Evaluating Your Teaching Career: Signs of Burnout and Journal Prompts

Sep 19

The new school year loomed, and a familiar knot of dread tightened in my stomach. But it wasn't the excitement of a fresh start; it was the crushing weight of teacher burnout. Overwhelming exhaustion, constant anxiety, the inability to disconnect—this is how I spent my 20s.

Teacher burnout consumed me. Struggling to connect with loved ones, enjoy hobbies, or find peace, I woke up each morning with a sense of impending doom. Eventually, panic attacks replaced the morning dread, forcing me to leave the classroom mid-year.

Unfortunately, this isn’t just my story. Burning out is a common reality for many educators.

Understanding Teacher Burnout

Teacher burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress. It can lead to feelings of cynicism, detachment, and decreased job satisfaction.

This firsthand experience fueled my passion to advocate for educators. It's crucial to recognize the signs of burnout and take proactive steps before it escalates. Through therapy, self-care practices, and setting boundaries, I was able to find my spark again and reassess my own career path.

What about you? Are you feeling the weight of the new school year, a mix of excitement and uncertainty? Perhaps you're a veteran teacher with a love for learning (and a growing resentment for overflowing inboxes). Or maybe you're a first-year feeling the weight of a new routine settling on your shoulders.

This year could be your most fulfilling yet, or it could be time to explore new horizons.

But before you make any rash decisions, let's take a step back and examine what truly fuels your passion.

Gather Evidence: What Makes You Tick?

Here's your magnifying glass: a self-reflection journal. Start by documenting the moments in your classroom that make you want to do a happy dance. Is it the "aha!" moment when a student grasps a new concept? The quiet satisfaction of a well-executed lesson plan? Maybe it's the camaraderie with supportive colleagues.

Now, flip the script. What drains your energy faster than a rogue highlighter stain? Is it the endless grading pile? Feeling micromanaged by admin? The constant pressure to be everything to everyone? The workload that haunts your cherished free time?

Be honest! This isn't about finding fault with teaching but about identifying patterns in your job.

Analyze the Data: The Case for Boundaries

While you're on a detective roll, let's explore boundaries. Think of them as the yellow police tape cordoning off a crime scene—a way to protect your personal time and well-being.

Here are some essential boundaries to consider:

Time

Set specific work hours and stick to them.

Avoid checking emails outside of designated work hours, and take breaks throughout the day to assess how you’re doing (it’s so hard to be both a teacher and a human, right?).

I used to be terrible about this. I'd tell myself, 'Just five more essays,' and before I knew it, the sun had set, I hadn’t exercised, and I was still grading in the dark.

It's important to remember that taking breaks and prioritizing self-care is not a luxury; it's essential for your well-being and your ability to be effective in the classroom.

Workload

Learn to delegate tasks whenever possible, and don't hesitate to say "no" to additional responsibilities that don't align with your priorities.

When I was teaching, I'd agree to chaperone events because I didn't have children and technically had the free time.

All these small boundaries I didn’t protect added bursts of fuel to my impending burnout.

Communication

Establish clear expectations with parents and students regarding email communication and after-hours availability.

I'll never forget the time I checked my email during a concert and spent the rest of the night consumed by a viciously rude message that was awaiting my answer. Instead of enjoying the tunes with my friends, I stewed over the audacity of the sender and wrote out defensive yet professional responses in my mind.

Strong boundaries are essential for reducing stress and ensuring you have the energy to be your best self in and out of the classroom. By setting clear limits and prioritizing your well-being, you can protect your mental health, reduce burnout, and improve your overall job satisfaction.

Setting boundaries can be really hard—especially in environments where you’re expected to be selfless. But no one else is going to respect your time if you don’t.

Cracking the Case: Your Next Move

Armed with your self-reflection and a healthy dose of boundaries, you're ready to draw some conclusions.

No matter what your investigation reveals, remember this: you deserve to be happy. Whether teaching with renewed passion or embarking on a new journey, a bright future is waiting for you.