5 Life Lessons I've Learned as a Teacher, Father and Everyday Hustler

Life doesn't hand you a guidebook.

Even though the weight, the weather, and the air of each person are very much different from those of every other person. However, life teaches you through the early mornings, the messy moments, and the quiet reflections if you pay close attention.

Hi. This is Rakib. A teacher by profession, a father by heart, and a learner by nature. Over the years, I've faced challenges in the classroom, navigated the emotional landscape of being a parent to a special child, and juggled dreams of financial independence while staying grounded.

The lessons that are provided by "life" are considered the most difficult puzzles. You can never guess what to expect next. So, it is very much obvious that the lessons weren't easy to learn. They were earned in the trenches of real-life experience, in these quiet moments of reflection, in the seemingly insignificant struggles that ultimately shaped who I am today.

The following are five lessons that I have retained.

1. Perfection is defeated by consistency.

Whether it’s teaching students or giving daily therapy exercises to my daughter, I’ve learned that showing up matters more than doing things perfectly. The routine is where progress is hidden. even when it's difficult. The idea of perfection can paralyze you, but consistency keeps you moving. Every little bit helps. The key is in making it a habit, showing up, and keeping at it even when the results aren’t immediately visible. Every day, whether it's in the classroom or at home, I remind myself that it’s okay not to be perfect—as long as I keep trying.

2. Patience Is a Superpower

When your child has special needs, you learn to measure success in heartbeats, not milestones. I've also learned this from teaching: every child and person grows at their own rate. Patience is not only a virtue but also a requirement. I've learned that real change takes time, whether I'm helping a student understand a difficult concept or helping my daughter take a step she's been working toward for months. Additionally, growth frequently takes place during that time in the most subtle, unnoticed ways.

3. You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup

Balancing work, parenting, and personal goals drained me—until I made peace with taking care of myself too. Whether it’s cycling at dawn or reading something meaningful, I protect that space now.

Taking care of others is a privilege, but you can’t give your best when you’re running on empty. I used to push myself, thinking that I could just work harder and give more. But I quickly learned that neglecting my own well-being only made me less effective as a teacher, father, and person. I now make time for myself because I know that I can give more to my family and students when I am well-rested and focused.

4. Every Skill Pays Off—Eventually

I used to think I needed a “big break.” Now I believe in stacking skills: teaching, writing, basic editing, farming—even AI tools. They’re seeds. Some might feed me in the future, even though not all grow quickly. The key to success isn’t always about finding one breakthrough moment. Even if they appear unrelated at first, learning skills that build on each other is the goal. Each skill I’ve picked up has made me better at something else. Writing has sharpened my communication skills, learning about financial tools has made me more resourceful, and even farming has taught me new things about patience and growth over time.

5. Your Story Matters—Even If It’s Not Loud

I never thought anyone would care about my ordinary struggles. But sometimes, it’s the quiet voices that resonate most. I've started writing because I might, just maybe, be able to share my story with someone else and make them feel less alone. We live stories that we believe are insignificant every day. We think nobody is paying attention. But the truth is, we all crave connection, and it’s often in the personal, quiet struggles that we find common ground with others. When I started sharing my story, I realized it wasn’t just mine anymore. It was part of something bigger.

Final Words

Thank you, if you're reading this. You’re a part of my journey now. I’m not here with all the answers—just a notebook full of lessons life keeps teaching me.

I also hope you'll stay with me as I learn new things. We are all in this together, and each tale and lesson improves us.