Have you ever wondered what life after daycare could actually look like? If you’re a childcare provider who’s feeling burned out, thinking about retiring, or just ready for something new, you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. After years (or decades) of pouring your heart into your business, stepping away can feel overwhelming. But this post is here to offer some inspiration, real-world ideas, and the reassurance that there is a next chapter waiting for you—and it might be better than you ever imagined.
I Closed My Daycare—and I’m Still Standing
If you’ve been hanging around here for a while, then you probably know that back in the summer of 2020, I sunsetted my childcare business. After more than 20 years of growing a successful daycare, I made the decision that it was time for a new chapter.
And you know what?
Saying goodbye was actually the hardest part. The transition into “what’s next” didn’t feel nearly as hard—probably because I had been quietly planning for it all along. I had already started building Thriving Childcare, and that cushioned the blow. Even though I stepped away from the day-to-day of running a childcare, I was still connected to the world of providers. It helped me feel like I hadn’t lost my identity altogether.
Lately, I’ve been hearing from more and more providers who are feeling the pull to walk away, too. Some are nearing retirement. Some are just flat-out exhausted. And many of them feel totally unprepared to do anything else.
Sound familiar?
I’ve touched on this topic before, in posts like Creating a Daycare Owner’s Exit Strategy with a Happy Heart and Why Childcare Providers Are Quitting, but today I want to go deeper. Because whether you’ve been in childcare for 5 years or 35, stepping away is a big deal—especially when you never imagined wanting to leave.
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The Burnout Is Real: Why Many Providers Are Ready for Change
Let’s not sugarcoat it—childcare isn’t what it used to be.
I’ve talked to providers who once loved their work, but now? They’re just plain done. They’re tired. They feel disrespected. And they’re running on fumes trying to keep up with rising costs, demanding parents, and all the new rules that come down every month like clockwork.
Then there’s Universal Pre-K (UPK).
Let’s talk about it.
UPK is hitting family childcare homes hard. Enrollment is dropping in many areas because 3- and 4-year-olds are being pulled into “free” public programs. Providers are left scrambling to fill spots, losing income, and feeling like their years of experience suddenly don’t matter anymore.
It’s no wonder some of us are rethinking everything.
Providers are telling me they feel like they’re not just burned out—they’re burned up. Like there’s nothing left in the tank. One woman said to me, “I’m just so tired of parenting everybody’s kids when no one’s parenting their own anymore.”
Let that sink in.
The Fear of the Unknown
Here’s where it gets tricky.
Even if you’re totally over the job, the thought of stepping away can still be terrifying. What would you do instead? Who are you if you’re not “Miss So-and-So”?
One provider in our Facebook group said it best:
“I can’t even imagine putting on real pants, starting my car, sitting in traffic, and dealing with office politics. I feel defeated just thinking about it.”
And I get it. Many of us are homebodies by nature. We’re creative, caring, self-driven—and we’ve built our own worlds within our homes. The idea of starting over somewhere else can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life vest.
But let me tell you something:
You’re not starting over. You’re pivoting. And you have more options than you think.
Exploring Your Options: Ideas for a Fulfilling Next Chapter
When I closed my daycare, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do next. So I explored a few different things. Some worked out beautifully (hello, Thriving Childcare), and some were… well, let’s call them “learning experiences.”
Here are a few ideas you might want to consider if you’re thinking about what’s next:
1. Rent Your Daycare Space
Yes, really. If you own your home or can work it out with your landlord, you might be able to rent your daycare setup to another provider just getting started.
2. Become a Coach or Consultant
You have years of experience—why not get paid to share it? New providers need help. You could offer mentoring, start a small group, or even launch an online course.
3. Sell Digital Products
That contract you wrote? The daily schedule that works like a charm? You can sell that. Providers all over the country are looking for done-for-you resources.
4. Get Creative (Literally)
Maybe you’ve always wanted to paint. Or write. Or bake. Now’s your chance to turn that side hobby into your next business (or at least a solid side hustle).
5. Care in a New Way
If you still love caregiving, there are other paths: elder care, respite care, tutoring, or working with kids in different settings like after-school programs.
You don’t have to figure it out all at once. But you do have to give yourself permission to dream a little.
Retirement Doesn’t Have to Mean “Stopping”
Let’s stop treating retirement like it’s the end of the road.
For providers, retirement often just means it’s time to shift gears. Maybe you want to slow down. Maybe you want more control over your schedule. Or maybe you’re finally ready to put yourself first for once.
Whatever the reason, you’re allowed to want something different.
You’ve been the caregiver, the teacher, the nose-wiper, the chef, the counselor, the businesswoman. You’ve been everything to everyone for a long time.
Now, it’s your turn.
Let’s make your childcare program even more amazing together! CLICK HERE to see how Adrienne can help you tackle the toughest challenges in your childcare business, boost your growth, and set you on the path to success.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re standing at the edge of this next chapter, staring into the unknown and wondering if you’re crazy—please know you’re not alone.
So many providers are quietly feeling the same way. They just haven’t said it out loud yet. But you don’t have to wait for permission. You can start planning your exit now.
You can design your next chapter.
And to help, I’ve created a free resource just for you:
👉 “Ready for What’s Next?” – a simple worksheet to help you brainstorm your next move and start shaping your post-childcare life. https://thrivingchildcare.com/WhatsNext
Related Reading:
- Creating A Daycare Owner’s Exit Strategy with a Happy Heart
- What You Need to Know About Why Childcare Providers Are Quitting
[FREE DOWNLOAD] Here Are The 10 Must-Have Daycare Templates
You Have the Power to Pivot
Here’s the thing: closing your daycare or stepping away doesn’t erase everything you’ve done. It’s not quitting. It’s evolving.
You’ve built something incredible. You’ve changed lives. And now, you get to use all that wisdom to build something new—on your terms.
Whether you retire, reinvent, or reimagine what your next chapter looks like, just know this:
You can pivot. You can thrive. And you absolutely deserve a life that fills you back up.
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