“Should I leave teaching?” Well, maybe not today.
“Should I leave teaching?” The million-dollar question…
We’re about 4 or 5 weeks into the new academic year, and already school staff are dropping like flies. Conversations in support forums typically begin with some version of, “I’m not sure I can do this anymore.” Leaders are giving up their leadership responsibilities; teachers are asking for advice on what other jobs they can do; and pastoral and support staff are already tiring of the fatal mix of challenging behaviour from students and lack of support from above.
And I’m having these conversations too – over coffee with friends and with clients in my coaching room…
“How do I survive this?”
I spoke to a client recently about there being a certain level of acceptance that this is a really, really difficult term. If you’re a teacher, leader or member of pastoral staff who genuinely loves her job, accepting (rather than resisting) how this term feels can (as counter-intuitive as it seems) bring some relief. If we accept that it is what it is, but add in self-care non-negotiables, I can support my clients to take care of themselves throughout this period of extreme demand – getting adequate sleep, focussing on good nutrition, getting out into nature, and doing things that bring her joy.
But what if you want out?
And this is what I’m seeing more of…a feeling that this year isn’t going to be any different. That the energy and love for education is no longer enough to make the stress, the long hours and the personal sacrifice worth staying.
It’s devastating. Because these are women who care deeply. Who are brilliant at their jobs.
But they are 3, 6, 10 years or more into a job and they’re wondering, “Does it really get any easier?”
The decision doesn’t have to be made today…
Making the decision to leave teaching is hugely emotional. There are the years of learning and training you sacrificed. The hours spent at your kitchen table marking books. The sleepless nights wondering how to engage your trickiest students. The tears on the way home after an awful day. The fact that this is who you are…
So it can’t be rushed…and the best decisions are made when you feel in charge of your emotions – with headspace and clarity.
My advice?
If you’re a few weeks in to the new academic year and you’re already looking for an exit, give it a few more weeks. Focus not on making the decision, but on looking after yourself enough to create the capacity to decide whether or not to leave teaching (or your pastoral role). What does that look like? Two days a week when you leave on time; creating a ritual to transition from school to home; planning rest and something that brings you joy for the weekend….
Even if you can claim a couple of hours a week that feel like they’re filling your cup, you’ll be able to tune in to what you really want to do. And if that is leaving the classroom, at least you’ll know you left out of choice, rather than necessity.
If you want some support in weighing up your options, book a virtual coffee with me to find out how I can help.