my laurels, I saw an opportunity to promote my writing and use the days when I was not teaching, to write. I cut back to 2 days a week with relief teaching to substitute. Fate would have it, there was a shortage of relief teachers! This meant I could work when I pleased. At the end of my second year I teach very occasionally (1 day a week) and have secured regular clients and taken on some big projects. I am now at the point where I am earning the majority of my living through writing.

They say that when one door closes, another opens. I have a growing portfolio of work. Check these out in my portfolio. If you need my services as a copywriter or feature writer, please send me a message or give me a call.

I have vast experience writing content for websites and blogs with a focus on SEO. I am published in various print and online publications. I am a graduate of the Australian Writers Centre. I have completed the Freelance Writing and Master Class Courses, Copywriting Essentials and How to Build a Successful Copywriting Business.

If you would like to read further about how to hire a copywriter: https://www.lisabenjess.org/how-to-hire-a-copywriter/

Lisa Ikin