Former teacher, 60, becomes canteen stall owner at same school after leaving 10-year career

SINGAPORE, Nov 14 — A former teacher who left her 10-year career to run a canteen stall at the same school has opened up about her decision and said that she wanted to find greater peace and happiness despite a move that could be seen as taking a step backwards.

Meiling, who shared about her career transition in a TikTok video posted on her account @buildwithmeiling, said she spent about one-and-a-half years contemplating her resignation before eventually leaving her teaching job in her late 50s.

Speaking to AsiaOne, she revealed that she submitted her resignation letter three times before her boss finally agreed to let her go.

Her boss initially rejected her resignation out of concern for her financial stability, instead offering her a half-load arrangement so she could continue earning an income while looking after her health.

“I really appreciated her concerns, and I also wasn’t quite ready to let go,” she said.

Her biggest fear was being unemployed without a steady income, particularly given her age and uncertainty over how easily she could find another job.

Her siblings also showed concern, given the physically demanding nature of the work.

“And of course they asked a very practical question: Can you earn a living by running a canteen store?”, she said.

However, her friends in the culinary industry encouraged her to give it a try.

Leaving a decade-long teaching careerWith about 10 years of experience as a chef instructor, Meiling said teaching allowed her to share her knowledge and practical skills while equipping students with the skills to become independent.

After resigning, she explored home baking while taking time to rest and look after her health. She eventually received a message from her former school about a vacancy at its canteen after the previous stallholder left.

“It’s a different environment. But why not I give it a try?”, she questioned.

Having run a cafe before, she decided to give the opportunity a go and successfully secured the stall. She now serves Western food to students at the same school where she once taught.

Adjusting to life as a canteen stall ownerThe transition, however, has not been without its challenges.

Meiling said the long hours of standing, carrying heavy loads and preparing food could be exhausting. She initially struggled to find a store assistant and ran the stall alone for at least one school term.

Her day typically begins at around 5am, when she starts preparing and cooking ahead of the students’ recess periods.

On full school days, the last lunch period can end around 1pm, with students arriving in quick succession during recess.

“At the end of the day, I was already exhausted. I didn’t want to wash dishes or prepare for the next day,” she recalled.

Finding fulfilment beyond the classroomDespite the physical demands, Meiling said interacting with students has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of her new role.

Students who were previously under her charge still call her “Cher”, while those who did not know her as a teacher address her as “Auntie”. One particular interaction has stayed with her.

A student once told her: “I want to be like you.”

“I didn’t know that I can inspire somebody, even though I am a canteen auntie,” she said.

She added that whenever she feels overwhelmed by the workload, she thinks back to that moment and reminds herself that she still has a purpose in what she does.

“It’s about choosing to work in a place that makes you happy, where you find your purpose and enjoy what you do,” she said.

Embracing new skills at 60At 60, Meiling is not planning to stop learning. She hopes to pick up more digital skills, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) tools, as she prepares for retirement.

“Learning is not limited by age,” she said, adding that while people may not be able to master everything immediately, they can always start somewhere.

For those considering a mid-career switch, she advised taking time to understand why they want to make the change and being realistic about the challenges involved.

She also encouraged them to explore their options before making a decision, reminding them that they do not need to know everything before taking the first step.

“Don’t stop learning,” she added. — AsiaOne