We had the good fortune of connecting with Angie White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?

My journey towards the work-life balance destination had many bumps and U-turns. I used to be super focused on work and was willing to compromise my personal time and put in long hours in pursuit of what I believed was success. I was focused on obtaining titles and striving for specific pay grades, However, I soon realized that external markers of success did not guarantee personal fulfillment.

In 2022, I made a significant decision to leave my 9-5 job, which meant giving up my title, benefits, and a regular paycheck. This bold move allowed me to reassess my priorities and recognize the importance of achieving a balance between my professional aspirations and personal well-being.
While my career has been rewarding and fulfilling, I now understand the value of taking time for myself and enjoying other aspects of life outside of work.

It has been a transformative journey that has shaped my perspective on what it means to be “successful”. I came to understand that true success is not just about career achievements but doing work that utilizes your talents and makes you happy. I am extremely grateful that I am doing work that allows me to be creative and helps others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ironically, I find myself busier than when I was working full-time for a company! I am blessed to be doing work that doesn’t feel like work and makes use of my creative skills.

As a TEFL Trainer, my work revolves around training individuals to become effective English language educators and creating engaging and impactful training materials.
What sets me apart is my dedication to crafting courses that inspire and motivate others to realize their talents and abilities as opposed to me imposing my methods and ideas. I love when trainees tell me they are excited and more confident to teach after taking a course with me or when they send an email thanking me for the feedback regarding their assignment.

I had one student write a cute and yes, cheesy poem for me:

Oh Angie, tutor bright and fair,
Whose guidance lifts me through the air,
In TEFL’s realm, you shine so true,
With wisdom vast and charm anew.

Your words, like gentle streams they flow,
In teaching’s art, you make it glow,
With every lesson, I’m beguiled,
By your grace, my thoughts compiled.

Your laughter, like a soft spring breeze,
In learning’s dance, it aims to please,
Oh Angie, with your wit so rare,
You make this journey bright and fair.

In the realm of words, you are the guide,
Your presence, a joy, I can’t hide,
An ode to you, my tutor dear,
Your wisdom’s light, so crystal clear.

Too much free time on my hands now that I’ve finished the course! Hahahaha Hope you enjoy!

It’s moments like these that make my day!

Recently, I have returned to teaching. I teach English online to adult learners from across the globe. I love creating a fun and exciting learning environment where students can apply what they’ve learned. One day, we could be making imaginary calls to Amazon to track a lost package, and the next day we could be taking a virtual trip and checking into a hotel! You are never too old for make-believe!

I am also a course content developer. I take pride in creating dynamic and interactive content that caters to diverse learning styles and is practical instead of theoretical. I constantly seek ways to innovate and refine my teaching methods, staying abreast of the latest pedagogical approaches and technologies to deliver the best course content. Researching and experimenting with AI tools has been interesting and enlightening, to say the least!

The role I especially enjoy is providing professional development/coaching services to professionals transitioning from their previous careers to Teaching English as a Foreign Language or just needing extra professional development. It’s awesome yet humbling to discover that I have gained enough experience to coach others and offer advice.

My journey to where I am today has been characterized by persistence, continuous learning, and a passion for teaching. I worked my way up from newbie teacher to Director of Educational Programs before taking a leap of faith to become a freelancing TEFL trainer, Professional Development Specialist, and Course Content Developer.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to appreciate the NOW. I’ve come to realize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. I understand the value of taking time for myself and enjoying other aspects of life outside of work. This was a motivating factor to leave a traditional 9-5 job.

As a freelancer, I have the freedom to set my hours and take breaks as needed, allowing me to incorporate activities like taking walks or running errands into my daily routine. This level of flexibility has greatly improved my work-life balance compared to my previous roles, where the demands of my job took precedence over my well-being.

What I want the world to know about me and my “brand” is I strive to create learning content and courses that inspire individuals to reach their full potential as language learners or English teachers. I aim to inspire a passion for learning about different cultures and personal growth in every student and educator I interact with.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would invite my friend to my house to enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by my mom. Growing up, my mom worked full-time, seven days a week. Now that she is retired, she is making up for “lost” meals. She loves to cook and each meal is specially prepared with healthy ingredients and love. If you want some yummy Korean food, come on over! Not in the mood for Korean food? No problem, she can cook almost anything.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to several important influences in my life. Firstly, I would like to thank my mother for her support throughout my journey. She encouraged me to leave a toxic job and pursue work that is fulfilling and makes me happy.

I am also grateful to The TEFL ORG for providing me with valuable opportunities that have contributed to my professional growth. Thank you Connect English for the chance to get back into teaching.

I want to acknowledge and thank every person who has taken the time to engage with me, whether through a simple chat or a friendly smile. Your interactions have reminded me of the interconnectedness of humanity, showing that even as strangers or acquaintances, we are all part of this world together.

Super shoutouts to Mein Frau, Claire V, and Isabella K who supported me during a difficult time in my career transition. You are all amazing women. Finally, I want to thank Shoutout for allowing me to share my story.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-w-9a1a9225/

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