And also… that I’m actually kinda fun in real life

For the past few years, entrepreneur-land has really romanticized the idea of working for yourself full time—as if that’s the one true marker of success. And don’t get me wrong, being your own boss is great. 

But lately, I’ve noticed a shift. More and more business owners are picking up part-time jobs again, and honestly? I get it.

I recently took a temporary, part-time role covering for someone on maternity leave. Low commitment. Clear end date. A little extra cash. But also? It’s been the perfect setup for this season of life—and it’s taught me way more than I expected.

The WFH Cave Was Starting to Feel… Real Lonely

After years of working from home and running my business solo, I realized I could go days, weeks even, without talking to anyone besides my spouse and my dog. (And when my dog passed away? Oof. Grim.) I tried to put myself out there again: in-person networking, co-working spaces, coffee shops. But something still felt off.

What I was really missing? Real connection. 

Not just a friendly nod at the coffee shop. I mean conversations that linger.

The kind that only happens when you’re in the same space, day after day. The kind that sparks new ideas. The kind that reminds you that you’re human.

Technically, I’m a Marketing Specialist (lol)

My new role is with my town’s local Parks & Recreation department (yes, I am fully cosplaying Leslie Knope, binder energy and all). My title? Marketing Specialist. Which felt laughable at first—hello, imposter syndrome. 

But then I realized… I’ve been marketing my own business for years. Socials, email, design, strategy—you name it, I’ve probably YouTube-university’d it.

Now, I run all of the department’s social media accounts, help plan and facilitate events, manage their website, and gently suggest we do not, in fact, use Comic Sans on the community bulletin.

13 Reasons Why a Part-Time Job Was the Reset I Didn’t Know I Needed

Here are just a few of the unexpected (and highly relatable) things I’ve realized since stepping back into the world of working for someone else:

1. Everyone is winging it.

Even organizations that have been around for years still don’t fully have their shit together. And weirdly, that was comforting. It reminded me that “figuring it out as you go” is a legit skill—and one that entrepreneurs are usually really good at, myself included.

2. Trust takes actual time (and consistency).

Online, we expect someone to see one Instagram story and magically trust us enough to hit the “Buy Now” button. Which is sooo silly, because in real life, we don’t trust someone the second we meet them. Trust builds slowly. It’s the consistent exposure, the daily interactions, the shared jokes, the casual chats. That “know-like-trust” factor is a process, and I’ve been living it in real-time.

3. I’m way more skilled than I give myself credit for.

Running a business means picking up a lot of random skills just to survive. That scrappiness? Turns out it’s really valuable in an office setting. Most people don’t want to “figure it out.” So when you show up with that mindset, people notice.

4. Most organizations have terrible websites (sadly).

Naturally, I scoped out the organization’s site before I said yes—and let’s just say it needed help. I’ve since taken the reins and started building something more user-friendly, and those UX skills have made me the go-to person. Wild what a decent nav bar can do for your reputation.

5. Brand guidelines matter. A LOT.

As a brand designer, obviously, one of my first questions when creating event graphics was, “Do you have brand guidelines?” Cue blank stares. No fonts. No color palette. No logo files. Just vibes. Needless to say, it made everything 10x harder. Never underestimate the power of a consistent brand identity.

6. Pecking orders exist everywhere.

Office hierarchy is real. It took about two weeks to clock the pecking order: the lifers, the quiet power players, the passive-aggressive protectors of their territory. And suddenly, I was mentally assigning everyone a fake follower count, writing their imaginary Instagram bios like:

Tereasea–Admin Assistant ✨ Coffee Addict | Loves Purple | #AskMeAboutMyGrandchild 

Disturbing? Maybe. But it shows just how deeply online I’ve been living.

7. Language reveals how online we really are.

The other day, I casually said something was “off-brand” and the entire office burst out laughing. I realized in that moment just how much internet-speak I use without even thinking about it. Online, that phrase is normal. In an office? It sounds like I work for a reality TV show.

8. Getting dressed every day is a game-changer.

Being forced to get dressed every day? Lowkey transformative. I feel better, I look better, and the compliments on my outfits? Definitely not hurting my ego.

9. I forgot how fun I am in person (who knew!)

This one really caught me off guard. Once I started showing up in person regularly, I remembered how naturally upbeat, funny, silly, and animated I am IRL. My whole posture changes. My energy shifts.

And I realized that version of me isn’t coming through online as much as I want it to. Probably because every piece of content I film feels like a performance: 6 takes to get the lighting right, fix my hair, or say the line just so. In real life, there are no retakes. And honestly, I love that.

10. It’s getting me into the community (and into my body).

I’m a big nature lover, but after losing my dog, I wasn’t getting out as much. This job has gotten me back into the world in a very tangible way. It’s just a short 10-minute walk from my house, and that little commute has become a ritual I cherish. A quick brain reset before task-switching from “CEO mode” to “city employee.” Movement + purpose? Huge win.

11. Content ideas? Flowing.

I’ve always said inspiration lives in the real world. And wow, I forgot how true that is. Harsh fluorescent lighting, awkward office birthdays, weird breakroom dynamics—it’s all become fuel for content. Sometimes, the most mundane moments spark the best insights.

12. In-person energy hits different.

Whether it’s positive feedback or a weird vibe from a Negative Nancy, the energy in a room is just different than on a Zoom call. You can’t mute your coworker (tragically), but you can become a lot more aware of how people affect your focus and flow.

13. Entrepreneurs and office workers both waste time—just differently.

Entrepreneurs aren’t the only ones who procrastinate. Offices are full of people dilly-dallying to fill time. Extended copy machine convos. Endless “quick questions”. The difference is, they’re getting paid for it. 😅

TLDR?

Taking a part-time job didn’t derail my business—it revived it.

It reminded me who I am outside of the algorithms. It gave me new creative energy, helped me rebuild connection, boosted my confidence, and sharpened my instincts in ways I never expected. It got me out of the house, out of my head, and back into the world.

So if you’ve been wondering whether a little part-time job might be what you need to shake things up? Don’t knock it. Sometimes the “in-between” seasons bring the most clarity.

So… Will I Keep Working Part-Time?

Honestly? I don’t know yet.

This gig still has a few months left, and I’m curious to see what else unfolds. More realizations? Probably. More weird coworker dynamics? Definitely. But for now, I’m soaking it up, letting it be what it is, and feeling surprisingly grounded in the weird, wonderful middle space between entrepreneur and employee.

Because sometimes, stepping sideways is exactly what brings you back to yourself.