In a world that celebrates bigger, faster, and more, it can feel countercultural to say:
“I’m happy staying small.”
But that’s exactly the choice I’ve made for my business—and it’s a conscious, empowered one.
As a full-time school principal, my heart belongs to the students and staff I serve every day. Education is my calling. But translation is my second passion—a craft I cherish, not a race I need to win.
I started my translation business with love and purpose, not to build an empire, but to create a second path that brings me joy, freedom, and connection. And right now, growth isn’t my priority.
Balance is.
Meaning is.
Sustainability is.
What Is the “Unscaling” Movement?
Unscaling means deliberately choosing to stay small, nimble, and profitable rather than chasing constant expansion.
It’s about building a business that fits your life—not the other way around. You run the business, it shouldn’t run you.
Instead of hiring a team, opening an office, or scaling up operations, unscaled businesses focus on:
- High-quality work
- Deep client relationships
- Flexible schedules
- Personal satisfaction
And guess what? That’s more than enough.
Why I Choose to Stay Small
1. It’s comforting.
I like knowing every file I touch and every client I serve. There’s no middle person—just me, my craft, and a job well done.
2. It’s low-stress.
My full-time role as a school principal already brings a full plate. My side passion is all about working at my own pace. I don’t want my combo jobs to become a source of burnout. Translation is a creative, low-stress focused space for me.
3. It’s flexible.
Whether I’m translating a short pamphlet or a multi-page policy, I get to choose when and how I work. My evenings, weekends, or summer holidays become opportunities—not obligations.
4. It’s fun.
Staying small means I can say yes to the projects I love and no to the ones that don’t fit my schedule. It keeps the spark alive.
A Long-Term Vision
I see my translation business as something that can grow with me, not away from me.
One day, in retirement, I hope to be translating from a sunny balcony—or a cozy café—anywhere in the world. No pressure. Just passion. That’s the dream.
Until then, I’ll keep doing what I love, at a pace that feels good for me.
And I’ll continue choosing intention over expansion.
Tips for Fellow “Unscalers”
If you’re also running a small business alongside a full-time career, here are a few things that help me stay grounded and organized:
Set clear boundaries
Decide how many projects you’ll take per week or month, and stick to it. Overcommitting steals joy.
Use tools that save time
Templates, auto-responders, translation software, spreadsheets, and cloud file storage can make your workflow smoother and more efficient.
Focus on repeat clients
Long-term relationships mean less time chasing work and more time doing the work you love.
Be transparent about availability
Let clients know you work part-time. Most appreciate honesty—and will wait for your high-quality service.
Celebrate staying small
You don’t need to scale to be successful. A well-run solo business can be just as rewarding—financially and personally.
Final Thought
There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big. But sometimes, staying small is the bravest and smartest move you can make.
To anyone out there juggling careers, passions, and purpose:
You don’t have to build a big business to build a beautiful one. And if that’s your path, I’m walking it with you.
Onward—quietly, intentionally, and joyfully.
Written with the support of ChatGPT by OpenAI to help shape and clarify my ideas.