Building an ANTI-Hustle Business in 2026

Hey there, old friends.

Remember me? 😊

I’m the one who used to show up in your inbox every Monday with a mixtape of ideas for starting or growing your online business. And then… I disappeared for three years. 😅

So what the heck am I doing back in your inbox?

Before you hit “delete” thinking I’m about to convince you to jump headfirst back into hustle culture again… I’m begging you to give this a quick read...

Because A LOT has changed. (And I’m definitely NOT interested in convincing you to do more.)

Back in 2020, 2021, and even 2022, I was ALL IN on the hustle culture era of the internet. I had the “boss babe” mug. The “self-funded” shirt. The late-night laptop sessions. The endless content creation. I was living and breathing online business.

 

 

And ya k? It served me well for a season!

My original goal was simple: I wanted to make enough money to stay home longer with my babies. And because of the business I built, I was able to take a two-year extended maternity leave and eventually leave the classroom altogether. It was everything I’d set out to achieve!

 

 

But over time, something shifted. The version of success I wanted started to look different. 🩷

I realized I didn’t want to spend every evening back on my laptop while my kids played around me. I didn’t want my brain constantly thinking about content ideas or launches or algorithms. And I was definitely over the pressure to always be producing social media content. 

If I’m being totally honest, I felt too disconnected from myself to confidently tell YOU what path to take next.

And if you know me, you know I’m physically incapable of sharing an idea I don’t believe in myself.

So I pumped the brakes. And I took a step back to figure out what I actually wanted my own life to look like in this season.

For me, it became less about building more… and more about creating breathing room.

More peace.
More flexibility.
More fulfillment.
More presence.

I wanted to turn on my computer at 9am, but more importantly, I wanted to turn it OFF by 5pm (at the very latest!).

I wanted to pick my kids up from school, go to after-school activities, make dinner, and actually be present for bedtime.

And I wanted to watch Love is Blind at night instead of opening my laptop again. 😂

 

 

So eventually, I started job hunting.

I even applied for a teaching position… but quickly retracted my application when I realized I just couldn’t go back. (At this point, I’m way too attached to working from home with comfy clothes, flexible hours, and my dogs at my feet.)

(And to be clear, I’m NOT saying teaching is the wrong path or that everyone should leave the classroom.)

The point is this: You have options, friend. 🩷

Teaching is in my soul, so I knew I still wanted to work in education somehow. I landed a role as a Marketing Manager for a company that sells curriculum and professional development for schools, and I’ve been there for about a year now. I’ve never felt more aligned professionally.

Well… that’s only partly true.

Because I miss this community.

I miss YOU.

I miss helping educators figure out what comes next.

Whether that means:
✨ building a side hustle that supports your family goals
✨ creating something small and fulfilling that brings in extra income
✨ finding a more flexible role
✨ rediscovering hobbies and creativity outside the classroom
✨ or simply realizing you’re allowed to want something different

…I want to help you explore those options.

So, I’m back!

And this time, things are going to feel a little different around here.

The Monday Mixtape is officially coming back, this time as a weekly reset for educators creating more flexibility, fulfillment, and freedom… on their own terms.

Every Monday, I’ll be sharing a thoughtful mix of:

• side hustle and “lightweight” income ideas
• work-from-home and career journey thoughts
• low-effort marketing and business strategies
• tools and resources to make this all easier
• stories from educators doing things differently
• and honest conversations about building a life that actually fits you

Maybe your goal is extra vacation money with an easy side hustle.

Maybe it’s the excitement of a new hobby you feel passionate about.

Maybe it’s about breathing life back into your business (without all the hustle).

Maybe it’s simply knowing your options.

Whatever it is… I’ve got you.

And I’m really happy to be back.

If you read this far, could you take a minute to comment? I’d love to know what you’ve been up to! How’s your business going, or have you gone in a different direction? Are you feeling aligned these days or a little bit stuck? I’m seriously so excited to hear from you!

-Alissa

PS: Yes… you may see Teacher Hustle University make a comeback. 👀 I’m way overdue to share a fresh version of the program. But if I’m being honest, this next version will probably feel a little more like Teacher ANTI-Hustle University. Less “build a seven-figure empire.” More “build a simple income stream that feels good.”