I LOVE teaching, I LOVE back to school, I LOVE planning and preparing great lessons, I LOVE it all. But even with all of that love for everything teaching, the profession itself is extremely demanding. It is predicted that 50% of teachers experience teacher burnout and will leave the profession within 5 years and 80% of teachers will leave within 10 years (The Frazzled Teacher by Queen & Queen, 2004). And boy was I burned out and was sadly on the road to considering leaving this profession altogether.
In my teaching career as an elementary teacher, I experienced teacher burnout not once, but twice. The first time was in 2009. I did not know it was teacher burnout yet I had many of the symptoms. I was exhausted, getting sick all the time, had stomach aches, was feeling anxious, and was just downright cranky. I went to the doctor and after running some tests and ruling out all the medical concerns I created in my mind, I was diagnosed with “chronic stress,” aka teacher burnout. I was working harder, not smarter, took way too much work home with me and there was no “me” time. My passion wilted for sure. Teaching was pretty much my life. I then embarked on some personal issues such as unexplained infertility, several rounds of IVF, and a difficult pregnancy, all while teaching. Then on maternity leave, I became extremely anxious about returning to the classroom. I was losing sleep and was worrying about how I was going to balance it all… work, home, and my family. I felt that all too familiar burnout feeling creep back in. I needed a break. My body and mind needed rest, healing, and a jump start. I contemplated for weeks about not going back.
And I didn’t.
While on leave though I did a lot of deep reflecting. Why was I home with the sweetest baby that took me forever to have, but was still thinking about if I made the right decision to leave the classroom? I knew I had to make some changes and deep dig into my teaching lovin’ heart to figure out just what happened to my passion and what was my purpose moving forward. And here’s what I came up with.
Set It Free
First, I just realized that taking a break from anything is a good thing. Ya know that old cliché saying, If you love something set it free and if it comes back, it’s meant to be?” So I did. I resigned from my teaching position to stay home with my baby boy and explore new opportunities in education. It was the BEST decision I have ever made. It was certainly not the easiest decision because I cried for weeks but after some time that feeling of worry and doubt subsided and my passion returned. And then I knew it wasn’t the end, but was the beginning of something new. I look forward to where I’ll go next in my profession, for the passion inside me ignited a fire and drive that is brighter and stronger than ever, just as if I were a brand new teacher again. Pretty amazing what a break could do for ya, huh?!
Embrace Change, Make Change Happen
I did some research on Doctorate programs which has always been a long-term goal of mine, explored some job opportunities, went on a few interviews, and created a website and blog to support my favorite group of people, teachers!!! These things alone sparked the passion that was inside me and I found a new love for what I was now doing. A new journey. I would have never have had this opportunity if I continued on the same path. A good friend and colleague of mine said to me, “I hope you don’t think staying where you are is the only opportunity you have left in life. You are young and other opportunities will come. I would hate to see you stay where you are just because you are scared to make the change.” This was excellent advice that I needed at the time of making my decision. I’m excited about the opportunities to come and the possibilities that are still ahead. Change is good, embrace it.
Collaborate
I am a complete social media introvert. I dislike social media for personal use but I became quite fond of social media for professional use. I became part of several teaching groups on Instagram and Facebook and built a solid social media presence to promote my blog and my products in my Teachers Pay Teachers store. I found that collaborating with educators and writers from all over the world sparked my passion to continue learning professionally and to be better, a better teacher and person overall. Being a lifelong learner will continually help one to grow and to be attracted to new opportunities.
Do What You Love
It is not worth doing anything unless you are doing what you love, with passion and purpose. True happiness comes from within and reaches out to others when you are doing what you truly love. Doing what you love drives you to do more, to do better, and to be awesome! I may have been just a “replaceable teacher” or just a “position” in the school that I taught at, but I know I have a lot to offer the kids I teach because of the passion and drive I have. And that’s what it’s all about. Doing what you love and making that difference. I look forward to returning to a position where I can make that difference once again.
So if you feel lost with no passion or purpose, think again. Sometimes it’s just taking a break, making a change, or collaborating with some new folks in your profession that ignites the love that you once had or to be fearless to make the changes you need to make to make room for what’s to come. And I cannot wait for what’s to come.
And when all is said one thing I learned is that it’s all about perspective and how you see change in your life. Perspective is something I often need to remind myself about and teach to my students. It seems like such a hard concept to teach and swallow. If you missed it, read my post Teaching Children Perspective here. You can grab my perspective poster set here, which is not only perfect for the classroom, but for the home or office as well. I find that keeping things in perspective keeps me balanced and gives me a healthy mindset to make decisions that are right for me, my family, and my future.
So go find your passion and purpose and do something awesome! 🙂 Inspire others and be inspired!
Thanks for reading!
Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
It’s great having people who understand what you are going through in your corner!
It sure does! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Christine,
This post was SPOT ON! I could relate on so many levels and truly believe it’s so important to sometimes take a step back to recalibrate. I am glad you decided to write this blog post to help so many that feel or felt these things. I’ll definitely be marking to share! Keep doing amazing things girl!
Thanks Ashley!!! I know so many teachers who struggle with the work life balance. The demands and workload are outrageous. Perhaps if we talk about it more we could support each other. Thanks for reading and sharing! Let’s keep being amazing together! 😉
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Christine! This is a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing your experience with teacher burn-out. I definitely feel you made the right decision and now you are following your passion and helping teachers! I always find your posts inspiring, encouraging and helpful! Which reminds me, I still have to print out the quotes to decorate our teacher’s lounge to keep them inspired throughout the year! You are touching teachers everywhere! Thank you! <3
Thank you Lori! I’m so glad that I came out of burnout on top. Sometimes you need to hit the bottom to reach the top. And really I feel like a brand new teacher again, ready to get back into the classroom. I’m so excited to where and I’ll go and who I’ll work with. My website, tpt store and collaborating with teachers like you is all just a bonus…another journey that I am so blessed to have. Imagine if I would’ve stayed on that path I was on? I would’ve turned into “THAT” teacher that everyone said needed to retire early. No way, not me…lol. Thank you for always reading my posts, supporting me and for being my cheerleader. It’s people like you who I want to work with and be friends with. Thank you for sharing my work. Take a picture of what you put up in the teacher’s lounge. I’d love to see it. By the way, all of what you do inspires me to be better. So THANK YOU! I’m so happy that you are part of my journey and we could work “together.” xo
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This is a great article and I agree — you have to embrace change to allow it to happen! I have many cousins who are teachers and I’ve heard them all say the same thing. 🙂
Thank you Emily! I used to be so afraid of change but I’m learning through my life experiences that things work out exactly how they’re supposed to, even if we don’t realize it at the time. I now plan to be surprised and plan for the unexpected! 🙂
Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Christine, I LOVED this post! This is just what I needed to read today. I am actually a teacher and am definitely experiencing this “burn out” that you mentioned in your post. I love education, but am feeling like my calling might be somewhere outside of the classroom. This post is so encouraging, and it helps to hear your story!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you Stephanie!! What do you teach? Sounds like you need a break and some time to reflect. During burnout I wanted so badly to leave the classroom. I thought I was NEVER EVER going back into the classroom but since taking this break I think I may choose to go back…in a different school district and start fresh! Sometimes it’s just a change of the work environment or change in colleagues that you need. I’m glad hearing my story encouraged you. It’s ok to make changes and even take some risks. Best of luck in 2018 and please keep in touch! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Love this post! Thank you for the reminder of working towards what you’re passionate about! I dedicated 2017 to that and hope to continue to do so in 2018!
Thank you! I’m glad you dedicated 2017 to what you’re passionate about. Best of luck in 2018! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
My parents were both teachers and I know what you are talking about. I am glad you got the better of the burnouts both times.
Me too! I’m so glad that I came out of my burnout happier and stronger! I love teaching and plan to stick with it. Thank your parents for me for their years of service in this challenging, but rewarding profession. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I didn’t realize there were Teacher groups one social media. This is so great because it allows for connections outside of one’s schools.
I know…me either.. until I started reading about networking and collaborating with others. I’m so happy I did. It truly changed me as an educator and person! A blessing! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
i’ve never heard of teacher burnout but I certainly believe in it – I’m pretty sure I’ve had hairstylist burnout once or twice in my career so far!
I think we have all had burnout once or twice in any profession! 😉
Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers