“If Only I Can be in Two Places”: The Lived Experiences of Teacher Entrepreneurs

This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of teacherpreneurs who work full-time and sell during their spare time. This is a qualitative research design anchored in the phenomenon of the endeavors of teacherpreneurs. Purposive sampling was used in the study. It sought to explore the lived experiences of teachers engaged in entrepreneurial activities and in performing their duties as teachers, the challenges experienced, how they face challenges, and feedback from stakeholders and their aspirations. Fifteen participants were interviewed, revealing multi-formed products and marketing strategy; professional and entrepreneurial advancement; detrimental situations; management of challenges; and risk readiness and commitment as themes. It was concluded that professional and entrepreneurial advancement were the motives behind the multiple job holdings of teachers. Findings revealed that teacherpreneurs experienced personal degradation, tiresome and stressful experiences, and conflict situations. Teacherpreneurs developed patience, motivation for professional development, and multi-tasking in managing challenges. Finally, one must have the will to take risks, willpower, and work prioritization to acquire risk readiness and commitment to the challenges that may come across his or her path.